Unique Valentine's Day Ideas for Central Illinois

Want to shower the one or ones you love with affection on Valentine's Day? Listed below are several fun events in Central Illinois on or around Valentine's Day.

Why not plan a long weekend get-away for Valentine's Day centered around one of these? Whether your taste runs to comedy, sports, or music, there is something here for everyone. Combine your Valentine's Day outing with shopping, dining, museums, and outdoor activities for an exciting time you won't soon forget. Events listed occur the weekend of Valentine's Day, on Valentine's Day, or the day after (for those who want to prolong the weekend to Monday) Valentine's Day activities listed are for Bloomington, Normal, Champaign, Peoria and Springfield, Illinois.

Knowing more about the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois area, most of the restaurants, activities, and hotels listed are in Bloomington, Illinois or Normal, Illinois. Check with one of the online hotel reservation web sites to locate hotels in Peoria, Champaign, and Springfield, Illinois. For information on restaurants, activities, and hotels, try TripAdvisor.Com.

Make your hotel, dinner, and event reservations now, because Valentine's Day, February 14, will be here before you know it. Find hotels near where you want to stay at booked.net (http://www.booked.net/).

I found these hotels that sounded like fun get-aways in Peoria, Illinois.

The Wingate by Wyndham, 7708 N Route 91, Peoria, Illinois. Packages are now available for an exciting shoppers paradise and romance package.

The Hotel Pere Marquette is a historic hotel built in 1927. The hotel is beautifully restored to its original elegance and features 288 guest rooms. The hotel provides an on site fine dining experience at Carnegies 501 The hotel features an exercise facility free hot buffet breakfast free coffee newspaper and free parking. Nearby Airports Peoria Regional - 15 miles Nearby Businesses Air National Guard - 12 miles Byerly Aviation - 8 miles. Complimentary Wireless internet DSL Refrigerator and Microwave in Most Suites. Adjoining Rooms Available ATM Machine on Site Rollaway Beds Available. Sofa Beds in Some Rooms. Jacuzzi In Honeymoon Suites. Elevators

EVENTS IN OR NEAR PEORIA, ILLINOIS

• February 12:Christian band Need To Breathe, will perform Feb. 12 at Carver Arena, following the Peoria Rivermen game against San Antonio, which starts at 7 p.m. The show is part of the team's Faith and Family night, and admission is $25 for lower bowl and $20 for upper bowl. Groups of 15 or more get $2 off per ticket. Call 676-1040, visit the Peoria Civic Center box office at 201 SW Jefferson between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or go online to Rivermen.net.
• February 13: Shinedown, rock band from Florida, with special guests Puddle of Mudd and Skillet, has scheduled a 7:30 p.m. show at the Peoria Civic Center Exhibit Hall. Tickets for the general admission show are $32.50. (http://www.shinedown.com/concerts Shinedown is an American hard rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 2001 and founded by members Brent Smith, Brad Stewart, Jasin Todd, and Barry Kerch. The group has released three albums on Atlantic Records. They have issued popular singles such as "45", "Heroes", "Save Me", "Devour", "Sound of Madness", "Second Chance", and "If You Only Knew". All of their eleven singles to date have climbed into the Top 5 of the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, making them the first to accomplish the feat.[citation needed] Shinedown's musical influences are Otis Redding, Pink Floyd, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, Iron Maiden, Stone Temple Pilots, and Foo Fighters. Shinedown has sold over six million albums worldwide.[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinedown)

  Puddle of Mudd is an American Post-grunge band from Kansas City, Missouri. They achieved success on rock radio and some success in the mainstream, and their major-label debut Come Clean has sold over 5 million copies. To date the band has sold over 7 million albums, and have had a string of #1 mainstream rock singles in the U.S[2]. They have released 2 independent and 4 major albums, with their latest being Volume 4: Songs in the Key of Love & Hate in December of 2009. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puddle_Of_Mudd).

