What to do
Caterpillar Visitors Center Take a virtual ride inside a giant mining truck. caterpillar.com
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria Live at the Five Spot, held on Friday nights, features live music and a chance to see the center's three fine art galleries. peoriacac.org
Grand View Drive Wind past historic homes on the way to bluff-top overlooks of the Illinois River Valley. peoriaparks.org
I Know You Like a Book This bookshop in Peoria Heights’ charming business district is a must for its well-stocked regional section and wine bar, where they hold occasional signings, book club meetings and other gatherings. I Know You Like a Book on Facebook
Murray-Baker Bridge The narrow, cantilevered bridge carries Interstate-74 across the wide Illinois River to link Peoria and East Peoria. Its swooping shoulders, intricate metalwork and dazzling light display draw scores of photographers each year. peoria.org
Murray-Baker Bridge
Peoria Riverfront Museum Part science center, part history museum, part art gallery, the museum mashes hands-on science with history lessons and art for a kid-friendly stop. peoriariverfrontmuseum.org
Peoria Zoo An African exhibit almost doubled the size of this classic small zoo. Get eye to eye with a giraffe on the elevated walkway surrounding the circular exhibition. Stand inches from a lion playfully pawing the glass, and look for rhinos, zebras and antelopes wandering across the area. peoriazoo.org
Spirit of Peoria Take a sight-seeing tour aboard a replica 19th-century riverboat. spiritofpeoria.com
Spirit of Peoria
Wildlife Prairie Park Near Peoria, this 2,000-acre zoological park gets visitors within hear-‘em-breathing distance of cougars, black bears, wolves, foxes and bison. wildlifeprairiepark.org
Where to eat
Agatucci’s Pizza Thin-crust pie served in a casual tavern atmosphere has a loyal Peoria following. agatuccis.com
The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern House-smoked meats are served in a renovated train depot. blueduckbarbecue.com
Jim’s Steakhouse In downtown, it promises friendly service, a date-night atmosphere and good steaks. A violinist playing in one of the dining rooms adds a luxurious tone. jimssteakhouse.net
Kelleher’s Irish Pub and Eatery Satisfy cravings for comfort food with homemade Irish stew and cheesecake at this contemporary-feeling pub along the riverfront. The old-fashioned bar serves a huge selection of beers, some in towering glasses. kellehersirishpub.com
Leaves n Beans Little rooms with comfortable chairs invite chatting with friends or lingering solo with a good book. The Peoria Heights shop has fair-trade teas and more than 70 kinds of coffee from around the world. lnbcoffee.com
Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe Keep the tunes going during dinner with live music on weekends. rhythmkitchenmusiccafe.biz
Two25 Cozy, high-backed booths jumpstart conversation at the restaurant in Mark Twain Hotel. Specialties include crab-stuffed jumbo prawns, pear salad studded with walnuts, wasabi-crusted sea bass, steaks, burgers and oven-fired pizzas. two25peoria.com
Where to stay
Mark Twain Hotel A lovely 111-room boutique hotel provides a comfy stay and serves made-to-order omelets for breakfast. marktwainhotel.com
Mission Oak Inn With in-room fireplaces, two-person whirlpools and a small lake out the back door, this Henry lodging is an escape. Ask owner Denny Reed to show you his incredible woodworking throughout the cozy inn. missionoakinn.com
More information: peoria.org