City of Peru

Peru is the birthplace of internationally acclaimed violinist Maud Powell. Considered the country's first great female master of the violin, Powell began her lessons in Aurora but then went on to study in Europe with the greats including Henry Schradeik in Leipzip, Charles Dancla in Paris and Joseph Joachim in Berlin. Peru hosts the annual Maud Powell Music Festival in her honor. This year the festival is August 17 and 18. If you're on the hunt for a rare treasure or piece of nostalgia, the Peru Antique Mall will not disappoint with its 250 dealers and 30,000 sq. ft. of shopping. At the end of the day relax with water front dining on Water Street in Peru. Watch boaters and barges pass by as you relax on a patio, or sit in air conditioned comfort. Peru is easy to find at Exit 75 on Interstate 80. Festival is downtown, Water Street is of course by the Illinois River, the Antique Mall is visible from I-80.

" 278