Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaway
What’s a vacation without your best friend by your side? Peoria is a pet-friendly paradise with a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and activities that are perfect for a weekend getaway with your dog. Check out our suggestions for a how to spend your time in Peoria with your furry friend in our ‘36 Hours in Peoria Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaway’ itinerary:
DAY ONE
EVENING | Quite a few Peoria area hotels welcome dogs, but the Holiday Inn & Suites in East Peoria (101 Holiday Street East Peoria , IL 61611) is a great choice if you want to be close to all the action. Check in at the front desk and be sure to request a river view! If you and your pup have been in the car a while, you’re probably both aching to stretch your legs. Brady Bark Park (1800 Block of Cole St., East Peoria) is nearby, just a six minute drive away, and it’s a great place to get the zoomies out. The well maintained park is open year round and has separate play areas for big dogs and little dogs to run, play, explore, and play fetch.
Once you’ve both worked up an appetite for dinner, head over to Obed & Issac Microbrewery & Eatery (321 NE Madison Ave. Peoria, IL 61603) for some good eats and a one-of-a-kind experience. This Peoria gem is located inside a historic church that was originally built in 1889! While your pup isn't allowed inside, you should absolutely pop in to check out the stained glass and thoughtfully renovated space. You and your dog can choose to dine on the patio or in the beer garden.
Be sure to try one of the craft beers made on site and their famous Stinger Burger stacked high with onion rings. Your pooch can enjoy handmade dog biscuits made with spent grains from the brewery and a complimentary bowl of cold water. After dinner, sit by a fire pit and make new friends, or try a game like Bocce or Dagz while your dog lounges by your side.
DAY TWO
MORNING | A dog friendly hike is a great way to start the second day of your trip but you’ll need to pick up some breakfast first. The Eggcellent Cafe (322 West Washington Street East Peoria, IL 61611) offers takeout and has some of the best chorizo or veggie breakfast burritos in Peoria.
Drive out towards Brimfield and make your way to Jubilee College State Park (13921 W Route 150 Brimfield, IL 61517) where you can enjoy your burrito among the wildflowers before choosing a trail. Options range from easy to moderate difficulty and will take you through different parts of the park from corn fields to prairie, creek to forest. Dogs are welcome throughout the park as long as they remain on leash.
AFTERNOON | At lunchtime, head to Po-Boys on Frostwood (6736 N. Frostwood Parkway Peoria, IL 61615) for top notch Cajun food including Shrimp, Oyster, or Catfish Po-Boys, Gumbo, Poutine and more. The patio is the perfect place to enjoy your meal and pets are welcome.
What’s next? A little shopping, of course! The Shoppes at Grand Prairie (5201 West War Memorial Dr., Suite # 322 Peoria, IL 61615) is an outdoor shopping mall that is very pet friendly. Any of the stores with a paw print sticker on the window, including Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, and Dicks Sporting Goods, welcome pets inside to browse with their owners. Plus, the shopping center has four Pet Way Stations available for your convenience around the perimeter of the mall.
EVENING | After a big day of exploring, Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern (212 SW Water St Suite B Peoria , IL 61602) is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with your pup. This local favorite is known for its mouth-watering BBQ, chill atmosphere, and a team of wait staff who all adore dogs. Grab an outdoor table and order any of the smoked meats on the menu, your dog will happily sit at your feet waiting in case you drop a morsel of brisket.
DAY THREE
MORNING | Pack up the car and check out of the hotel, but don't hit the road just yet. Spend the morning enjoying your weekend getaway for a few more hours. Zion Coffee Shop (803 SW Adams St Peoria, IL 61602) is a fantastic pet-friendly breakfast option in downtown Peoria that welcomes dogs in both their indoor and outdoor spaces. With a welcoming, sun-soaked space, and specialty lattes and avocado toast on the menu you may never want to leave.
A walk along the riverfront is the perfect way to wrap up your dog-friendly weekend getaway. We hope you and your pup will be back again for another visit soon.
