10 Items on Our Summer Bucket List

By

Abby Batson, Guest Writer

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Thanks to a variety of local attractions, there are plenty of summertime activities in the Peoria Area. Check out these fun adventures to try with friends this summer.

1. Take Me Out to the Ball Game {Downtown Peoria} // Dozer Park, home to the Peoria Chiefs, is booming during the summertime with crowds of fun. Enjoy America’s Pastime, the famous mascot Homer’s dancing skills, and numerous nightly crowd contests.

Peoria Chiefs

2. Walk The Long and Winding Road {Peoria Heights} // If you have a love for long walks along beautiful streets, you’ll love strolling along Grandview Drive in Peoria Heights. With gorgeous houses and river views, you’re sure to have a relaxing time.

Grandview

3. Get Crafty {Peoria} // For a fun night with friends, check out Mt. Hawley Bowl and Castle Golf for some outdoor mini golf. Choose your club, grab a drink, and capture some great photos. This course is a fun challenge on a summer evening!

Mt. Hawley Bowl and Castle Golf

4. Sip Sip Hooray {Washington} // If you’re looking for a cute place to work, read a book, or simply enjoy a great coffee, check out The Blend in Washington. With an adorable inside lounge and delicious brews, this quiet coffee shop should be on everyone’s list to visit. As a fan of flavored lattes, their Snickers specialty latte is hard to beat.

5. Raise A Glass to the Whiskey City {Peoria} // Located in the Warehouse District (formally known as “Distillery Row”), you will find Black Band Distillery, a specialized distillery helping to continue the town’s legacy as the “Whiskey City.” Explore the menu over a flight of their house-made bourbon, whiskey, gin and vodka, or try one of their popular on-tap cocktails like the Earl Greyhound.

6. Grab A Bite {Peoria Heights} // This locally-owned English-style, American pub pours pints to perfection! With indoor and outdoor seating, you will not be disappointed when you visit The Publik House. Try the fisherman’s pie or the exceptional rotisserie chicken with herbed vegetables from the chef’s own garden.

The Publik House

7. Splish Splash! {Pekin} // Dragonland Water Park is immaculately kept with ample room to stretch out and soak up the rays! Dragonland is handicapped accessible and has an award-winning lifeguard staff. This waterpark has a sand beach play area with water equipment and an extended patio with lounge chairs making it a go-to summertime hangout.

Dragonland Water Park

8. I Scream, You Scream {Peoria} // Emo’s Dairy Mart, located just off Prospect Road in Peoria, is a must when it comes to the market for ice cream in the Peoria area. You’ll know you’ve found it by the famous clown sign situated on the top of this corner shop. If you’re sticking with tradition, try one of their dipped swirl cones for a delicious bite.

9. We All Scream for Ice Cream {Eureka} // Have a craving for a waffle cone? Look no further. Uncle Bob’s Homemade Ice Cream in Eureka is home to one of the best waffle cones, packed full of two-and-a-half scoops of deliciousness. Choose from their list of over 75 flavors for a guaranteed treat for everyone.

10. Making My Way Downtown {Peoria Riverfront} // All summer long there are amazing events happening on the Riverfront! From live bands at Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery, to festivals at the Peoria Park District‘s Riverfront Park, to the Peoria Riverfront Market, to multiple charitable runs! Head downtown anytime this summer to find something fun to do.

Author
Abby Batson, Guest Writer

Discover Peoria, IL