Get in

Peoria can be accessed through air and driving. The main interstate that runs through the city is Interstate 74, which makes Peoria accessible throughout the rest of central Illinois. The airport, Greater Peoria Regional Airport, services daily flights to St. Louis, Chicago, and Las Vegas. The Bloomington/Normal Airport is located about 50 miles from Peoria, for more convenience.

Shopping

There are two main malls in the Peoria regional area. Northwoods Mall was established in the late 1970's, and is Peoria's only enclosed mall. Many other retail establishments are located within the vicinity, including Circuit City, Cub Foods, Bob Evans, Barnes and Noble, and many hotels. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, opened in 2003, was to gain regional traffic in the Peoria area, but Peorians shop there as well. Grand Prairie is located in the rapidly developing northwest corridor of Peoria. Sheridan Village, located in the center of town, houses a Bergner's department store and several other minor retailers.

Activities

Glen Oak Zoo is located on the northeast side of Peoria, south of Peoria Heights. Peoria is not known generally for things to do, although there are plenty of activities around the town. The Tower Park in Peoria Heights is a giant elevator that allows you to see the Illinois River and surrounding areas, with a view of three counties in total.

Dining

There are a variety of places to eat. Nationwide food chains are all around the city, but there are local favorites. Rizzi's is an Italian restaurant located in two locations, one on State Street and the other on Sheridan Road. For a fairly comprehensive list of Peoria restaurants, check out the following website:

Drink

The highest concentration of drinking establishments is in downtown Peoria, in the few blocks surrounding Main and Jefferson. For the best beer selection and lively conversation, seek out Kellehers Irish Pub, on Water Street near the Riverfront. Next door to Kellehers is a brewpub, Rhodells, that always has some tasty seasonal offerings on tap.

If you're looking for more of a young club scene, the 4-Play complex on Main Street should have you covered. It includes Club Reign, Tomcats (a sports bar), Z-Bar, and Big Al's (a gentleman's club), and you can generally get into all 4 clubs for one cover. This is currently the 'hot' place for the young bar-going crowd.

For some martinis and live jazz, check out Martini's, located down on the Riverfront on Water Street.

Outside of the downtown area, there's a few other worthy establishments. For great German food and beer, check out the Hofbrau House, just a bit north of downtown . Further on the north end of Peoria, you've got American Pi (5720 N Knoxville Ave). It's a large bar/club with a good dance floor and a real mix of ages and backgrounds..