Carnival Cruise Lines
A Carnival Cruise is always sure to please. Not only are their cruise rates low (even lower if you are eligible for a military discount) but their ships are clean and staff is friendly. They offer cruises to a number of destinations around the world and offer prime dining and entertainment. I've been on two cruises (Conquest (Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel) and Valor(St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Nassau)) and the cruise directors on both were just awesome (Corey and Josh respectively). They are really waht makes part of a great cruise, since they are essentially the host. Captian Giovanni has manned both ships I was on and he got us to our destinations safely and in a timely manner.
Ameristar Casino St. Charles
Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, MO is a nice casino to donate your "unwanted" cash to. One drawback is that drinks inside the casino are not free, but at least they are fairly cheap ($2 for a beer, $1.25 for a mixed drink). The Bottleneck Blues Bar is a great place to catch a band playing and just relax. This place is aesthetically pleasing as well. The outside is very impressive as you're driving over the Blanchette Bridge and there is a fiber optics fountain in the main atrium that I could stare at for days.
Siu Credit Union
I love the checking and savings account that I have through SIU Credit Union. You have to live in Jackson County or be affiliated with the University in order to open an account. Their customer service is outstanding and the tellers are always cheerful and helpful. They have removed service fees just upon my asking. Their interest rates could be a little higher (though they get higher the more balance your account carries) but the service is amazing.
Netbank
Netbank has the slowest customer service that I have ever recieved from any company. If you want to ask them any kind of questions, you have to send them a bank mail (if you call, they will just tell you to send them a bank mail) and then it usually takes 3-4 business days for them to respond. They do not offer traveler's checks in US currency either - what kind of bank doesn't offer that?!
On the other hand, I've had a fairly good experience with the checking account I have with them and the interest rates are pretty good. I move around a lot, so it's also a plus that this is an internet bank and I don't have to change banks constantly.
Ike Honda
I bought a car from this place a few years ago and purchased an extended warranty. Three years later, my door handle broke off (on the inside) and the handle to open the glove box broke too. They fixed the door but said the honor did not cover the glove box. The warranty should have covered all interior defects! I am not pleased with their service.
Also, 2 months after I bought the car, the shifter frequently got stuck in park. I finally took it in to them and they accused me of spilling soda on it and that's what made it stick! I do not even drink water in my car, let alone soda! They tried to charge me $125 to fix it, but after much negotiation, they applied the warranty to it. Do not go here to buy a car!!!!
Old Book Barn
The Old Book Barn is a great place to get used books for low prices. You can also exchange your books for an in-store credit. I do not know if you can sell your books in exchange for cash. For a while, this was the only place in town that you could get books from the Haunted Decatur series. The only thing I do not like about the Old Book Barn is that you have to drive way out toward Maroa to get to it.
Scr Inc
I use SCR for office supplies and Matt and Donna always provide the friendliest and most prompt customer service that I have ever recieved from an office supply store. They are definitely worth checking out.
O'Fallon Parks & Recreation
Memorial Pool in O'fallon is an alright pool if you go at the start of summer. The longer the summer wears on, the nastier the pool gets. On Labor Day weekend, we found 2 dirty bandaids floating in the pool and it smelled like feet. I'm not crazy about them allowing children in swim diapers in the pool either.
City of Fairview Heights Public Library
This library is adequate enough, but I oftentimes find that I need to order items in from other area libraries and it takes one week to transport them to this library. They never have good movies or music in to check out, but ordering it from another area library isn't a problem, it's just the slow delivery time. The library is tucked away in a nice quiet section of town.
Creve Coeur Park
The great thing about this park is that you think the walking/jogging trail is never going to end and you end up with 5 and a half miles worth of exercise. This is a nice place to walk your dog, rollerblade, have a picnic or mini golf. Just watch out for the police, who love to nab people speeding through.
