A Publication of WTVP

Best of Peoria

Best of Peoria 2017

Introducing the second annual Best of Peoria: a list of the people, places and things that make Greater Peoria the best place to live, work and play… according to you!

Thank you for voting. And now… here are the winners of the 2017 Best of Peoria competition!

Nominations for 2017 are now being accepted!

Nominees must be located in our eight-county region: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark, Logan, Fulton or Mason counties. (You do not have to vote in every category… select only the ones are meaningful to you!)

Arts & Culture

Best Gallery/Studio: Studios on Sheridan
Best Visual Artist: Preston Jackson
Best Performing Artist: JammSammich
Best Theater Production: The Nutcracker, Peoria Ballet
Best Public Art Display: Sculpture Walk Peoria
Best Cultural Attraction: Peoria Riverfront Museum
Best Artistic Experience for Non-Artists: First Fridays studio tour

Food & Drink

Best Value: Avanti’s Ristorante
Best Pizzeria: Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro
Best Dinner Date: Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer
Best International Cuisine: Thanh Linh
Best Happy Hour: Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery
Best Drink in Town: One World Cafe
Best Work Lunch: One World Cafe

Business

Best Entrepreneur: Travis Mohlenbrink
Best Customer Service: CEFCU
Best Company for Young Professionals: Maui Jim
Best Social Media Presence: Washington, Illinois Police Department
Best Boss: Mark Spenny, CEFCU
Best Small Business: Whiskey City Architectural Salvage
Best Modern Workplace: CEFCU

Sports & Recreation

Best Race/Run: St. Jude Runs
Best Festival: Morton Pumpkin Festival
Best Place to Take a Stroll: Grandview Drive
Best Alternative Workout: The Yoga Projekt
Best Pet-Friendly Place: Bradley Dog Park
Best Place for Family Fun: Wildlife Prairie Park
Best Golf Course: Weaver Ridge Golf Club

Community Life

Best Fundraising Event: St. Jude Runs
Best Hidden Gem: Whiskey City Architectural Salvage
Best Landmark: Grandview Drive
Best Social Butterfly: Stacy Peterson, City of Peoria
Best Community Supporter: CEFCU
Best Photo Op: Grandview Drive
Best School: Bradley University

Check out the winners of the 2016 Best of Peoria competition!

Community Impact

Greater Peoria’s nonprofit community is an extraordinary force for advancing the common good and making our region a better place to live, work and play.

Their legacies are legendary, their impact profound. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire the rest of us who are living out our own legacies, each and every day.

40 Leaders
Under Forty

40 Leaders Under Forty is an annual celebration of emerging leaders in Greater Peoria.

Women of Influence

Each December, Peoria Magazine highlights area women who are making a difference in central Illinois, in conjunction with a half-day forum featuring breakout sessions, panels, featured speakers and more.

Previous

Next