Peoria, Arizona was settled by citizens from (and named for) Peoria, Illinois back in the 1880's. Incorporated in 1854 as a farming community, today Peoria is one of the largest cities in the state. The city has developed plains to revitalize the historic center with an economic plan that focuses on growth and new developments in underutilized areas.
There are plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities in Peoria, Arizona (including the Lake Pleasant Regional Park). The Challenger Space Center is a great place to plan a "star-studded" getaway for the family. Peoria has a reputation of bringing arts and culture to the region. Theatre Works is the critically acclaimed community theatre that offers plenty of live shows during the year. Arizona Broadway Theatre offers top productions and so much more.
The climate in Peoria is typical for the region. There are hot dry summers (with temperatures reaching 100F) and cool dry winters (with lows falling down around freezing). April, May and June are the driest months with almost no rain falling during the average month.
There are plenty of cheap flights to Peoria through Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) which services the commercial flights for the region. Cheap airline tickets from Los Angeles can start around $100 US. Flying in from New York will cost a little more but cheat airline tickets wills still start under $200 US.
There are a wide range of accommodations around the city. You can find cheap hotels in Peoria, Arizona with rates starting around $75 US. Even cheap hotel rooms near the major attractions will start under $100 US.