Romance and Fun in Peoria: A 2-Day Getaway

Discover love in the heart of Illinois at Peoria.

22 April 2023

Peoria, a laid-back city in central Illinois, offers several romantic activities for couples to indulge in. From strolling through the scenic riverfront to enjoying a romantic dinner at the upscale restaurants, Peoria has it all. With its cozy accommodations, charming atmosphere and exciting nightlife, Peoria makes for a perfect romantic getaway destination.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

A Romantic Arrival

  • Check-in at the Mark Twain Hotel, a charming boutique hotel with old-world charm and modern convenience.
  • Stroll through the beautiful surroundings of the Peoria Riverfront Park and take in the panoramic views offered by the Spirit of Peoria paddleboat.
  • Treat your taste buds to a delicious lunch at the Jones Brothers Cafe, where you can enjoy classic American sandwiches, salads and soups, and freshly baked cookies.
  • Visit the Peoria Art Guild, which houses exquisite artworks of famous artists from the Midwest.
  • End the day by taking a scenic drive through Grand View Drive which boasts mesmerizing viewpoint of the Illinois River.
Day 2

A Day of Fun and Food

  • Indulge in a scrumptious brunch at One World Cafe, offering a unique and healthy menu with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Visit the Peoria Zoo and take a closer look at the exotic animal species from around the world.
  • Explore the Luthy Botanical Garden that houses an elegant collection of themed gardens and a greenhouse.
  • Catch a show at the historic Apollo Theater, a restored vaudeville theater showcasing plays, musicals, and music concerts.
  • Savor authentic Italian dishes at the connected Jim’s Bistro after the show, famous for their pastas and boozy tiramisu that will leave you wanting more.
  • Peoria may be small, but it offers plenty of activities for a romantic and fun getaway, from scenic drives to art exhibits, yummy eats, and entertaining shows; this city has it all.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Peoria by plane is to fly into the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, which is located just a few miles west of the downtown area.

Car

Driving to Peoria is the best way to get there if you're coming from within the region. The city is conveniently located at the intersection of two major interstates: I-74 and I-55.

Train

Although Peoria does have a railway station, there are no passenger trains that currently run through the city. Therefore, the best way to get to Peoria is not by train.

Boat

As Peoria is located inland, there are no direct boat routes to the city. The nearest ports are located on the Illinois River, with Peoria being accessible via the river by boat from nearby ports such as Grafton, IL or St. Louis, MO.

Bus

Peoria is served by Greyhound and Burlington Trailways, both of which stop at the Peoria CityLink Transit Center located in downtown Peoria. Taking a bus is the best way to get to Peoria if you're traveling from a nearby city or state.

Destination

Peoria

If you're looking for a town that's almost as much fun to say as it is to visit, look no further than Peoria. Although, if you're unsure how to pronounce it, don't worry - the locals will gladly correct you.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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Escape to Romance: 4 Days in Peoria

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Peoria Shenanigans: A Whimsical 4-Day Family Adventure!

Peoria, located in the heart of Illinois, offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with a blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Explore the scenic Peoria Riverfront, where you can take a riverboat cruise and enjoy waterfront dining. Don't miss the Peoria Zoo, offering an up-close encounter with exotic animals, and the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum, with interactive exhibits that engage and inspire young minds.