ACTIVITIES + ENTERTAINMENT
Crafted DIY {Peoria} — The Warehouse District houses a unique space to let your creativity shine. Let the liquor get your creative juices flowing at Crafted DIY Studio + Bar. Choose a craft cocktail and one of the 20+ unique jewelry, home decor, leather, or woodworking projects and spend the night crafting. Expect lots of laughs, this gem takes “paint and sips” to a whole new level!
Fired Up {Peoria Heights} — Coax out the inner artist by painting your own pottery at this creative studio in the Heights. With a wide array of paint colors and pottery options, artists can create core memories with family and friends. The studio has a huge selection of ready to paint pottery along with excellent color selection for kids of all ages and abilities.
Generations Candle Company {Peoria Heights} — Experience crafting like never before and find your own signature scent at Generations Candle Co. located in Peoria Heights. Personalize your own hand-poured candle or another fragranced product from start to finish by creating a unique blend of fragrances from 90 choices, choosing a vessel that matches your style and designing a label for the end product.
Par-A-Dice Casino {Peoria} — Docked upon the Illinois River, the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino couples Las Vegas excitement with the finest central Illinois hospitality. Four decks offer a wide selection of new slot and table games, as well as old favorites.
Peoria Symphony Orchestra {Peoria} — The Peoria Symphony Orchestra presents excellent live musical performances, innovative music education programs, and engaging community outreach efforts, which significantly impact the cultural life of Central Illinois. This professional orchestra was founded in 1897 and attracts world-renowned artists as guest soloists.
Your Pedal Party {Peoria Heights} — Grab your favorite beverages and your support circle for a truly unique and memorable night out. Your Pedal Party is a regional-first! This custom 14-passenger cycle-powered pub will have you and your friends poppin’ bottles and pedaling through downtown Peoria Heights. It’s the most fun you’ll have at 5MPH!
COFFEE SHOPS
CxT Roasting Co {Peoria} — CxT Roasting Co is a locally owned roasting company dedicated to crafting the perfect cup of coffee. Their roasted-to-order model ensures that each sip is as fresh as it gets. Order ahead, stop in, or stock up for those cold mornings by shopping online to sip from the comfort of your own home. You can also find CxT in downtown Peoria.
Eli's Coffee Shop {Morton + Tremont + Metamora + Mackinaw} — Enjoy this quaint coffee shop for a hometown feel you’ll never get tired of. Eli's Coffee Shop will warm you up even on the coldest of winter days. Indulge in the Winter Drink Menu, perfect for cozying up indoors.
Faire Coffee {Washington + Eureka} — Come to Faire Coffee for the friendly faces and stay for the welcoming atmosphere. Ask the baristas to whip up something special for you, and just like that, your new go-to has arrived. Faire values connection above all else, so while you’re there, make a friend or two.
Intuition Coffee {Peoria} — Intuition is bursting with seasonal flavors and it’s not just about the coffee; it’s about the connections created. The welcoming atmosphere where every guest is embraced with warm, genuine kindness and acceptance. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic bear!
Leaves ‘n Beans Cafe {Peoria Heights + Morton + Pekin} — Hunker down at one of Leaves ‘n Beans’ three locations for a freshly brewed hot drink and a bite to eat. Enjoy this earthy and calming cafe with people who are just as passionate about a good cup of joe as you are.
The Blend Coffee {Washington} — Spend all day curled up with a good book at The Blend. Appreciate the power of small businesses with a classic coffee shop feel, and commitment to community. Order a large, and grab a bag to take home while you’re at it!
Zion Coffee Bar {Peoria} — Zion Coffee Bar’s commitment to farm-direct brews makes your trip, and your sip, worth it. Whether it’s coffee or tea, you’re bound to find something you love in this young and modern location, filled with great company and great coffee.
SHOPPING
Historic Downtown Washington Square {Washington} — Century-old buildings housing dozens of storefronts surround a public park at the center of the square. The square was established in 1834 as part of the original town of Washington and continues to be a hub of shopping and events for the area. The specialty shops that line the square are locally owned and operated family businesses.
Junction City Shopping Center {Peoria} — Junction City is conveniently located at the corner of Knoxville Avenue (Route 40) and Prospect Avenue in the heart of Peoria. It has proudly served as Peoria’s first retail destination. This shopping center offers a collection of locally business and retail boutiques.
Morton Main Street {Morton} — Less than 10 minutes from downtown Peoria, Main Street in the Village of Morton is lined with specialty shops that are filled with a variety of ‘just what you are looking for’ items. Each year the Morton Pumpkin Festival is also held on Main Street which gives you an opportunity to visit all the local stores.
Prospect Road in Peoria Heights {Peoria Heights} — Over seventy-five independently owned retail stores and restaurants call the central business district of Peoria Heights home. For shopping make sure to stop into So Chic Boutique which offers trendy gifts to party supplies galore not to mention the Pretty Little Party Room you can book to celebrate in style. Looking for upscale shopping then walking into A Perfect Pear Boutique will be like walking into your dream closet.
The Shoppes at Grand Prairie {Peoria} — Out on the North-end of town, you can find the open-aired shopping destination, The Shoppes at Grand Prairie which features popular stores like J Crew, Loft and Dick’s Sporting Goods along with yummy local eats nearby.
WINERIES + BAR
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard {Mackinaw} — The 86-acre property is a working vineyard and winery situated on a glacial moraine with a 30 mile view from the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard tasting room and decks. The vineyard features daily wine tasting, a gift shop with wine themed gifts and local foodie favorites, concerts, festivals, murder mystery dinners, trivia game nights, and chocolate + wine pairings.
Martinis on Water {Peoria} — With over 100 martinis on their menu, this is the place to be if you love martinis. They have daily drink specials and live music every Monday, Friday and Saturday. Don’t like martinis? Still stop by for a cocktail, wine or specialty beer to sip on while you enjoy live music on their patio.
The Missing Zither {Peoria} — The Missing Zither is a Libations Lounge serving coffee-infused craft cocktails, along with traditional cocktail drinks, spirits, wine by the glass, and more. Brought to you by the owners of [CxT] Roasting Company. Enjoy the versatility of coffee in a natural extension to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Tres Rojas Winery {Washington} — This 51 acre Vineyard and Tasting Room sits on the edge of Washington but feels like it's miles away from the hustle of life. Relax with family and friends on the patio or in the tasting room. A large seating area is also available to host private events. The wine menu boasts award winning wines from dry to sweet, red to white, and fruit wines - something for everyone. Enjoy a wine tasting at the bar, by the bottle, a glass, or in a flight.
12Bar Lounge — On the third floor above Edge, sits an impressive whiskey collection. They also host live music on a regular basis. Bartenders have a loose pour, and the restaurant is prime real estate for people-watching, particularly on the outdoor patio. The 12Bar is one of Peoria Heights’ more refined spots, with farm-to-table fair and high-quality liquor stocking the shelves.
