West Peoria Peoria, IL

The city was named after the Peoria tribe of the Illinois Confederation, who inhabited the area at the time but are now based in Oklahoma. The late 17th century saw the construction of Fort Crevecoeur and then Fort Clark, which grew into the settlement that was eventually renamed Peoria. Both tribal and French influence remain in the area, as evidenced in the naming of places like the suburb of Creve Coeur. Peoria was primarily a farming community until the founding of the Caterpillar Tractor Company transformed it into an important hub for industrial work. Today, the city remains known for its educational facilities, including the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

The arts play an important role, as evidenced by the city's numerous museums and theaters. An annual art fair sponsored by the Peoria Art Guild ranks in the top 100 art fairs in the country. The Contemporary Art Center hosts gallery exhibits, poetry readings and performance art, as well as educational programs. One of the oldest symphonies in the United States, Peoria's symphony orchestra has achieved renown for its playful and captivating concerts. In addition to visual and musical arts, the city houses progressive theater and ballet companies. Much imagination and creativity is born from this small population.

Peoria's enthusiasm for American and international cuisine shows in the sheer number of restaurants seen across the city. Find casual and fine dining establishments up and down Sterling Avenue and University Street, as well as scattered throughout downtown. Those living in the south-central region can satisfy any craving in minutes.

One World Cafe welcomes a diverse crowd with an even more diverse menu. One of the area's most popular brunch spots, this cafe serves classic dishes from around the world and surrounds you with art and inspiration. Try the Cuban pork sandwich -- this local favorite, filled with pulled pork, caramelized onions, and cheese proves well-worth the messy fingers. Chefs can adapt most menu items to gluten-free or vegetarian diets, making One World a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.

On a chilly winter day, warm up with Vietnamese comfort food from Thanh Linh. Regulars enjoy the sleek modern decor and efficient service, but the noodles make them return time and time again. Order a steaming bowl of pho or fried vermicelli and pork. Stop by on a Saturday for the weekly noodle soup special. Its spices remain a mystery, but its combination of sweet and spicy flavors delight most every palate.

Agatucci's serves as the go-to place for pizza and pasta lovers. Locals tout the joint as having the best pizza in all of Peoria. Choose from a variety of pasta, sandwiches and sides, but don't miss out on the fried chicken. Families visit for more than just the food, though. The friendly staff proves great with kids, and even gives them pizza dough to play with, a tradition that's been around since this establishment's inception in 1929.

Off the beaten path, Sky Harbor Steak House specializes in perfectly cooked steaks and southern classics. Locals consider the glittering ceiling, live jazz and kitschy decor all part of this restaurant's charm. Enjoy a bacon-wrapped filet on Tuesday nights or their famous fried chicken on Saturdays. On warm evenings, sit on the patio that backs up to beautiful Laura Bradley Park.

Peoria's nightlife provides a surprising array of variety and availability. From laid-back corner dives to the wildest clubs, entertainment options in this area ensure you never get stuck home on Friday night. Farmington Road houses many options as does downtown's Riverfront area.

Ride the mechanical bull at Saddle Up, or have some laughs ant the Jukebox Comedy Club. Pitch Karaoke Bar lets you take center stage with more than 50,000 songs to choose from. If you don't want to sing, you can play some slots or enjoy some video gaming.

For a classier experience that especially suits date night, stop by Martinis on Water Street. With over 100 types of martinis on their drink menu, this establishment has drinks to suit any taste. Try luscious chocolate concoctions or savory potions with olives and jalapeños. Whether you choose a seat on the patio or indoors, local musicians entertain with blues, jazz, and rock favorites.

The area's residents typically drive everywhere they need to go. Proximity to Interstate 74 makes it easy to drive across the city and beyond. You can park for free in residential areas, but you'll pay for parking downtown either at meters or in a garage. It can be difficult to avoid driving, as Uber is not available, and taxis are typically only found downtown.

Peoria enjoys an active bike culture, and although the city lacks bike lanes, cycling remains popular. The Bike Peoria organization meets monthly to improve conditions for cyclists. Public transportation services consist of the CityLink bus service overseen by the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District. This bus makes frequent stops throughout the city and several neighboring towns.

The General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport stands just 5 miles to the southwest, eliminating any worry over missed flights.

Peoria's parks can be summed up with an impressive statement: The city oversees the largest park district in all of Illinois — one that won the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation. Residents have access to five public golf courses, three swimming pools and multiple recreation centers.

Outdoor activities center around Laura Bradley Park. In additions to the basic features, which include baseball diamonds, playground equipment and shaded picnic areas, this park provides a disc golf course, an outdoor theater and a sledding hill. Dogs can run free and socialize in the fenced off-leash area, but must stay leashed elsewhere in the park.

Peoria's parks sponsor events throughout the year, such as the Wine and Roses night at the Luthy Botanical Gardens and the Labor Day Picnic at Riverfront Festival Park. The festival park also hosts Steamboat Days, one of the city's most well-attended events. This family-friendly celebration includes a carnival, live entertainment and, of course, a steamboat race.

Grocery shopping doesn't pose any problems in West Peoria - locals take their pick from Kroger, Schnucks or The Fresh Market. Every Saturday from June through September, the city hosts the Riverfront Market downtown in the River Station parking lot. All produce, meat, dairy products and other foods sold at this market come from Illinois farms, so every purchase you make supports local agriculture. Spend a sunny morning browsing the booths, listening to live music and enjoying demonstrations by Peoria's artisans and craftsmen.

Residents typically shop at Westlake Shopping Center and Northwoods Mall, both located right across the street from one another on Sterling Avenue. These two malls contain most of the popular mid-price chains, while The Shoppes at Grand Prairie provides upscale department stores and designer apparel.

You'll find boutiques and specialty stores of all kinds in the downtown Riverfront area. Spend a weekend afternoon walking in and out of little shops, and then stop at an elegant cafe for lunch. The Fiber Universe stocks enough yarn for the entire solar system - well, but enough for any serious knitter. Besides yarn, find spinning wheels and wool and all the tools you need to unleash your creativity. A staff of expert fiber artists can help you with a pattern or suggest the right materials for a particular project. This shop holds classes for all skill levels every Saturday.

Stop by Pink Sugar Boutique for fun accessories and trendy apparel. This shop carries designer brands and locally made items that, when combined, create a one-of-a-kind outfit. For an even more personalized shopping experience, gather some friends and schedule a private shopping party.

What's old is new again at Urban Artifacts. Their collection of vintage items includes furniture, commercial signs, home decor and tableware. Mid-century pieces comprise much of their inventory, as that era remains perpetually popular with shoppers and decorators. If you see something you like, nab it before someone else does.