Things To Do

Trefzger's Bakery

Trefzger's Bakery was established in 1861 is central Illinois' oldest bakery. Any Peorian who has moved away will always come back just for this bakery! You HAVE to try the thumbprint cookies. The coffeecakes and cupcakes are to die for. Cali even worked here for about 6 years when she was younger! The bakery is in the same building as the Trailside Event Center which is the wedding reception location.

Leaves 'n Beans Coffee & Other Peoria Heights Shops

With their adorable front porch and excellent location in the Heights, you'll definitely want to make a stop here! Grab a cup of coffee and head down to some of the cute shops in the Heights. If you're hungry, check out Emack & Bolio's for ice cream, Oliver's for pizza and craft beer, Cayenne for a unique twist on tacos, or Jim's Bistro for a French Dip sandwich.

Grand View Drive

"Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Grand View Drive is a 2.52 mile meandering pleasure driveway constructed in 1903. The 'world’s most beautiful drive,' as President Theodore Roosevelt referred to it in a visit to Peoria in 1910, offers visitors numerous panoramic scenic views of the Illinois River Valley and the chance to view many historic and remarkable homes lining it. The linear park is especially beautiful in autumn, with the ever-changing colors of fall leaves. Grand View Drive has 1.75 miles of paved sidewalk for hiking." This has always been one of Cali's favorite places in Peoria. With the wedding being in very early November, the views of the trees should be beautiful! This is a must see! Take a drive before you leave town and consider bringing a lunch to eat at one of the many small parks with benches that overlook the Illinois River Valley. Chris and Cali took a drive here right before he proposed!

East Port Marina

For some more beautiful views of the Illinois River Valley, you should stop at East Port Marina. Parking is free and you can head right over to the wooden, outdoor staircase, up to the top deck and take in the views of Downtown Peoria from across the river. You’ll be standing right where Chris proposed to Cali after their trip down Grandview Drive. As you head up the stairs you’ll see The Galley which is a great spot to stop and grab a beer. If you’re looking for a good spot for dinner on Friday night before cocktails at the hotel bar, check out Jonah’s Seafood House which is located right in front of the marina.

Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino

Head over the Illinois River to get to East Peoria and check out the Par-A-Dice Riverboat casino! You'll be gambling right on the river! The casino is located on three miles away from the hotel!

Lucky Dog's Pub & Eatery

You'll notice in Peoria that fried pork tenderloin sandwiches are a staple menu item! They are literally "as big as your head." Chris will forever be thankful to Cali for being introduced to these amazing sandwiches. Don't get caught using the word, "pork," when you order it or everyone will know you're not from around here... We just call them tenderloins! Also, the correct way to eat a tenderloin is with lots of pickles, raw onion, and yellow mustard! No other toppings are acceptable except lettuce. Chris and Cali have a long standing tradition where they stop at Lucky Dog's to get two tenderloins to go as they leave town after a visit. Once they get closer to the highway they split one for lunch and then when they get back to Chicago, they eat the other one for dinner! This bar will be a little bit of a hike from your hotel, however, if you’re heading north, you can easily make this your last stop on your way out of town, just like Chris and Cali.

Schooners

Speaking of Tenderloins, Schooners is probably the only place that you can have a pizza made on top of one of these giant tenderloins. You have to stop here and try something new! Grab an ice cold beer in a Schooner too!

Tanners Orchard

This one will be a little bit of a hike, but if you're heading down to Peoria from Northern Illinois, make this a stop on the way in! Please note that they’re closed on Sundays so stopping on your way back out of town may not be possible if you’re leaving Sunday. You don’t want to miss out on the best Apple cider donuts around!

Peoria Riverfront Museum

Peoria Zoo

Peoria Civic Center

ZZ Top will be playing at the Civic Center on November 3rd at 7 PM

Luthy Botanical Garden

Take a walk through the Luthy Botanical Gardens and admire the fall colors!