If you need lodging near Peoria, IL, or want to enjoy gracious accommodations in the Land of Lincoln, consider this B & B in the still quaint town of Washington. Tom and Judy Gross bought a decaying old bank building, built in the 1870's, and, in 2006, transformed it into a truly fine inn, restaurant, bakery, and pub overlooking the town square. My wife and I had an engagement in the area, which we had never visited, and our host made the reservations for us. What a wonderful surprise!

The rooms are large, with high ceilings, massive windows, and private whirlpool baths. The hosts are friendly and helpful to a fault, and Judy prepared a spectacular breakfast.

Holland's Mercantile, next door, reminded me of a 1950's candy store, with its wooden floors and countless containers of self-serve treats. Do have a chocolate malt!

A few short miles north of the inn, in Metamora, visit the court house where Abe Lincoln practiced law.

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