Peoria has transformed itself to a preferred American Vacation Hot spot . The Riverfront and the lure of classic Americana draws millions of visitors every year. The city itself is charming and ideal for relaxing vacations through the year.
There is an interesting choice of Bed and Breakfast Joints, Historical Inns and Hotels in Peoria. The Hotel Pere Marquette on Main Street is a restored and refurbished historic hotel with a distinguished guest list. The converted Old Church House Inn Bed and Breakfast on Mossville Road is a quaint place to stay for a vacation. It has enormously tall ceilings, Victorian antiques and a garden to relax in. People can also rent Vacation Properties or Condos. Especially recommended for families or people looking for a quiet and unhurried holiday, these options are more viable than hotel rooms. There is also a well appointed Holiday Inn in Peoria. People can also stay at the Starved Rock National Park or the Pere Marquette National Park for a camping holiday. RV Parks can be found on North Main Street and offers water, electricity and drainage facilities. An interesting vacation option is aboard the Riverboat called the Spirit of Peoria . The Overnight or 2 night package trips to the nearby State Parks are suitable for those looking for a relaxing retreat.
Tourists on Peoria vacation can try out some local favorites at the different restaurants and diners. Restaurants like Carnegies at Hotel Pere Marquette, the Red Zin, the Grill and Lindsay's are gourmet havens with great ambiance and serves wholesome and delicious contemporary American cuisine. The One World cafe on the corner of University and Main Street, is a popular hangout with the locals and the students.
|
The menu is affordable and extensive offering a good choice to vegetarian and non vegetarian diners alike. Jonah's Seafood by the Riverfront serves fresh cooked seafood. Avanti's, part of a chain of Italian Restaurants and Rizzi's are excellent options for authentic Italian cuisine.
Aside from the historical tours and cruises, for entertainment, vacationers can go to see the performances at the Peoria Players Theatre or the open air Corn Stock Theatre at Bradley Park. Opera Illinois stages three classic operas annually. Peoria Ballet Troupe has several dance performances through the year. Peoria Symphony Orchestra is the tenth largest in America and presents fine performances all year round. Visitors can experience exciting Nightlife in the Maxam district with a casino, bowling alleys, movie theaters, plenty of bars, restaurants and lively music. Children and elders will love the hands on experience at the Wheels O'Time Museum where there is an impressive display of Vintage Automobiles, Trains, Airplanes and Toys. Kids will also enjoy the daily shows at the well appointed Planetarium at Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences with it's huge scale model of the solar system.
The dress code is very relaxed and ideal for vacationing with children. Formal wear is preferable for evenings and for attending performances at the Opera or Ballet. Autumn is a beautiful season to vacation there since the leaves change color and it is a pleasure driving through the parks and national highways.
The city has also targeted the convention tourism sector. Several hotels and convention centers and the turn of century Gateway building on the Riverfront host meetings and receptions.
| 