After spending four years at Bradley, I’ve discovered a lot of great places in town. I hear people complain that there’s nothing to do, and these people, simply put, are incorrect. If you know where to look, there’s plenty of opportunities to have fun locally.
The Peoria Riverfront Museum. The museum is one of Peoria’s true gems. It’s a true multimedia experience, with lots of art galleries, traveling exhibits, a planetarium, and the biggest movie theater screen in Illinois. It’s small enough to see everything in one afternoon and then make sure to take a walk along the riverfront if the weather is nice enough.
Lit. On Fire. If you want to support a small, queer-owned, woman-owned business, make sure to check out this adorable bookstore. It’s a great space for the community and offers books at a wide range of prices.
Ribbon Records. I love vintage fashion, and I’ve finally caved and bought a record player, which means this place is particularly dangerous for my wallet.
Rhythm Kitchen. This is probably my favorite restaurant in town. The staff couldn’t be nicer, the vibe is as cool as the New Orleans decor, and the food is the best. Pro tip: get the jerk chicken.
Diesel. Diesel is the best dance club in town, and if you catch it on a good night, you’ll see an amazing drag show.
Matilda’s. This cozy bar just opened, and its already one of my favorites. It has a 70s vibe, and a ton of the drinks are themed to be around Sesame Street characters. They also have tons of games available, so go with a group of friends, order a drink, and stay awhile.