Residents in certain mildewy parts of the Northwest might not always be impressed with Spokane.

But they love us in Champaign, Illinois. 

The South Hill's Evelyn Creager passed along a recent travel story from The News-Gazette, published there in the home of the University of Illinois.

A five-column headline sets the tone: "A beautiful, friendly place to visit."

Judi Kutzko, a resident of Urbana, Illinois, begins her glowing piece this way: "Spokane, Wash., is without a doubt one of the cleanest, friendliest and prettiest places I've ever visited."

The story features three photos, including a big one of the downtown falls.

To say Ms. Kutzko digs the Lilac City would be understatement.

"Everyone we met -- from hotel staff to store clerks to restaurant servers -- was exceptionally friendly and outgoing. I've never experienced this anywhere, certainly not to this degree, and it was refreshing to know that truly nice people still exist. The residents are obviously proud of their city, and it shows."

She ends by saying she hopes to visit Spokane again soon.

Anytime, Judi. You're always welcome.

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