  Skillet is a Grammy-nominated Christian hard rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee in 1996. The band consists of John Cooper (lead vocalist, bassist), his wife Korey Cooper (rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, vocalist), Ben Kasica (lead guitarist), and the newest member Jen Ledger (drummer, vocalist). Skillet has released eight albums, two receiving Grammy nominations: Collide and Comatose.[1] Over the past 13 years, Skillet has spanned many different genres, including hard rock, industrial rock, and symphonic rock. As of late 2009 they have sold 1.3 million albums.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skillet_Band)

• February 14: Prairie Thunder Ice Hockey Team competes against the Fort Wayne Comets at the Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, Illinois. Game starts at 4:05 PM
• February 14: Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre, Goodfield, Illinois, presents- "Weekend Comedy" Recurring weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Location: Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre Contact: Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre Box Office Phone: (309) 965-2545 Admission: $31.00- $35.00 Venue(s): Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre http://www.barn2.com/. Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre is happy to announce the opening of their 2010 Season with the hilarious show "Weekend Comedy" by Jeanne and Sam Bobrick opening Thursday, January 14 and playing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday brunches through March 7, with a special added evening performances on Valentine's Day, Sunday February 14. Conklin's Barn II is known for its delicious buffet which, on evening performances, includes four main entrees featuring the Barn's renowned prime rib and fried chicken, with salad, homemade soup and cheese spread, and a choice of four taste-tempting, homemade desserts. Prices for dinner and show are $31.00 on Thursday evenings, $33.00 on Friday evening and Sunday brunch, and $35.00 on Saturday evening, including tax. The special Valentine's Day evening performance is $40 per person. No advance payment is required. Conklin's is also BYOB for wine, beer or cocktails. Glasses, ice and ice buckets are provided at no extra charge.
• February 18: Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker are bringing their "American Living Unstoppable" tour to the Peoria Civic Center arena at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 and $49.75.

HIGHLY RATED NON-CHAIN RESTAURANTS IN PEORIA, ILLINOIS

• Jonah's Seafood House & 2601 Oyster Bar
• The Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe
• One World
• Fairview Farms Restaurant
• Leaves 'n Beans

EVENTS IN BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

• February 13:Rodney Carrington, country music star, performs at the Cellular Coliseum, Bloomington, Illinois. Doors open at 6 PM; the show starts at 7 PM. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000, in person at U.S. Cellular Coliseum Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticket Prices: $47.50 each. Drink In Bloomington, Illinois
  

All bars close at 1:00AM Sunday - Thursday 2:00AM Friday and Saturday, no smoking The following downtown bars are all walking distance from each other

• Daddio's, 527 North Main Street, Bloomington. Offers live music.
• Fat Jack's, 511 North Main Street, Bloomington. Offers live music, has a small, overcrowded dance floor where you can dance to current mainstream music, as well as a room for private functions.
• Illinois Brewing Company: Offers live music and karaoke twice a week. Large! 102 North Center Street. Bloomington.
• Loft: Upscale by Bloomington standards. Features live music. 220 East Front Street, Bloomington.
• McLean County Bar: A local dive bar, heavily country-flavored. 107 West Front Street, Bloomington.
• Rhino's: Dance club. Features Latin Night on Wednesdays. 602 North Main Street, Bloomington.
• Rosie's: Quaint atmosphere. Offers a high-priced food menu. 106 East Front Street, Bloomington.

Relax in Bloomington, Illinois

• The Illinois State Hookah Lounge, 202 North St. Suite A, two blocks from Watterson Towers, Tu-Sa 5PM-3AM. The only indoor place to smoke in Normal. Within three blocks of both Campus and the Bar Scene! Elegant and mainstream, the lounge offers a wide variety of entertainment; including live shows, luxury seating, and a luscious variety of hookah flavors. A must for any pre-game or post-game event. Good pricing and great staff.

Party in Bloomington, Illinois

All bars close at 1:30, no smoking allowed

• Pub II: Good for earlier fun, but later on it gets a bit crowded. Offers upbeat sportsbar atmosphere with ample seating.
• Killarneys Pub: Irish Bar themed, with the stout atmosphere of any Irish pub!
• Lunkers Tavern: Great eats and a good atmosphere, Lunkers is inexpensive and enjoyable.
• Medici:A visual experience, this restaurant-bar offers a two tiered atmosphere and a breezy sundeck.
• NV Lounge: Dance the night away in this hip nightclub atmosphere. If temperature is a question, this place is hot.

