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This
is the second in a series of travel stories featuring local cities
located within a short driving distance from Lincoln.
 Exploring
Peoria
Part 2
[JULY
8, 2000] Exploring Peoria,
Part 1, highlighted features in the downtown area of
Peoria, but there’s an entire city to explore away from downtown
and the riverfront. So if you’re in the mood to get in touch with
nature, the Wildlife Prairie Park does the trick.
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This unique 2,000-acre zoological park is home to wolves,
bison, waterfowl, black bear, elk, cougar, otter and many other
native animals. The Pioneer Farmstead recreates a slice of life in
the early 1800s, with farm animals, a one-room schoolhouse and
log cabin. You can explore the nature of Illinois aboard a train and
even spend the night in a variety of accommodations, including a
cabin, cottage or one of the renovated red cabooses on the property.
The park is a not-for-profit living heritage experience that gives
guests a recreational education in animal and plant life in a
natural setting. And this isn’t a petting zoo atmosphere –
people have been known to run to their cars rather quickly when dusk
falls and the sounds of wildlife start closing in.
Another
good stop for a family outing is the Lakeview Museum of Arts and
Sciences, at 1125 W. Lake, an experience that is not only
educational, but fun for all ages. Special astronomy effects and
interactive laser disc technology at the Lakeview Planetarium offer
insight into the secrets of the universe.
To
reach a full appreciation of just how scenic the city is, a trip
along Grandview Drive is a must. Other sections of Peoria that offer
a glimpse into the city’s rich past include the gracious
Pettengill-Morron House, at 1212 W. Moss Ave., a
12-room mansion built in 1868 and owned by the Peoria Historical Society; the High
Street-Moss Avenue Historic District, lined with stately, restored
colorful Victorian homes and century-old trees; and the
Roanoke-Randolph Street Historic District and Glen Oak Avenue areas
that evoke an era Peoria still struggles to preserve.
History
Just
as the riverfront is once again bustling with activity and shows
signs of progress, it seems it has come full circle. It was the river
that helped draw Native Americans to settle in Peoria more than
12,000 years ago and call it Pimiteoui, meaning “land of great
abundance” or “fat lake.”
In
1673 French fur trader Louis Joliet and French missionary Jacques
Marquette canoed into the Peoria river valley and discovered the
rich land. They were followed by other French explorers who
established forts and trading posts farther down the Illinois River.
Gradually, American settlers
began farming here in 1819 and experienced a great economic and
population boom. Early industries prospered, including meatpacking,
casting foundries, pottery makers, wholesale, warehousing,
distilleries and farm machinery factories. Peoria’s fresh. clear
water, abundance of corn and ease of transportation made it the
Whiskey Capital of the World by 1900.
(To
top of second column)
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Dining
Of
course, with all the sightseeing and activity, you will need to eat.
Top on my personal list of recommendations is the 2601 Oyster Bar,
which is actually located across the river in East Peoria, adjacent
to Jonah’s Seafood House. Not only is the food good, but in warm
weather, when you are sitting out on the deck eating a half dozen on
half shells, watching sailboats skim the water, you can easily
forget you are in Illinois. Maybe that’s what I like so much about
it.
But
even during cooler weather months, eating inside the building is
also a delightful experience, due to the dark exposed beamed
ceilings, brick walls and other raw materials, most salvaged from
area buildings important to the area’s history. Live music on
selected evenings just adds to the mood. There are several
selections of fresh shucked oysters on the menu and they’re all
good, but if slimy seafood served on a cracker isn’t high on your
list, you can also get the oysters broiled, fried, baked or in a
stew. And if oysters aren’t on your list of food groups in any
way, shape or form, there are many other mouth-watering choices of
sandwiches, salads, soups and seafood dishes to make up for it.
If
you’re in the mood for a cozy Italian dinner, Paparazzi is the
place to go. Located at 4315 Voss St. in Peoria Heights, it’s not
the kind of place a tourist would stumble upon during a trip to town
– which makes it even more appealing. This petite eatery is usually
packed with local loyalists who faithfully come back for the veal
dishes,
“world famous
garlic bread” and good old-fashioned pasta and sauce. This
smoke-free restaurant recommends reservations on weekends. It’s
worth the effort.
Another
local favorite is the Hofbrau Restaurant, at 2210 N.E. Jefferson St.
This is the place to go for authentic German beef and pork
dishes, wild game dishes and an abundant choice of beer. This cozy
hangout is favored by local residents from all walks of life,
including politicians, police officers and newspaper employees.
[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]
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Part
1
 Exploring
Peoria
Lincoln's neighbor to
the north
[JULY
5, 2000] Many
may be surprised to learn that Peoria – Lincoln's neighbor
to the north – also has a very important tie to Abraham
Lincoln: It was in Peoria that he launched his political
career with his first denouncement of slavery.
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Peoria
facts:
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*Founded
in 1819
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*City
population: 113,700
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*Abraham
Lincoln launched his political career in Peoria with
his first denouncement of slavery
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*The
first European settlement in Illinois *Name derived
from Native American word Pimiteoui (Pee-Mee-Twee),
meaning "land of great abundance" or
"fat lake"
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*Located
along the Illinois River, 167 miles from Chicago and
173 miles from St. Louis, Mo. A 40-minute drive from
Lincoln.
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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.
Revitalized
riverfront
After
traveling over one of the bridges as you enter the city,
you’ll first see the riverfront, which has been revitalized
in recent years with new restaurants, businesses and a
Visitor’s Center. It is also the site of outdoor summer
concerts, art fairs, festivals, professional boat races and
other seasonal activities that have breathed new life into
this area.
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.
(To
top of second column in this section)
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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]
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