9 Instagrammable Spots in Greater Peoria

By

Rachel Mangiapane, Guest Writer

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Show off your good times discovering all Greater Peoria has to offer with these Instagrammable spots. Be sure to @ mention Discover Peoria for the greatest reach!

A killer latte at Intuition Coffee + Juice (Peoria)—Greater Peoria has many coffee shops to enjoy a beautifully poured latte, but Intuition is the only one where you can take a picture with a taxidermied black bear. The bear, actually a polar bear dyed black, has been an unofficial Peoria mascot since the 1970s. Grab a logoed item featuring the Great Bear constellation to accent your photo. 

Bicentennial Bison (Greater Peoria)—Celebrate Peoria’s 200th birthday, otherwise known as the bison-tennial (get it?), by going on a Bison Trek. Take your picture with one of the many bison sculptures around town. From the all-American Bruno to the metallic Pothole Pete, you’ll easily find a bison to complement your outfit. Sign up for the free program at https://bisontrek.peoriacounty.gov

Colorful Mural Backdrops (Greater Peoria)—There are over 60 murals from local artists serving as the perfect Instagram backdrop. Be sure to say “Hello Peoria” at 1318 SW Adams. You can also “Picture Yourself in Peoria” at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie. For a historical reference, snap a picture of “Abraham Blue” on the side of the Peoria Courthouse. 

Food Almost Too Beautiful to Eat at ARDOR Breads and Provisions (Peoria)—No matter how you eat at Ardor, the food is a work of art. Drop by the bakery for a perfectly golden croissant or pastry. Stop by Revel & Maker for gorgeous small plates in the naturally lit cocktail room or dimly lit speakeasy. Show your followers you are eating well with farm-to-table delights in the dining room. 

In the Wild at Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City)—Bison, bear, cougar, elk or wolf? You can snap a picture of these animals and more at Wildlife Prairie Park. For closeups, book a private animal encounter. Beyond the animals, you can capture a unique overnight stay in a train caboose, grain bin or cabin. 

Sweeping Views of Grandview Drive (Peoria)—It’s not nicknamed the “world’s most beautiful drive” for nothing. There are numerous spots to capture a panoramic view of the Illinois River Valley.  Lay out a picnic or meander the sidewalks to capture a peaceful, natural vibe. 

The Perfect Pour at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom (Peoria Heights)—Snap your role as a pourtender - a taste tester and bartender in one. For this pour-your-own experience, you pick the drinking vessel and pour your desired amount of beer, wine or cider. We recommend taking your drink to the outdoor patio for the most aesthetic picture.  

Time to Travel to the 70s at Matilda's Cocktail Lounge (Peoria)—Bust out your bellbottoms to get the perfect photo among vintage wallpaper, afghans and furniture at Matilda’s. Have a message to share with your followers? Write it out on a typewriter. All of Matilda’s signature cocktails come decorated with fun surprises like paper umbrellas, candy and even rubber duckies. 

Your Own Creation at Crafted DIY Studio & Bar (Peoria)—Show off your creative side with a picture of your painted sign, macrame hanging, leather project or string art. Crafted has the perfect photo opp set up with a couch and colorful accent wall. They also serve creative cocktails that make for beautiful posts. 

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Rachel Mangiapane, Guest Writer

Rachel Mangiapane moved to Peoria to attend Bradley University and never left thanks to her Caterpillar career. Growing up in a very small town, the Peoria area feels like a metropolis to her! With a home in Mapleton, work in Peoria, family in Washington and property in Cuba, she’s regularly exploring the region. You're most likely to find her at a local coffee shop, antique store or yoga studio.