Bars in Bloomington, Illinois

• Foul Shots, 706 1/2 West Beaufort Street, Normal. Your typical frat bar: loud, current mainstream music, overcrowded late at night.
• Kegler's Pub, 804 North Hershey Road. Small bar, homey atmosphere. Offers karaoke on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays.
• Shooter's Lounge, 503 North Prospect Road Suite 304. Large bar, wide selection of food. Karaoke. Has a large room for playing pool.
• Slick Rick's Motor City Lounge, 907 East Oakland Avenue. Biker bar.
• Windjammer's Lounge, 2303 Stern Drive. Features karaoke twice a week.

EVENTS IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

• Thursday, February 11, 2010 Concerts - 7:30 PM Band of the Irish Guards / Royal Regiment Sangamon Auditorium, Springfield More info: 217. 206. 6160
• Saturday, February 13, 2010 Symphony Performances - 8:00 PM ISO Valentine with Rachel Barton Pine Sangamon Auditorium, Springfield. More info: 217. 206. 6160

• Monday, February 15, 2010 Speakers - 7:30 PM An Evening with Garrison Keillor Sangamon Auditorium, Springfield More info: 217. 206. 6160

Located on Lake Springfield, Island Bay Yacht Club was founded in 1935. With a current membership of approximately five hundred twenty five, the club has recently added a new pavillion area and continues to host weekend sailboat racing through the summer months.

• Sunday, February 14, Valentine's Day at Island Bay An Invitation to Dine with a Favorite Valentine To all those in love! Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 14th and plan to spend a romantic evening with your sweetheart. Chef Joe Solomon and Sous Chefs Shawn Andrews, Chris Higginbotham and Jon Cairy have planned a special menu to take care of all those "little" details. So sit back and enjoy our special Valentine's Day Menu. Upon arrival each lady will be presented with a beautiful red rose and a box of Godiva chocolates. Complimentary champagne and romantic piano music by the Ed Clark Trio will soon follow. Reservations can be made by calling the club office at 529-5418. The dining room hours are from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Please note that the Family Style dinner menu will not be available on this evening. $38.95 This event is covered by Island Bay's Cancellation and "No Show" Policy.

  EVENTS IN CHAMPAIGN, IL

Most events around Champaign are sports related. Check out the Fighting Illini Website for events scheduled from February 12 through February 15, 2010. (http://www.fightingillini.com/)

• February 14, 2010 (Sun) 12:00 PM: MBB - Ohio State Assembly Hall More Information Fighting Illini website
  

GOT CHILDREN? ATTRACTIONS FOR THE KIDS & YOU IN BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

• Children's Discovery Museum, 101 East Beaufort St, 1 309-433-3444, [5]. Tu, W, Sa: 9AM-5PM: Th & F: 9AM-8PM; Su: 9AM-5PM; Also open M: 9AM-5PM in June-August. Full of hands-on exhibit for children. Features an agricultural exhibit, a clock tower, science exhibits, and much more. $4.
• David Davis Mansion, 1000 East Monroe Drive, 1 309-828-1084. W-Su: 9AM-4PM. An elegant, ornate mansion that dates back to 1872. Suggested donation: $2/1 (Adults/Children).
• Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Ewing Manor - 48 Sunset Road, 1 309-438-8110 (shake@ilstu.edu, fax: +1 309-438-5806), [7]. Considered has some of the best renditions of Shakespeare in the nation.
• McLean County Museum of History, 200 North Main St (Bloomington), 309-827-0428, [8]. M-Sa: 10AM-5PM; Tu: 10AM-9PM; Also open Su: 1PM-5PM (Sept. - May). Allows one to see the customs and work practices of settlers to McLean county, along with exhibits featuring residents such as Abraham Lincoln and Adlai Stevenson. $5/4/Free (Adults/Seniors/Children & Students).
• Miller Park Zoo, 1020 South Morris Ave (Bloomington), 309-434-2250 (millerparkzoo@cityblm.org, fax: 309-434-2823), [9]. Daily 9:30AM-4:30PM (Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas). A pleasant place for a picnic and hosts a small but interesting zoo, with a good rain-forest exhibit. $4.50/3.50/Free (Adults/Children 3-12 & Seniors 60+/Children under 3).

