Discover Peoria Like a Local in Just One Day
Whether you’re visiting for a day or you’re new to the Peoria area, below is the local's guide for a perfect day. Peoria is a mid-size city, meaning there is a plethora of local shops and restaurants while still having a small-town feel. The following-day plan does not encompass all Peoria has to offer, so be sure to check out the other blog posts for more local spots!
MORNING: FUEL UP FOR ADVENTURE
One of Peoria’s great boasts is our coffee scene! There are so many delicious options for a locally made cup of joe. If you’re starting your day near downtown Peoria, our recommendations include Intuition Coffee + Juice, Zion Coffee Bar, Café Santa Rosa (located inside Distillery Labs), or CxT Roasting Company. Any place you choose has an impeccable drink to start your day, but if you’re looking for more coffee spots, check out these Cozy Cafés for Coffee.
LATE MORNING: TAKE A STROLL
Next on our agenda is a morning stroll. You could explore Forest Park Nature Center, as this Illinois Nature Preserve has seven miles of clearly labeled hiking trails of differing difficulty, an educational nature center, and a gift shop. Or Kinsey Park, which also has a variety of trails for pups, kids, and adults alike. However you’re feeling, our parks can meet you where you’re at. Revel in birdsong as you walk along under shady trees and native prairie plants.
LUNCHTIME: LET'S EAT!
Next on the Tour de Peoria is lunch! Try out Ardor Breads + Provisions on the Riverfront. You’ll enjoy perusing an exquisite selection of breads, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and more Or, stop by the newly established Queen of Squash for your vegan comfort food fix! Another lunch spot for delicious, locally made Lebanese cuisine is Haddad’s Restaurant. They serve award-winning gyros and more! One World Café is located near Bradley University and is a catch-all for lunch options! They serve a wide variety of cuisines, from pizza to burgers to culturally inspired dishes. Stop in to enjoy their crowd-pleasing entrées and appetizers! Any of these lunch spots will help fuel you up after the morning out and about!
AFTERNOON: SHOP LOCAL
We love our locally owned small businesses where midwestern hospitality greets you! So, naturally, you have to visit as many as you can during the “perfect” day in Peoria. Starting downtown Peoria, Rambler hosts a unique collection of small business shops, like Lit. On Fire, Ribbon Records, Moon Dancer, and Urban Artifacts. Next up is Relics, a plant and trinket lover’s paradise.
LATE AFTERNOON: ICE CREAM BREAK
Also located in the Central Business District of Peoria Heights is a spot to scream for ice cream - Emack + Bolios! Offering vegan options and delectable flavors, this ice cream joint will satisfy your sweet tooth. Close by is another Peoria favorite and an Illinois Made Maker, Yeni’s Palarte. Just down the road is Emo’s Dairy Mart, which is open seasonally during the summer months. Emo’s serves up delectable soft serve in countless flavors! Ice cream will definitely hit the spot after all the hard work of shopping small!
EARLY EVENING: GRANDVIEW DRIVE OR DONOVAN PARK
Once you’ve had your ice cream fix, take a drive through the “world’s most beautiful drive,” a.k.a. Grandview Drive. This 2.5-mile drive has scenic overlooks of the Illinois River, spots to sit or stroll, and beautiful houses to admire. Or, opt for a nature walk in Donovan Park. Once a golf course, this park now has areas of restored prairie and wetland, all with accompanying mowed, walkable paths.
DINNER
To round out this wonderful day, you can dine at any of these amazing restaurants! Cyd’s in the Park, conveniently located in Donovan Park, offers an immaculate selection of dinner items and drinks. Enjoy the cool, late summer evening air as you experience one of Peoria’s greatest dinner experiences. You’ll get a great view of the sunset, too! Hearth in Peoria Heights offers an elegant dinner accompanied by beautiful wines and craft beer. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes for the perfect evening. Or, opt for savory pizza at Oliver’s! While you’re eating your pie, enjoy live music and craft beers in a hip, relaxing environment!
Discover More Things to Do and Events During Your Stay
Explore our Discover Peoria Calendar of Events for all the exciting happenings in Downtown Peoria and beyond.