ILLINOIS: PRAIRIE STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

After working and studying hard all year long families across the United States will be taking long awaited vacations. Family vacations and travel can be the most rewarding experience. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime.
Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. When you need to plan a trip contact me!

Peoria , “Finalist for the 2013 All-America City Award.”

The city of Peoria has been named a finalist for the 2013 All-America City Award. This is the 64th year for the national award program and Peoria is a 3-time winner (1953, 1966 & 1989). According to Forbes website, Peoria has become famous as a representation of the average American city because of its demographics and its perceived mainstream Midwestern culture. Museums in Peoria include the Pettengill-Morron House and the John C. Flanagan House of the Peoria Historical Society, Lakeview Museum for the Arts and Sciences and the Wheels o' Time Museum. Bradley University, Midstate College, the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, the Downtown and North campuses of Illinois Central College, and the Peoria campus of Robert Morris University are based in the city. Peoria has hosted the Heart of Illinois Fair every year since 1949 and is also home to a number of historical sites listed on the National Register of Historical Places including the Pere Marquette Hotel and North Side and West Bluff Historic Districts.

Kartville

9190N Swords Ave

Peoria, IL 61604
Phone: (309) 676-3628
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Offering family fun for everyone! Why have another afternoon inside when Kartville is right down the street? Featuring go-carts, off road ATVs, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats, dune buggies and MORE! Snacks and concessions are always available. You'll find everything you need for a day of fun. Out of ideas for your next party? Cancel the clown and go to Kartville - the #1 destination for go-kart racing in Central Illinois! Open April through November 1st - 7 Days a Week 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (weather permitting)

Arts Partners

820 S.W. Adams St.

Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: (309) 676-2787
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Your connection to Peoria arts and entertainment!
Founded in 1999, Arts Partners of Central Illinois, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to building awareness and economic viability of the arts by facilitating collaborative initiatives among arts organizations and other entities; expanding audiences; acting as a liaison and coordinator of arts information and resources; expanding educational opportunities; and encouraging public participation in the arts.

110 SW Washington

Peoria, IL 61629
Phone: (309) 675-0606
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The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a fascinating look at the company, the iron and the people making sustainable progress possible around the world. From the humble beginnings of the first tractor to the company's present-day leadership in building infrastructure and powering the planet—it's all right here on Peoria's beautiful riverfront. We invite you to experience Caterpillar and plan your visit today. You'll find interactive displays and exhibits sure to engage and entertain visitors of all ages. Take home a tractor Or a Cat hat! The on-site Cat Merchandise Center offers a wide selection of collector die-cast scale models and the latest in Cat and Caterpillar branded footwear and designer apparel.

Central Illinois Jazz Society

441 E. High Point Dr

Peoria, IL 61614
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The Society encourages the younger generation to develop an interest in jazz. We have featured many college jazz bands and high school jazz bands as guest groups at our monthly programs. High school and college students have further developed their jazz skills by sitting in with the Central Illinois Jazz Society House Band. The House Band features outstanding musicians from throughout Central Illinois.

Gateway Building, The

200 NE Water St.

Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: (309) 689-3019
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This beautiful building was designed and created to be the focal point of Peoria's Riverfront. The Gateway is conveniently located downtown just one block from Interstate 74 and is within walking distance of hotels, major businesses, and many restaurants. The Riverfront provides a spectacular backdrop with its stunning views and the vibrant nightlife offers a unique and festive atmosphere. This is an affordable, convenient site for any meeting, banquet, weddings or conference occasion. With the comfort and versatility the Gateway offers, you will want to make this the new home for your annual banquets and weekly meetings.

George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden

2520 N. Prospect Rd.
Peoria, IL 61603
Phone: (309) 686-3362
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This beautiful spot includes 5 acres of landscaped gardens including the Woodland Garden, Children's Garden, Herb Garden and others. Tropical conservatory is open year-round. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesday through Saturday and Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Outdoor Garden open 8:30 a.m. to dusk year-round. Closed Mondays.

Gwynn Aquatic Center

809 W. John Gwynn Jr. Avenue

Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: (309) 676-2891
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This is an outdoor facility that includes a zero depth pool with play equipment, water slide, diving well and wet sand play area. Children seven years and under must be accompanied by an adult 17 years or older.

John C. Flanagan House

942 N.E. Glen Oak Ave.

Peoria, IL 61603
Phone: (309) 674-1921
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The John C. Flanagan House Museum was built in 1837 on Peoria's east bluff by John C. Flanagan and is the oldest standing house in Peoria. This American Federal style house is owned and operated as a Museum by the Peoria Historical Society and offers a spectacular view of the Illinois river valley. For tours or to reserve for a meeting or an event.

Northmoor Observatory

Knoxville Ave

Peoria, IL 61616

Northmoor Observatory Reach for the stars! In 1955, Northmoor Observatory opened to give area residents an unobstructed view of the night sky. That view is still available today. On clear Saturday evenings, May-October, come out at dusk and get a view of the sky through this nine-inch refractor telescope. The Observatory is about half-way across the Donovan Golf Course toward Proctor Hospital. Park in the golf course lot, which you access from Knoxville Ave. Northmoor Observatory is run by the Peoria Astronomical Society and donations are always welcome. The New Dome is in Place! The observatory received a new dome covering in 2009, thanks to the diligent fundraising work of Peoria Astronomical Society and generosity of local donors.

WeaverRidge Golf Club

5100 N Weaverridge Blvd

Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: (309) 691-3344
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WeaverRidge Golf Club is "the" premier championship 18-hole golf course in Central Illinois. Open to the public with club house facilities and world class courses with spectacular features. Banquet facilities seating 600 on 2 levels. Meeting rooms with scenic views.

Willow Knolls 14 Theater

4100 W. Willow Knolls Drive

Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: (309) 689-8463
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State-of-the-art 14-screen movie theater featuring stadium seating, all digital sound and incredible Tempur-Pedic rocking chairs with retractable cup holders.

World Famous Big Al's Speakeasy

400 S.W. Jefferson

Peoria, IL 61602
Phone: 309-673-9893
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We welcome ALL to World Famous Big Al's! We have moved to 400 S.W. Jefferson St. in Peoria. Big Al's is a locally owned adult entertainment venue with different types of entertainment monthly. We offer a full eclectic menu that changes daily with our talented Executive Chef Todd Erling. We also offer champagne/wine lists, knowledgeable staff, VIP lounges, live entertainment, top shelf alcohol, outside beer garden, and much more. Come on down to the NEW World Famous Big Al's across the street from the Peoria Civic Center.

World On Wheels Segway Tours and Bike Rides

P. O. Box 6277

Peoria, IL 61601

Phone: (309) 453-0916
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Learn how to glide along on a Segway with World on Wheels. Peoria area’s only Segway tour and Quadracycle bike rental experience. Offering 30-minute, 1-hour, and 2-hour Segway tours as well as 30-minute Quadracycle bike rides. Gliding with World On Wheels is as fun as it gets. Use them for individual riding or corporate events. Open March thru November, weather permitting. Feel free to call for an appointment @ 453-0916. Easy riding for all age levels. www.worldonwheelspeoria.com.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.enjoyillinois.com/

http://www.peoria.org/

https://www.facebook.com/PeoriaAAC/info

http://www.forbes.com/places/il/peoria/