Travel Writer Stories
December/January Travel Writer Stories
It may be getting colder outside, but that's when the Peoria Area heats up! This winter the area is jam packed with
big news, word class events and more! - starting with the ground breaking of East Peoria's Bass Pro Shops!
And, you can't forget about the annual East Peoria Festival of Lights, a 2 mile electric park full of lighted floats and animated displays which draws over 10,000 tourists a year! For those looking to make a weekend of it, check the
Ho! Ho! Holidays Promotion offering special holiday deals and discounts at area restaurants, hotels, and attractions. And for a quiet escape, read on to hear about the amazing wildlife of central Illinois, one of the premier Eagle watching destinations in the country. Happy Holidays from the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau!
Bass Pro Shops
The Bass Pro Shops, coming to East Peoria in the fall of 2011, is expected to become one of the area's biggest tourist attractions. Out in California, Manteca's Convention and Visitors Bureau President has stated that "Bass Pro Shop's numbers are comparable to a small amusement park."
Not only will the store offer outdoor enthusiasts shopping space equivalent to the size of 3½ football fields, it will have an aquarium-themed 12-lane professional bowling facility. "It's going to look like you're bowling under the ocean," said Bass Pro Shops spokeswoman Katie Mitchell. There will also be a full service restaurant entitled Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill and a laser arcade for both children and adults featuring elements of an old mine. The store will be part retail and part museum, as it will be entirely decorated to feel that you are in the Prairie State before development. There will be exhibits and learning opportunities featuring our natural animals and the Illinois River.
Bass Pro Shops is committed to conservation and being a participant in the community that it serves. Although it's known primarily as the premier sports equipment and outdoor recreation goods retailer, Bass Pro Shops is also known for their conservation initiatives. The company's philanthropic efforts are primarily directed toward not-for-profit organizations that support the conservation of fish and wildlife, especially those which place a strong emphasis on youth development in these areas.
Bass Pro Shops Director of Conservation, Martin MacDonald, joined East Peoria city officials and community leaders on November 4th at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bass Pro Shops store in East Peoria. During the ceremony, MacDonald presented Doug Oberhelman, Caterpillar CEO and Chairman of the Board of Friends of Wildlife Prairie State Park, with a ceremonial check for $10,000, representing the organization's support to partner in conservation efforts with the Park.
"This is a great partnership that will support and enhance our mission of conservation, education, and recreation in Illinois," said Jeff Rosecrans, Executive Director. "We need to protect and preserve natural resources in our state for future generations."
Wildlife Prairie State Park is a 2,000 acre zoological park that is home to animals indigenous to Illinois including: wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bears, elk, cougars, otters and more. Visitors enjoy spectacular natural surroundings, unique lodging & meeting space, fishing and a Pioneer Farmstead. With the help of Bass Pro Shops, this unique attraction will be better equipped to serve the Peoria Area for years to come.
The East Peoria Festival of Lights 
The Parade of Lights kicks off the Festival of Lights at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 27th, 2010. This one-night event features a parade of 30-lighted floats that will cruise down the streets of East Peoria, Illinois, along a three-mile route. With more than two million lights in the Festival, the beauty will be sure to mesmerize you and your family. There is nothing quite like this parade in the country.
Following the kick-off parade, the festival continues with the journey through FOLEPI's Winter Wonderland, where all the parade floats will be on display. Cars and motor coaches can drive through this special attraction, open December 4th-January 1st. The Winter Wonderland features two miles of captivating beauty.
The East Peoria Festival of Lights is more than just lighted parade floats, it's an all-encompassing holiday experience. The 20th annual FOLEPI River Trail Classic is an Illinois Valley Striders sanctioned grand prix event attracting hundreds of runners each year. There is also a free narrated nativity scene.
Your readers can easily make their holiday getaway a full weekend with great hotel packages at www.peoria.org/hohoholidays. The Peoria Area has plenty of other great traditions to keep them busy all weekend long. Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash Broadway musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" will be presented by Eastlight Theatre. Visitors can get a tour of the beautiful 130-year-old Doering Homeplace featuring 1800s-style holiday decorations and handmade ornaments. The Spirit of Peoria, a turn-of the century paddle-wheeler, offers holiday cruises. The Peoria Ballet will perform the Nutcracker Suite at the Peoria Civic Center on December 11th and 12th. There are also poinsettia shows, Yule walks, performances of The Gift of the Magi and White Christmas, and Victorian Christmas Celebrations.
