Midwestern Renaissance

So many of my friends including both of my sons live in very cool, exciting places.  I often feel that coming from Peoria, IL seems boring by comparison. Then I experience a moment where I realize that every place has its own character and holds a sense of wonder and excitement of its own, if I will just take the time to notice.

This picture was taken last spring when we had flooding; it made me think of Venice with its waterways and channels.  After all it is not about changing my view but is about changing my perception of that view.  Rather than seeing my hometown as boring I might need to take a new look at it through fresh eyes.  There is a group of people, merchants and community leaders, who are doing just this right here in Peoria.

Their excitement spurred me to post the following on Facebook...

So, on a recommendation on Renaissance Park Community Association web page I decided to try A world of wings Wed 20 wings for $10. I am so glad I did. First the new intersection and traffic flow pattern are great. W Main Street is beautiful. There are green spaces between the buildings and street that not only are visually pleasing but it has to make the pedestrians feel safer as they walk. The intersections are nicely laid out and are again walker and biker friendly. Although Main Street was busy the traffic flow was good and easy to navigate. A World of wings is not handicapped accessible, I knew this from pictures on their web page, so we ordered take out. Ranch wings, which they say is the favorite, and Parmesan garlic, which is my favorite, are the wings we ordered with a large side of their hand cut french fries. We were not disappointed; the wings were large, meaty, flavorful, and messy. Unfortunately by the time we got home the fries were soggy, but were definitely real potatoes that probably would be great if eaten when served. 
W Main is being revitalized thanks to the work of groups like Renaissance Park Association, and it is exciting to see and feel the new energy that is flowing into this area. Take time to go by, visit the many new businesses that are popping up throughout the area, and if you are free check out their first Friday happening on June 6th. Plan to have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants in this area, enjoy the art open houses, and listen for the live music coming from their community gardens; you will be glad you did!!  

As I rode down Main Street I was delighted at the world that unfolded before me.  Old buildings had been revitalized and are being maintained.  Young faces and new businesses are cropping up along this old street, intermixed with new buildings as the community prepares for a Renaissance. Hope and new life are pouring into this area that is being called Renaissance Park.  New life is springing forth; where revitalization meets western world thought.

A community garden grows next to a gas station and old buildings are transformed into new business, with new owners, and are repaired and cared for.

This is the place I come from and for me there is a sense of pride is in this.  Peoria holds as much potential as do the other exciting places that my friends and my sons live.  Changing how I view my environment is as beneficial as changing that environment.  A big THANKS to all who hold a similar vision of making life beautiful where you live.