Just a short drive north of Lincoln, Peoria is a city with a lot more to offer than just being home to the world-famous Caterpillar, Inc. Although it is the world headquarters of the company, which is a noteworthy claim to fame, it also has a revitalized riverfront bustling with art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and business development; has been named All American City three times; is home to the nation’s 10th oldest symphony; has its own ballet and civic opera companies, the world’s largest solar system model, a wildlife park, a minor league baseball team, hockey team and some of the most breathtaking views around. And last but not least, one of the best oyster bars outside of New Orleans.

One of your first stops should be the Riverfront Visitor’s Center, housed in the historic Powell Press Building. The narrow, pre-Civil War structure was tastefully revived and recently moved to the riverfront area. There are several parks and plazas situated along this area, including Festival Park and the Military Services Memorial Plaza, so that visitors can stop and enjoy the view. You can also stroll through the Sculpture Walk, which changes each year when various artists provide original sculptures, strategically placed for visual enjoyment along the walkway. Located at the landing are the center stage for outdoor concerts, Gateway Building, Leonard B. Marshall Jr. Memorial Plaza and interactive fountain, public marina and the Spirit of Peoria, a replica of a paddle-wheel boat. 

The Spirit, referred to as "a floating wedding cake," is actually composed of fiberglass and wood and steered by the captain with a seven-foot maple wheel located in the pilot house. Many of the boat’s decorative fixtures, including the captain's bell and a brass tube that serves as a telegraph from the pilot house to the captain's quarters, were purchased at auctions from much older steamboats. Sightseeing cruises are scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays, in addition to a moonlight cruise on Friday evenings.

Cruise director Brian "Fox" Ellis is the resident storyteller for the Spirit. Through interviews with descendants of pioneers and by studying wildlife, geology and aquatics of the Illinois Waterway, Fox has become a master of the history of the Illinois River Valley and relishes his role as a performer and educator. Farther east on Water Street, along the riverfront toward the Robert Michael Bridge, are an eclectic cluster of businesses, dinner theaters, gift shops, restaurants and art galleries – many located in renovated warehouses.

A fixture on the riverfront for many years, the River Station is one of the city’s most famous restaurants. Located in the historic Rock Island Depot, at 212 Water St., it is not only a great place to dine on beef and seafood but can also claim the best dining room views in town because of its proximity to the water – which has also been a hardship more than once over the years during river flood stages. Even if you’re not in the mood for a meal, it’s worth stopping by just to gawk at the magnificent 35-foot ceilings, stained glass windows and 15-foot-high mahogany bar. 

A popular new place to eat is the Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe, located at 305 SW Water St. Just the look of the place is a breath of fresh air –with its whitewashed brick walls, old black-and-white photographs of someone’s relatives, black-painted wooden chairs and Formica tables, painted concrete floor, corrugated steel bar and chandelier made from a shiny red ball (salvaged from a gas station) with glass spikes that light up. This place serves up equal amount of personality and food. 

It’s a great place to recharge with a cup of java and homemade dessert during a break from browsing at the Illinois Antique Center next door. Actually, just an encounter with the young, energetic staff is almost enough to achieve that goal – even without caffeine. Menu items include portabella pizzetta, grilled roasted potato salad and Jamaican jerk chicken. Safe bets are any of the homemade daily specials, featuring quiches, soups and gourmet meatloaf. Once the kitchen closes for the day, the other part of the restaurant’s moniker kicks in, with live music served up on weekend nights.

An easy way to while away part of an afternoon is a visit to the two floors of the Illinois Antique Center, also on Water Street. More than 200 dealers offer everything from furniture and fireplace mantels to toys and jewelry. One local customer makes a trip to the center every day to investigate the newly arrived merchandise. There are several antique malls and shops in the area, but if you only have time for one, this is the best and most conveniently located.

A few blocks away, the Apollo Fine Arts and Entertainment Center, a historic theater with much of its former splendor restored, now offers live concerts and theatrical productions, classic films and "Discover Peoria," a multimedia presentation featuring over 600 images of Peoria's history, culture, and attractions.

The packed parking lot tells the story at the Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino, located across the river in East Peoria. The art-deco style cruise ship offers your typical variety of casino gambling, and the complex includes a hotel and restaurants.

Another spot of interest is the Hotel Père Marquette, named in honor of an early French explorer, Father Jacques Marquette, who traveled the Illinois River in 1673 and landed in the area that is now Peoria. The hotel celebrates that event with its name and an 8- by18-foot mural in its lobby. A sculpted likeness of Marquette also appears above the Main Street entrance. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel is located at 501 Main Street.

[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]