View our Calendar of Events for more details.
Eagle Watching
Below is a list of prime eagle-watching sites along the Illinois River which are easily accessible to the public and usually offer a good return on your time investment. But you don't have to travel far; they are often seen on the ice near the Illinois River barge channel, flying up and down the river or even perching high atop some of the tallest buildings in downtown Peoria. For those interested in seeing eagles in more natural settings away from the city, the Peoria Audubon Society suggests the following locations:
Chillicothe
River Beach Drive which follows the edge of the Illinois River for approximately five miles, offers a good chance to see eagles hunting for fish in the winter or perching in the trees along the road. River Beach Drive is accessed from Route 29 north of Peoria. Turn right at the stoplight at Cedar Hills Drive and follow the road, which was originally constructed in 1920. Shore Acres Park in Chillicothe is located alongside the river at the south end of town. As you are traveling north from Peoria on Route 29, turn right at the Hardee's restaurant as you enter Chillicothe. The entrance to the park is just one block away and to your right. Look for eagles on the ice near the barge channel or in trees along the opposite side of the river.
Havana
The Havana area is an Audubon enthusiast's dream. There are two world-class areas for not only eagle-spotting, but also for watching birds of all varieties. Both sites are host to active nesting eagles. At Chataqua National Wildlife Refuge, drive to the cross-dike for a spectacular view from across a lake of an eagle's nest. A spotting scope or binoculars will be required to view the nesting pair and, on occasion, a young eaglet. "DO NOT approach nesting eagles! The refuge is located south of Pekin from Route 29. Turn west on the Manito Blacktop through Manito and Forest City. As you approach Havana, turn north on 1950E to both the headquarters access and cross-dike access to Chatauqua. Clear Lake is also the site of an active eagle's nest. While on the south edge of Manito on the Manito Blacktop, turn west on 2500N toward Sand Ridge State Forest. After passing Sand Ridge, continue until the road curves south and becomes 2340E, then turns back west as 2300N. In the tiny hamlet of Goofy Ridge, proceed north to the north access to Chatauqua (near Mallard Club tavern). Clear Lake is accessible from the refuge parking area.
Southeastern Central Illinois
Creve Coeur Boat Ramp in Tazewell County allows an excellent chance for spotting eagles on the ice or in trees. Whether you choose the parking lot of the boat ramp or the more natural setting of the small, adjacent park, you will have a prime spot for eagle watching. The area is accessed by taking Route 116 (Main Street in East Peoria) south through the town toward Creve Coeur. Turn right at the stoplight to Wesley Road and follow it for about one mile to the boat ramp. The road continues past the Peoria Lock and Dam (closed to the public) and back out to Highway 29 in North Pekin near the intersection of Interstate 474. Downtown Pekin Boat Ramp, located just south of the Highway 9 bridge across the Illinois River, has become a popular spot for seeing eagles diving for fish from trees lining the opposite shore. Further south, Powerton Lake offers a good chance to spot eagles as they fish over the open water. Follow Highway 29 south of Pekin and turn west on the Manito Blackton (1500N) for approximately 2 miles.
Eagle Watching Etiquette
- - Do not approach bald eagles when they are nearby. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe them closely.
- - When you get close to an eagle while in your car, stay in the car.
- - Never approach an eagle's nest.
- - Do not make sudden loud noises, like slamming a car door.
- - If you observe a bald eagle and it notices you, you are too close. Quietly and immediately leave the area.
Eagle Events
- - 2011 Eagle Census Festival: Jan 22, 10am-2pm
- - 51st Annual Peoria Eagle Count - January 1-31st
- - Peoria Eagle Days - January 8 at 10am.
Come to the Peoria Area and let us bring out your holiday spirit! For more area events and holiday attractions check out our Calendar of Events.
Past issues of Travel Writer Stories:
September/October 2009 - Highlighting Haunted Peoria, Peoria Chiefs, and GREAT outdoor adventures!
November/December 2009 - Highlighting Peoria Ballet, Cherry Mine Disaster Anniversary and the Annual Santa Claus Parade!
January/February 2010 - Highlighting Winter Sports, Historic Happenings and Unique Festivals and Events.
June/July 2010 - Highlighting Summer Festivals in the Peoria Area.
August/September 2010 - Highlighting Summer events in the Peoria Area.
October/November 2010 - Fall fun in the Peoria Area!
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