East Peoria

East Peoria is south of Washington and Germantown Hills, and north of Creve Coeur and Pekin. It has been a central location in Peoria's metropolitan area. Growing from a small coal town in the early 1900s to a booming suburb, East Peoria continues to attract shoppers and tourists.

The nearby General Wayne A. Downing International Airport serves as the region's main airport (PIA ^IATA). Interstates 74 and 474 converge in Peoria, and Interstate 155 ends in nearby Morton, Illinois.

CityLink is the area's main transport system. Traffic is typically low except near the construction site of the new Downtown project.

The city offers many attractions for visitors. Eastside Centre is one of the largest sports centers in Illinois, and hosts many State events for junior high and high school. During the winter, the Festival of Lights is a major attraction, drawing in crowds from all over the state. It includes a parade with many floats covered in Christmas lights.

• Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino, 21 Blackjack Blvd. Casino with restaurants, hotel, and a riverboat. +1 309-699-7711

• The Levee District, 400 West Washington Street, is a shopping area with box stores and restaurants.
• Bass Pro Shops, 1000 Bass Pro Shops Dr. The store sits on the bank of the Illinois River. +1 309-427-3400

East Peoria has many great places to eat great food. The Twisty Treat Ice Cream parlor is one of the best ice cream places in Peoria. Some of the local favorites for food are Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant, Avanti's Italian Restaurant, and Carl's Bakery. Carl's Bakery can be seen by the big red chicken. Jonah's Seafood House has an oyster bar and a bakery and a market. The Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino has at least two restaurants, and there is a restaurant in the Embassy Suites Hotel.

• Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center, 100 Conference Center Dr. Swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, atrium, with a location alongside the river. +1 309-694-0200