Have you ever had just an hour or two between school and the next thing on your to-do list? Here’s a list of my personal top 10 favorite places to burn time after school, in no particular order.

River Lights Bookstore

Where? 1098 Main St.

What? Tons of books: historical fiction, teen fiction, biographical, autobiographical, whatever you’re looking for they’ve got it or they can get it!

Jumble Coffee Company

Where? 820 Wacker Dr.

What? Coffee, smoothies, scones, muffins and more: this drive-thru kiosk is perfect for when you have less than half and hour between tasks.

Betty Jane HomeMade Candies

Where? 555 John F. Kennedy Rd. or 3049 Asbury Rd.

What? They’ve got an endless supply of candy and a seasonal selection

of ice cream. If I could recommend anything, I’d have to tell you to try their

classic caramel apples only available in the fall.

Big Apple Bagel

Where? 1675 John F. Kennedy Rd.

What? Delicious, freshly made bagels, muffins, and coffee. Not to mention

they have prices cheaper than Panera!

Candle Ready Cakes

Where? 197 Main St.

What? Cupcakes! They have everything from classic vanilla to chocolate

maple bacon, they have a huge selection that can vary everyday.

One Mean Bean

Where? 2728 Asbury Rd.

What? A small coffee shop with tables and quiet environment, the perfect place to get some homework done… or not.

Mindframe Theaters

Where? 555 John F. Kennedy Rd.

What? A small, privately owned movie theater with the best movie theater

popcorn in town. It even has a coffee shop, Molly’s Silver Screen Canteen.

East Mill Bakeshop and Catering

Where? 620 S. Grandview Ave.

What? They have coffee and amazing breakfast sandwiches and pastries. If

you don’t know what to get, I suggest a lemon poppyseed scone or a

chocolate chip cookie.

Inspire Café

Where? 955 Washington St.

What? A coffee shop in the Millwork District, it’s a little on the expensive

side, but the cool decor inside and unique brick buildings outside pay off!

Freddy’s Popcorn

Where? 1086 Main St.

What? A specialty popcorn shop that has flavors ranging from savory to sweet to the Chicago Mix that lies somewhere in between. *This address is not to be confused with the Freddy’s Popcorn across the bridge in Galena.