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A thriving central business district combined with new retail stores and restaurants make Effingham well worth the stop for visitors and a bonus for those living nearby.

The city’s strong retail sector is significantly larger than the average community of its size, bringing people from across Illinois to enjoy fine or casual dining, a day of shopping or a place to spend the night. Shoppers will find what they need in the city’s downtown area, where new and established businesses provide a unique shopping atmosphere. In addition, a modern indoor mall, specialty stores, supermarkets, large discount department stores and home improvement stores draw thousands of shoppers a week, from many miles away.

Of course, a day of shopping always requires a nice dinner, which can be found at more than 60 restaurants and dining facilities in Effingham. From steak houses to fast food, almost any appetite can be satisfied here. And, Effingham is a 24-hour-a-day city where many eateries and travel centers are open around the clock to Interstate travelers or those seeking a midnight snack.

Travelers stop in Effingham nightly to take advantage of more than 19 different hotels and motels. Accommodations range from comfortable to lavish and host local, regional and national conventions each year at some of the finest convention facilities available.

These attractions make Effingham the envy of many communities looking to enhance their retail district. In fact, total annual sales income is estimated to be more than one billion dollars in Effingham – a figure that other communities of Effingham’s size would love to lay claim to.