Vineyards and Small-Town Charm in Galena, Illinois

Your holiday starts from the moment you take the visually astounding drive into Galena along Highway 20 in Illinois. Stop at the scenic overviews to soak up the views before continuing on your journey into the charming city of Galena.

Galena is a quaint and lovely city. Main Street through the historic downtown offers beautiful architecture to appreciate and lots to see and do. You will be unable to resist the two miles of specialty, apparel, antiques and boutique shops, the many delicious restaurants from fine-dining to ethnic cuisine and the art galleries that line the road. I spotted a year-round Christmas shop and in no less than 5 minutes had picked out and purchased three Christmas ornaments. I love traveling to cities and towns where small family-owned businesses thrive and there is a friendly familiarity among the locals; Galena fits this description perfectly.

Enjoy strolling along with the picturesque Victorian buildings and houses along the river which were once owned by steamboat captains and post your postcard from America’s oldest operating post-office.

Only a few miles from Galena, the elegant and luxurious Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa will literally whisk you off your feet with a magical hot-air balloon ride. Other recreational activities include golfing at the praised ‘The General’ course, which is known for its difficulty and its beauty; canoeing and paddleboarding on Lake Galena; and hiking or biking on the 20 miles of scenic trails.

The Stonedrift Spa at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is an experience you definitely want to treat yourself or your significant other to. Relax in the peaceful waiting room as you enjoy yummy fruit-infused water, snacks and calming sounds before entering one of the 10 pristine treatment rooms for a variety of luxurious beauty treatments including massages and facials.

For a slightly more rugged outdoors experience, visit the National Natural Landmark located nearby and at the confluence of the Mississippi and Apple rivers in northwestern Illinois, the Mississippi Palisades State Park. Here you can hike the 15 miles of trails rich in American Indian History, fish and enjoy the best of nature by staying at one of the camping sites

Another equally enjoyable way to spend some time is drinking one of the scrumptious 14 varieties of wine available from the family-owned Rocky Waters Vineyard and Winery in the rolling countryside of Hanover. There’s a spacious lakefront cabin available to accommodate up to 10 people, so you might even want to taste more than one.

Galena and the surrounding Great Rivers Country offers so many fun outdoor activities and so much natural beauty everywhere you look. I know you will love it here as much as I do. Start planning your holiday today!