GOT CHILDREN - RESTAURANTS IN BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

• The Coffeehouse & Deli, 114 E Beaufort St (Normal) (1 block East of ISU), (309) 452-6774. M-S, 7am-10pm; Sun, 8am-9pm. A vegetarian restaurant with many vegan options. Local art work is displayed on the wall, and changes every few months. Live music and poetry slams are held during the evenings.
• Lancaster's, 513 N. Main St. (Bloomington), 309 827-3333, Standard (if eclectic) American cuisine. Dinner M-Sa starting at 5PM (reservations advised).
• Lucca Grill, 116 E. Market St. (Bloomington), 309 828-7521. Italian; a long-time community standard. Call for hours.
• Micheleo's PizzaBest deep thick crust this side of Chicago

• Avanti's Italian Restaurant, 407 S Main St or 3302 E. Empire St. Pizza, pasta, salads and sandwiches. Everything is good and cheap, no matter what, try the bread.

GOT CHILDREN - INEXPENSIVE HOTELS IN BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

• Comfort Inn Bloomington Hotel, 50 Brock Dr. Phone: (309) 828-6000 Fax: (309) 829-4325. Located at exit #160A of Interstate Highways 55 and 74. Also at this exit are a multitude of restaurants: fast food, not so fast food, and some 24-hour food. Walk to McDonalds or Cracker Barrel, or drive merely minutes to other popular eateries.
• Econo Lodge Bloomington Hotel, 403 Brock Dr. Phone: (309) 829-3100 Fax: (309) 827-4716. Real value and convenience for both business and leisure travelers. Secure Online Reservations.
• Hawthorn Suites Bloomington, One Lyon Court Phone: (309) 829-8111. Guest amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet each morning and an evening reception each Wednesday. Each guest room includes a queen size bed(s), microwave, refrigerator and wet bar or full kitchen, 25" television, hairdryer, iron, ironing board and a full size sofa sleeper, plus complimentary high-speed Internet access. For enjoyment, our indoor swimming pool and patio area as well as our exercise facility are available for all guests.
• Quality Inn & Suites Bloomington Hotel, 401 Brock Dr. Phone: (309) 829-7602 Fax: (309) 827-4716. Located on the East side of the intersection of Illinois Highway 9 and Interstate 74 and 55 on the West side of the city. Full service restaurants and shopping are in the immediate area. Truck and bus parking is available.
• Country Inns & Suites Bloomington Normal West, 923 Maple Hill Road. checkin: 2:00 PM.
• Best Western University Inn, 6 Traders Circle. checkin: 3:00 PM-11:00 AM.
• Hampton Inn & Suites, 320 South Towanda Ave, (309) 452-8900‎.

GOT CHILDREN? RECREATION IN BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS

• Lake Bloomington and Evergreen Lake are two man-made lakes north of town that offer fishing, camping, and boating opportunities.
• Route 66 tour northbound, the next significant bit of Americana is in the small town of Pontiac, Southbound, stop in McLean at the Dixie Truckers Home, a prototypical (and, according to some, the nation's first) truck stop.

• Constitution Trail - 24 miles of paved trail for hiking, biking, and cross country skiing.
• Skate 'n' Place, 1704 S. Morris Ave., Bloomington, Illinois. Ph. 309 828-8931
• Pepsi Ice Center. Attached to the US Cellular Coliseum, Pepsi Ice Center will have an open skate on February 12, 2010 beginning at 7:30 PM and ending at 9:00 PM. The Pepsi Ice Center has a snack bar, skate rental and lockers for customer convenience.