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1. Riding A CAT Is One Of The Best Things Ever
Caterpillar, aka CAT, has been headquartered in Peoria for over 100 years, and locals know that spending a day smack-dab in the middle of their childhood fantasies by checking out The Caterpillar Experience at the Caterpillar Visitors Center is one of the best things you could do. The displays, exhibits and simulators will make you feel like the host of Modern Marvels, and Peorians realize how awesome that is.
2. Good Manners Are Worth The Effort
Hey, we’re all living on this sphere called Earth together, so let’s be polite, shall we? Peorians know that manners matter. They are first to say please, thank you, you’re welcome and excuse me. Take it from etiquette expert Marjabelle Young Stewart, who named the city in the Top 10 Best Mannered Cities in America.
3. The Best Cup Of Joe Is At Thirty-Thirty
There’s no question when it comes to the best cup of joe. All Peorians know that supporting the area’s best locally-owned coffee shop, thirty-thirty Coffee Co., is the way to go. Not only because they’re independent, but because they have perfectly roasted beans and hip, unique environment. Their miel with local honey and freshly ground cinnamon is always a winner.
4. Being All-American Is Something To Be Proud Of
Peoria is as all-American as apple pie. They know how to work together for the whole of the community for a high-quality life. They’ve even been ranked as an All-American City by the National Civic League not one, not two, but four times.
5. The Mere Mention Of The Chef And The Baker Will Give Peorians A Sweet-Tooth Ache
Peorians understand that the quickest way to sooth a sweet-tooth ache is a visit to The Chef and The Baker. Their homemade applewood smoked bacon brownie is simply out of this world. It’s made with real Applewood bacon, sweet chocolate and topped with salted caramel and fresh whipped cream (careful, you’re drooling all over yourself). The cupcakes are also enough to forgo any thought of entrees and get straight to dessert.
6. The Rivermen Kick Butt On The Ice
Peoria folks know that the best place to be during fall and winter is the Carver Arena watching the Peoria Rivermen kick some butt on the ice. Peorians make it a community affair, grabbing the whole family and heading to see the city’s minor league hockey team every chance they get.
7. Wildlife Is Best Experienced In Wildlife
Just 10 miles west of Peoria is the Wildlife Prairie Park, a zoological park with a ton of native animals including wolves, cougars, elk, black bears and bison. The animals have large, native habitat areas with plenty of room to roam. Peorians know it’s the best way to spend the day, and not just for the animals; you can also bike, fish, hike and stay there overnight for the full experience.
8. Wine Country Is Just Down The Road
Peoria knows that there’s no need to travel for great wine, because there are acres and acres of delicious wine country right in their own backyard. From family-owned Kickapoo Creek in Edwards and the sophisticated European feel at Willett’s in Manito, to the rolling countryside of Mackinaw Valley Winery, there’s quite enough to keep your palate busy.
9. Grandview Drive Is A Beautiful, Peaceful Escape
What’s two and a half miles long and gorgeous? Grandview Drive. Along this beautiful road that stretches from Prospec to Route 29, you can see the Illinois River, stunning historic homes, and undeveloped land with quaint park benches for taking in the scenery. Theodore Roosevelt deemed it the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive”.
10. Peoria Is The Best Place To Live
Peorians love Peoria, as they should. 9,000 acres of parks, the Luthy Botanical Garden, five public golf courses, the Peoria Zoo…there are so many reasons to love this city. Every time locals see the Murray Baker bridge, they know they’re living in one of the best places on earth.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think is unique about Peoria in the comments below!
