Yesterday we presented a half dozen of this year’s The Twelve Shops of Christmas Calvalcade. And so, it’s only fitting that today we present the other six. Grab your shopping carts because it’s awaaaay we go!
Shop Number Seven: JR's Mini Mall.
Location: 712 Derby Street—Pekin, Illinois.
Phone Number: 309-620-8231.
A little bit ago we met Robert and Dylan here, Robert's not here today, but here's Dylan and check out the Captain's Kids photo hanging framed on the wall behind him! Very cool!
Dylan showed me a local board game they had just gotten in stock that was made in Peoria back in 1977.
It's a Peoria Monopoly game that's made up from local businesses back in the day. What a great find!
Shop Number Eight: Relics.
Location: 1219 West Glen Avenue—Peoria.
Phone Number: 309-681-9588.
Relics owner, Deb was there but she's camera shy, so she forced Teresa to pose for the MBIP camera on this festive day.
Relics is jammed with fun Christmas gifts...
I chose this ornament because it's equal parts creepy and cool and that's always a great combination!
Shop Number Nine: Urban Artifacts.
Location: 925 Sheridan Road—Peoria.
Phone Number: 309-361-7430.
If you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll recognize Jon, who's the owner of this fine establishment.
Last time I was here, I bought a piece of art that was made by Jon's mom, Margaret and today she's in the store and I purchased this piece that she's holding. A Christmas miracle!
And no trip to Urban Artifacts is complete without stopping by the Sandy's room in the back where we once sampled chili dogs way back when the Peoria Hot Dog Wars were in full swing. Memories!
Shop Number Ten: The Main Statement.
Location: 610 W Main Street—Peoria.
Phone Number: 309-229-1304.
Owners Danielle and Matt have a new addition to their lives, baby Atlas who's taking a nap while Daddy Matt watches the store.
Last time I was in here I got some magnets...
And so I purchased these three, my favorite is the hot dog walking the dog!
Shop Number Eleven: Stan’s Wine & Spirits.
Location: 1108 W Glen Avenue—Peoria.
Phone Number: 309-693-9463.
Owner Stan strikes a gangsta pose while holding a machine gun bottle of booze.
I was tempted to get this Toilet Bowl of Bourbon, but it was just a little bit out of my price range, so I flushed that idea away.
I decided on a sixpack of 25 ounce cans of Budweiser because noting says, "Merry Christmas" like a box of oversized beer cans. At least in my world.
Shop Number Twelve: Costume Trunk.
Location: 710 West Main Street—Peoria.
Phone Number: 309-637-4234.
Those of you who follow this blog know that I've been trying to purchase a plastic chicken here for months now and sadly, there's still no chickens available for sale. Quite a holiday disappointment!
However Costume Trunk owner, Steve Spain eases the pain by presenting these excellent Christmas sunglasses...
Perfect, I now look like I belong on stage with Wayland Flowers and Madame! Happy Hollerdays and we'll see you all tomorrow!
Related Posts: Shop Hop @ JR’s Mini-Mall, Relics, Urban Artifacts, The Main Statement, Stan’s Wine & Spirits and The Costume Trunk.
Bonus Photo From Main Statement!
When I was shopping in Main Statement I met a couple from New York who are performing at the Civic Center in the production of Mama Mia. Here's Don and Georgia who had never been to Peoria before and they said they loved it here. Georgia lives in the East Village and we shared memories of the Mars Bar. Great to meet them!
