What We Tasted....

Peoria recently had their "Taste of Peoria" on the Riverfront. This year Taylor was anxious to go. After proving that it was only $2 admission on their website the Lewis' set out to see what was to be tasted. Approaching the venue was divine as the aromas of several well known places to dine were lingering in the air. The admission paid and finding their way to the first stop: The Cookie Shack, a sure win for the kids. Then there was the sign off to the side, "1 Taste Buck." What's a Taste Buck? It's what you owe for a cookie of course. And there it was = too good to be true! One needed to purchase Taste Bucks (a dollar each) to sample any food present.

There you have it. The Lewis' were caught into believing they could actually sample food from all the restaurants present for a mere $2. Turns out you get the full burrito (or whatever they were offering) but only for 1-5 Taste Bucks at each place. But not to be hampered with extra baggage all money was left in the car except for a $5 to get in. Taylor was quoted afterwards, "We paid $4 to walk the Riverfront (normally free) and smell some amazing food." Good times had by the Lewis'! At least next time they'll know what to expect (and you too if you didn't already).

So what was tasted? NOTHING!

Peoria River Front

Jacqie & Taylor reminisced their first date in Peoria for their anniversary at the Old Chicago on the river front in Peoria. However this time the weather was much warmer (Jan vs May). While the river had overflowed in Jan leaving behind much ice, this time it was only another week before it would overflow leaving pools of water.

Size is Relative

Many of you think that Peoria, IL is just a little town way out there in Illinois. That's only because it's way out there and you've never heard of it because you live in the west. Even as Jacqie was moving here she called it "little" and "middle of nowhere." She's pretty close on the middle of nowhere as anything immediately surrounding it is quite small and full of fields. But the "little" part has been a bit misrepresented.

Here are some quick comparisons for population:
Salt Lake City, UT: 180,651 (2007 census)
Peoria, AZ: 142,024 (2006 census)
Provo, UT: 115,135 (2005 census)
Peoria, IL: 112,936 (2000 census)
Camarillo, CA: 65,601(2007 census)
Springville, UT: 26,349 (after 2000)
Tehachapi, CA: 10,957 (2000 census)

As you can see, Peoria, IL isn't really "small." And Peoria, AZ is actually named after Peoria, IL. Not because of the similar climate, but because people from IL moved there and liked the name?.. Here's more on where the name Peoria comes from - there seem to be several versions out there, this is just one reference.

To find out more about were the Lewis' live, visit this website.