Some great things about East, West, Central and Southern Illinois (Chicago: appointed, credit card)

[linicx]

JoshB,

I am glad you stopped by to visit. Illinois is not only a great farming state, it is also has a very diverse and interesting history and culture. It never cease to amaze that in 40 miles you can find two mid-size MSA areas, two zoological parks - Miller is one of the oldest zoos in Il - a fish hatchery, winery, microbrewery, 3 marinas, fresh (never frozen) fish, several business over 100 years old, fresh maple syrup in the spring, two minor league pro-sports teams, a rock climbing walls, eight country clubs, apple orchards, summer stock, upscale dining, jazz club, hand rolled cigars, several state parks and conservancy areas, a NA archaeology dig, casino, and you can sleep with wolves. The best part it is right in the heart of Central Illinois. You can spend a week and neither see nor experience everything I listed. I did not mention events that gained national attention, antiques, or the the four malls and enough shopping centers to satisfy most shoppers.
There is nothing quite like diamonds, silks and furs to inspire the significant "other" in your life. .

[linicx]

Jons99

Miller Park in Bloomington, Illinois is one of the two oldest zoological parks in Illinois. The ranking was based not on the opening date, but on area population. It is an accredited AZA member through 2012

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[doll lady]

Linicx.....I've travelled all over the state with my job so I probably know the state better than a lot of people. Some people use the internet to get to know the cities, but having really been there is much better because you get to see the architecture, the infrastructure of the city and the people there. I think Peoria is a really great town to visit and I really wouldn't mind living there. The riverfront is a great place to see what's happening. Between Peoria and northeast to Joliet there isn't a whole lot to do.....not a lot of cities which can claim fame to a riverfront where you can ride a steamboat, have fireworks over the river, go shopping on the riverfront in quaint old warehouse buildings, eat a heck of a good meal, shop at a farmer's market, the jazz festival, & the blues festival. I also love to go to the Peoria Symphony, go to the sports complex, go to the casino which in my estimation is better than the ones in Joliet and the quad-cities, go see great entertainment at the convention center, the museum of arts, go to see the Peoria Civic Charole/Opera Illinois, go to the Corn Stock theater, go see the light festival which is one of a kind in the nation, and the medical school campus (which my daughter went to). These are just a few things and many I haven't even mentioned. I actually like to shop in Peoria better than Chicago and St. Louis because of the variety of stores and offerings and the prices are lower too. I have taken my kids and grandkids to the zoos in Peoria and Bloomington and wildlife park and the kiddies loved these immensely. I love going to the antique malls because of the variety and decent prices compared to upper Illinois antique malls/stores and I might add that I buy a lot from these Peoria area stores. Sometimes we like to get some grub and go to the park in Pekin and watch the ducks and geese and the people paddling the water boats....how soothing that is.

People who don't live in central Illinois sometimes discredit the attributes and try to compare them to areas that are larger or something they have seen on the internet.....that isn't fair to do that and people who visit will make their own decisions...I've seen enough ratings to know that Peoria is highly rated....and I certainly will continue to visit the Peoria area and someday may even live there. Your posts help get the word out that central Illinois is a great place to visit or live. Pickemup-trucks and muddin and riding on a motorcycle may be hick to non-central Illinoisians but it's a way of life....that can't be beat even for educated folks.

[linicx]

doll lady, I agree whole heartedly with what you say. What I don't understand is why anyone who is unashamedly in love with Chicago would come to Peoria to spend money on ball games, bars and girly clubs when there is an abundance of it in Chicago - especially when they turn around and trash Peoria and Central Illinois. It makes no sense when people talk out of both sides of their mouth at the same time.

On another note, have you taken your grandkids to the Glen Oak Zoo lately? After 50 years or so they changed the name to Peoria Zoo & Botanical Gardens?. The a zoo just opened a brand new exhibit on seven acres called Africa! I just read a one line comment that the Peoria Park District either owns or manages 60,000 acres. Can you imagine what an area 60 times larger than your father's farm looks like? How many Sections is that, - and to think a lot of that land was donated. A few years ago I had a chance to talk to the PPD director. He chuckled and commented his crew took care of park property the public did not knew existed.

I"ve lived in towns far larger than Peoria. When I drove outside the city, there was nothing but paved roads and dusty towns the size of Kilborn. In every county included in the Peora MSA. you can find something to do. From Knox to Sangamon and from Stark to Mason visitors can find something unique in each county.

Here is a piece of trivia the next tune you toddle up IL 29. I believe it is Lacon that is one of a very few towns in the United States that is not only divided by a river, the town is located in two counties. I believe I read that when Peoria cast its vote for Statehood, Tazewell County could not vote as it was then a part of Peoria County. .

.

[linicx]

Originally Posted by Jons99

That makes no sense...

Why?

[doll lady]

Hi jons.....I'm serious as a heart attack thank you. I'm an avid shopper and know where in the whole state to get the best deals and the best quality....power shoppers are smart like that! And I know my way around the entire state having been a marketing executive who travelled at least 60,000 miles per year in the state. Happy shopping in your area!

[doll lady]

Linicx....have you ever been hiking or camping at Starved Rock? I think it's one of the best places to hike. Our daughter's family and us have camped there several times. There are a couple of water falls in the park which are magnificent to look at. Starved Rock isn't too far for either you or I and pretty close for Chicagoland people who like nature.

Keep on promoting our Illinois sights....I think you're doing a great job! Especially when the economic times are keeping people from taking huge, long distance and expensive trips. Sometimes day or weekend trips help clense a person's soul and rejuvenates them after a long hard week at work. I enjoy reading what you post about sites I haven't been too....and when I look them up on the internet, you have described them exactly right.

Starved Rock State Park - Starved Rock State Park

[cubssoxfan]

This may be off topic...anyone else aggravated by Illinois State Parks antiquated system of reserving campsites? WI, MI, IN you can do it on the internet-instantly. Illinois is mainly by mail and some by phone. AND too many parks do not take reservations at all. I'm sorry but if I'm driving 2 hours, I don't want to take chances on having a spot-I want a reservation.

[linicx]

If accessing a state park for camping is difficult, it is NOT off topic. I'm wondering if the lottery system was originally started in Chicago? I can remember when I couldn't enter the preserve and eat a sandwich at an empty table without a permit 50 years ago. I still think it is ridiculous but I understand the lotto system gives everyone an even chance to camp in Illinois parks. I've never seen that type of restriction in Peoria Park District except to address groups of 20 or more, but on the other hand the PPD does not manage public campgrounds.

Written requests ara sorted by envelope date; first come first served. I do not know if there is a simple answer for parks in the Chicago area due to the population.

[cubssoxfan]

It's almost like IL DNR does not seek out what other neighboring states are doing, to attract more visitors and to enhance their visit.