The Pekin Park District Miller Center is taking the 50+ community thrifting around Central Illinois. Participants on the “Next Stop Thrift Shop” trips travel once a month to second-hand stores in search of good deals. What makes these trips so much fun is the adventure it brings to the day, and of course the thrill of the hunt for hidden treasures. 

Before each trip, Alisha Dault, Miller Center Administrator and bus driver, goes over the rules for the day:

1. You must have FUN! 
2. Have an open mind because this is an adventure and we don’t always know what kind of shop we are walking into, or if it is even still open for business. 
3. Nothing is too big to shop for… whatever you buy, we will make it fit on the bus! Past trip purchases have included bicycles and outdoor furniture, so challenge accepted! 

Typical stops include small, local thrift and consignment shops, Goodwill stores, and even garage and estate sales. When it’s lunchtime, we find a restaurant near us and enjoy the local cuisine. Before we head back to Pekin, we try to end our trip with an ice cream stop.

One regular shopper, Fran says, “I love to go and see new things in different places that I normally wouldn’t travel to on my own. I enjoy making new friends and of course, I love to shop!” Fran appreciates the comfort and security of traveling with a group, exploring new places, and finding great deals. Fran and her friends have already signed up for many of the upcoming trips because they want to be sure to reserve their seats!

Hop on the bus with Miller Center as we explore thrift shops throughout Central Illinois. Miller Center Next Stop Thrift Shop trips will be visiting Bloomington, Canton, Clinton, Lewistown, Metamora, Springfield, and more. For more information, call Miller Center at 309-346-5210 or stop by and pick up a newsletter.