The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents and visitors alike to pull up a chair and experience the best of Pekin’s dining scene with the return of Pekin Restaurant Week — February 9-13. This community-wide celebration was designed to encourage eating local while attracting visitors from across the region.

Pekin Restaurant Week showcases the city’s diverse lineup of locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, bars and eateries, offering a weeklong opportunity for diners to explore familiar favorites and discover new culinary gems. Participating restaurants will feature special menus, limited-time offerings, or exclusive promotions that highlight the creativity and hospitality that define Pekin’s food community.

According to the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, the initiative is about more than just great meals —  it’s about strengthening the local economy and positioning Pekin as a destination. “Our restaurants are small businesses that play a critical role in our community’s character and economic vitality,” the Chamber said. “Pekin Restaurant Week encourages residents to support local establishments while giving visitors a reason to spend time and money in our community.”

Dining has become a key driver of regional tourism, and Pekin Restaurant Week is designed to capitalize on that trend. By promoting Pekin’s culinary offerings to surrounding communities, the Chamber aims to increase day trips that benefit not only restaurants, but also retail shops and entertainment venues throughout the area. For local residents, Restaurant Week is an invitation to experience Pekin through a new lens. Whether it’s trying a restaurant you’ve always meant to visit, revisiting a longtime favorite, or gathering friends and family for a night out, the event encourages people to reconnect with their community through food. For visitors, Pekin Restaurant Week offers a curated introduction to the city’s dining scene—one that reflects local pride, entrepreneurship, and hospitality. 

The Chamber’s promotion of Pekin Restaurant Week aligns with its broader mission to create opportunities for Pekin area businesses to succeed. By highlighting local restaurants and encouraging residents to “eat local,” the Chamber is helping keep dollars circulating close to home, supporting jobs, and fostering long-term business growth. The Chamber also encourages diners to share their experiences online, further spreading the word about Pekin as a place worth visiting—and revisiting.

Pekin Restaurant Week serves as a reminder that supporting local businesses can be both meaningful and enjoyable. Every meal purchased locally helps sustain the entrepreneurs who invest in Pekin, contribute to its tax base, and create welcoming spaces where the community gathers.

More information about Pekin Restaurant Week can be found on the chamber website, www.pekinchamber.com. 

Fall in Love with Local: Creative Valentine’s Day Shopping Ideas Right Here in Pekin
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, connection, and thoughtfulness—and there’s no better place to find meaningful gifts than right here in our local business community. This year, shoppers are encouraged to think beyond big-box stores and online carts and instead discover the charm, creativity, and personal touch that local businesses bring to Valentine’s Day. Shopping local not only results in more unique and memorable gifts, it also supports small businesses that help our community thrive. From handcrafted items to unforgettable experiences, here are creative ways to make Valentine’s Day special while keeping your dollars close to home.

Say It with Flowers—and Then Some
Local florists offer far more than traditional bouquets. Many create custom arrangements, lasting floral designs, and themed packages that pair flowers with chocolates, candles, or keepsakes. Shopping locally allows you to work directly with a florist to design something that truly reflects your Valentine’s personality. Not sure where to start? The business directory at pekinchamber.com provides a categorized listing of local florists and specialty gift shops, making it easy to find the perfect match close to home.

Skip the Card Aisle—Choose Something Personal
Independent boutiques and gift shops are filled with locally made jewelry, art, home décor, and specialty items you won’t find anywhere else. Many stores carry products from area artisans, making each purchase feel more thoughtful and one-of-a-kind. Shoppers can browse categorized retail listings on discoverpekin.com, which highlights shopping destinations throughout the Pekin area and helps visitors and residents alike discover hidden gems.

Plan a Date, Not Just a Gift
Experiences can be the most meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts. Consider purchasing gift certificates to local restaurants and coffee shops and turning them into a planned date night. Pair dinner with live music or a walk through downtown to create a memorable evening. Dining and entertainment options are easily searchable through the restaurant and attraction categories on both pekinchamber.com and discoverpekin.com, offering inspiration for every taste and budget.

For the Love of Local
Bookstores, hobby shops, and specialty retailers are ideal places to find gifts tailored to your Valentine’s interests—whether that’s a new novel, game night essentials, or supplies for a shared hobby. These stores often provide expert recommendations and friendly service that make shopping more enjoyable.

Don’t Forget the Little Ones and Best Friends
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Local toy stores, pet shops, and candy stores offer fun and affordable options for kids, friends, teachers, and even furry family members.

Choosing to shop local this Valentine’s Day means more than finding the perfect gift—it means investing in the people and places that make our community special. Every purchase supports local jobs, strengthens our economy, and helps ensure our downtown and neighborhood businesses continue to flourish.

To discover participating businesses and explore categorized listings for shopping, dining, services, and experiences, visit pekinchamber.com and discoverpekin.com. This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with local—and discover everything Pekin has to offer.