Ackerman farms is a great family friendly produce market, petting zoo, gift shop and all around…read moreentertaining place. I was in town from Florida and this was a great place to savor the Midwest fall experience. I selected one of the beautiful mum plants for my Aunt and Uncle. I loved the pumpkins and squash of all sizes displayed in various bins and baskets. I wanted to back my car up to the gift shop and a take a lot of items home. They offer local popcorn, jams and candy apples, decor items and cooking tools like aprons with catchy phrases. They had a lamp I really wanted but was not sure it would fit in my car with my luggage. I found the staff very nice and willing to interact with you. They would answer questions but also let you browse and look as much as you wanted. Snother surprising thing was the animals were so friendly. Some of the alpacas came right up to me over the fence and the kitties got up from sunning themselves to greet me. I loved the clever signs and the old truck parked in front of the sunflower field. If you are looking for fall photo back drops this is the place. They serve drinks and have a picnic area. Although I was in town too early for the pumpkin festival, I felt like I got a good sampling of activities on my visit to Ackerman's Farm and the parking was very convenient.

Great place for a nice trip with friends or family. Owner and stay were great and very informative…read more Wide selection of pumpkins too.

I have never gotten to go, I really enjoy the blues. I went to one in Sparta, IL it was awesome. I…read morehave just not had the money when time came around to go.

From the owner: Illinois Blues Festival will be coming back in 2012 for its 24th anniversary! The Illinois Blues…read moreFestival is considered to be one of the best blues festivals in all of the midwest. It is produced by Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment. The Illinois Blues Festival hosts the "Road to Memphis," which is the official competition leading to the International Blues Challenge. Unsigned bands will be given the opportunity to compete for their spot into the IBC. Blues lessons have also been added to the Illinois Blues Festival. Attendees are given the opportunity to attend musician workshops and learn all about the history of blues.

Fun light show. Especially if you don't have to wait in a long line. We went on Christmas and we…read moredrove straight in. No hassle at all. $10. But I would plan accordingly. If you think there's going to be a line, use bathrooms and bring snacks before coming. Also huge tip: Make sure you are going to the "Folepi's Winter Wonderland". Because the Festival of Lights is actually a parade that is an event at a different place in East Peoria. The winter wonderland we are reviewing here is the light show you drive through. But the light show is really well done. Lots of fun things constructed I haven't seen before. Like a huge Star Trek Enterprise.

This was really cool. I had never seen anything like it before and the photos don't do it justice…read more There are so many displays and you can tell the effort & work put into them is commendable. I would imagine kids would especially love it, BUT something I didn't read about in any of the reviews is the CRAZY wait time. From the point that our car was "in line" we drove (very slowly, mind you) for over 90 minutes before getting to the ONE pay station... so two of the world's longest lines of cars are converging into one pay line. Still, it's inexpensive and there is even a radio channel you can turn to with Christmas music to really get you into the holiday spirit. So if you go, make sure you have PLENTY of time. And if you go with kids, good luck!!!

Fun small town festival that's also very affordable. You have to have a turkey sandwich (or two -…read morethey're only $4)! They also have bed races and a strawberry shortcake eating contest as well as a race and parade I believe it's usually held the second weekend in June.

Saturday 6/22/13 was the first Washington Farmers' Market. Because of the amount of rain we've had…read moreand flooded fields, produce may be a little slow this summer. My wife was quite pleased with the lettuce. Much better than store-bought, according to her. The radishes tasted good, but some were "woody". The strawberry preserves were excellent! We also had crafters come in: one lady all the way from Lincoln. Her shop is The Cloth Penguin, and she has baby bands, jewelry, skirts, and other stuff. Reach her at jfrawleyb@comcast.net. Another crafter had his wife staff the booth: thesycamoretree.net. He sells unique gift items. I'm looking forward to next Saturday when we might have more farmers show up. Northtown Farms specializes in pork burgers. Garden Marketplace specializes in vegetables.

Expensive Entry Fee & Little to See…read more Honestly save yourself money and look at the bikes in the parking lot, and visit the city sights. Vendors were a joke. Music was a joke. Events were a joke. We planned a group ride down for this , and we'll it was disappointing. Enough said.

Now the Miller Lite Grand Nationals after Bud pulled out this year. Hopefully the past greatness…read morewill return after a disappointing year this year.

Located outside of the Peoria Illinois area,this winery produces over 20 different wines in a…read moregorgeous setting. Thru out the year they offer summer concerts as well as host many weddings. They have a small gift shop as well as a tasting room. Tastings are only 3.00 for 3 selections! Since my wife and I love reds that are not sweet,we were able to try 6 different wines. The pours are served in small plastic containers and we each were given water as well as a wine glass to sample the wines. We ended up purchasing 2 bottles and we're glad we stopped.

We always have an end of the summer gathering at the Mackinaw Vineyard, and I'm not exaggerating…read morewhen I say it's one of my favorite memories from the entire summer!! Adorable venue, great property, and plenty of space. Perfect for a potluck, a concert night, evening stroll, or an opportunity to dance on the dance floor. Would recommend if you're in for a good time!!

The worst service I have had at a self service beer tap bar. Imbecile bar tenders I guess because…read moreyou draw your own beers. I asked several questions that someone with rudimentary intelligence regarding their profession and business would know. Not only did they not know, they were rude.

Disappointed by, from and with every aspect here. Piss-ant small portions. Castle style large…read moreprices. Unwelcome atmosphere. Very democrat in every regard. Bad enough the state is being run in to the ground fiscally by this party. Seeing it reach this far very aggravating.

I hope Sugar Grove doesn't use them again for next year's Corn Boil. Most expensive tickets to any…read morecarnival I've taken my family to. They stop selling wristbands during the day. 5 tickets to ride 1 ride without wrist band. 44 tickets for $40. Throw in they only take cash and no cards. I hope no one in northern Illinois books them.