Bring your family and friends to a fun, relaxing, and unique day trip to the historic town of Princeton.  Princeton is as easy to reach as it is easy to enjoy. From points North, South, East, and West, Princeton lies near major interstate thoroughfares and is an easy drive from Peoria, the Quad Cities, Rockford, Chicago and many smaller communities.  Plan your own day trip or gather some ideas from the below options, either way you will have an unforgettable day with family and friends!

1) The Garden Enthusiast

Enjoy the morning, walking through Hornbaker Gardens and finding treasures like beautiful pottery, Isabel Bloom sculptures, and many ideas for your garden!   Visit www.hornbakergardens.com  (Ladies, if your husbands are not into the whole garden thing, drop them off at Hunter’s Ridge Golf Course just a few miles away from Hornbaker Gardens.  He can golf and you can shop!)     

For lunch, come into town and enjoy some home cooking at Kramer’s Kitchen or try some sweet potato fries down at Wise Guys!

Take a stroll downtown Princeton to find beautiful shops including the one and only Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past, Good Scents and Annies Little Pot

 2) The History Buff

Start your trip off with a tour of the historic Lovejoy Homestead: A station on the Underground Railroad.  While you are there take a tour of the Colton Schoolhouse. www.lovejoyhomestead.com  

Stop by the famous Pizza Cellar to grab a bite to eat and then head on over the Kramer’s Kitchen for a slice of homemade pie! 

Take a stroll through the historic streets of Princeton to find shops like Sweeties, Good Scents, and Beetz Me. Also, our Historical Society is just a few blocks away from downtown.   

3) The Theatre Lover (the romantic)

Grab a romantic dinner at the famous Prime Quarter.  Grill your own steaks or sit and relax and have it grilled for you!  It’s a fun and different way to enjoy dining!

 If you are the theatre lover you are in luck, Princeton is home to Festival 56 Illinois’ largest theatre festival.  The festival begins season 2011 at the end of June and continues until August 7th.  Festival 56 also has productions in the fall!  Festival 56 has drama, comedy, musical, and also offer late night cabarets during the summer season!  Visit

After the show at Festival 56 stop by Fitzgerald’s Piano Lounge (just a block away from the Theatre) where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the kind service.     

 4) The Antique Admirer

Start your day off with spending hours in Sherwood Antique Mall (its Disneyland for antique enthusiasts) where you are bound to find many treasures and new discoveries. 

Then enjoy a relaxing lunch at The Garden Room Grille where you will have great service, great food, and a fun antique décor. 

After lunch take walk across the street and find Anne’s Antiques where you will find an array of furniture and treasures. Take a stroll down the block where you will find another antique shop. (Don't foget to stop at Java Joe's for a quick cup of coffee) Hattie’s Antiques is the best place to find unique gifts and enjoy the beautiful decorated store.