Travel Writer Tidbits
January/February 2010 Issue
Outdoor Enthusiast - Winter Sports
Got cabin fever? Here are some places to help combat those winter blues while still being affordable and fun. For those who love fishing check out the Ice Fishing Tournament held at Wildlife Prairie State Park. This tournament marks the beginning of competitive fishing in Central Illinois. The park's 10-acre lake, located behind the Parkside Pavilion, boasts bluegill, bass, and other native Illinois fish. If fishing isn't something that you're interested in then sign up for Wildlife Prairie State Park's Winter Trail Run along the Flood Plain Trail. The race will showcase the parks Bison, Elk, and small animal enclosures hidden in the wooden terrain. All proceeds will benefit the park and it's animals.
Central Illinois is loaded with wildlife preserves and state parks where both visitors and locals can enjoy unique activities such as sporting dog training, game hunting (deer and waterfowl), windshooting clinics, field trials, forest navigation training, cross country skiing, camping, snowboarding, and ice skating... to name a few! Check out Hennepin Canal State Park in Sheffield and Jubilee College State Park in Brimfield for the ultimate outdoor experience.
Historic Happenings - Pettengill-Morron House
For more than 75 years the Peoria Historical Society has highlighted the area's architectural achievements including the Pettengill-Morron House, located on Moss Avenue in Peoria. This Second Empire-style home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1868 by Moses Pettengill, a local merchant and leader of the Peoria Anti-Slavery Society, the 11-room Victorian building holds an impressive collection of antiques, crystal, china, and silver. Jean Morron was the home's last owner and upon her death in 1966 the Peoria Historical Society declared it a historic landmark. Other notable owners of the Pettengill-Morron House included John Boyd, who's daughter Cynthia Stone married actor Jack Lemmon in the lavish parlor room. The Pettengill-Morron House now hosts annual Easter egg hunts, weekly tea parties for families, and guided weekend tours.
Unique Events and Festivals - St. Patrick's Day
On St. Patrick's Day in Peoria, everyone's Irish! This year marks Peoria's 30th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which runs through downtown Peoria. This year Kelleher's Irish Pub and Eatery partners with Suzi Davis Travel to provide two lucky winners a trip to Ireland! The money collected from ticket sales will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Peoria. Other popular pub favorites include Mushrush and Sully's which both feature classic fill-your-stomach Irish favorites including corned beef, cabbage, and shepherd's pie! The St. Patty's party doesn't stop at the parade either! Visitors and locals can visit the Grand Ballroom located at the Holiday Inn City Centre for additional music, food, and fun!
Past issues of Travel Writer Tidbits
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!
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