Originally written by Erica Abdnour of Concierge Preferred. Customizable packages are available so you can treat your sweetie with flowers, champagne, a special turndown service, or cheese and fruit. Get Inspired For some of the best wineries in Galena, we have our top 5 list here. To see more information, see our post here. To see our guide to the best kayaking spots, check our post here. Nature & Parks Spas & Wellness Museums Classes & Workshops Boat Tours & Water Sports Casinos & Gambling Water & Amusement Parks Zoos & Aquariums Nightlife Bars & Clubs Comedy Clubs Dance Clubs & Discos Bar, Club & Pub Tours Traveler rating & up & up & up Neighborhoods Belmont Cragin Calumet Heights Clearing Canaryville Show all Good for Stay in a cabin at picturesque Starved Rock (Utica). Discover Jess and Neal's Galena getaway today. They were designed by Hoichi Kurisu, a designer of various Japanese gardens throughout America and Landscape Director of the Garden Society of Japan for a number of years. Some highlights include the 16th Century style Ravenstone Castle, Bettendorf Castle which was modeled after the original Vianden Castle in Luxembourg, and Old Main Castle, built in a traditional Gothic style. The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a unique museum covering the beginnings and development of the machinery company, Caterpillar. Indulge in a weekend that features gourmet tea and coffee and breakfast made-to-order. For more information on Rockford, see our previous post here. Ottawa calls itself "The Middle of Everywhere," a motto that rings true for this destination and for much of Illinois. You are in The theater is multifaceted, showing first-run films, concerts by the Belleville Philharmonic and other live stage performances. This festival caters to fans of various genres with over 160,000 attendees yearly. Whether it is through interactive exhibits or finding museums relevant to their interests, museums can be an ideal way to spend a day as a family. The main building offers a choice of eleven guest rooms while the Bell House has two more suites. Some overnighters say the accommodations may feel a bit kitschy (you can sleep in a train) but they enjoyed walking along the trails during the day. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. If you are planning a romantic couples trip, Illinois is an ideal place with a variety of things to do. If you are interested in visiting a zoo while on holiday, Illinois has you covered with a number of zoos in different areas. With over 45 rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America is ideal for entertaining children of all ages. Whether you are planning a romantic couples getaway or a fun family vacation, our guide to the best things to do in Illinois has you covered. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Enjoy some finger sandwiches and then take a look around to see what you can find; shoppers say Little Traveler sells lots of decorative items, especially for Christmas. A day at the spa is generally considered an ideal form of self-care and relaxation, so why not share that with your partner? A large portion of the city has been added to the historic register, meaning they are preserved as a piece of history. This state park has some beautiful waterfalls and rock formations with fewer people than Starved Rock. What to Do in Illinois: Museum of Science and Industry Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com Some of the golf courses found in Illinois also have a long history, such as Chicago Golf Course, ranked as the top golf course in Illinois, and first built in the 1890s. For those more interested in the history of Lincoln, following the Lincoln and Civil War Legacy Trail in Alton could be a fun and informative activity. Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations, including freestanding cottages with their own fireplaces and soaking tubs. When you're done exploring for the day, retire to the Champaign Garden Inn, a bed-and-breakfast with six guest rooms inside a Victorian Queen Anne-style mansion. Stroll through Chicago Botanic Garden. Additionally, The Beall Mansion offers massage packages and breakfast in bed is available to truly make your stay a memorable one. Dine on top of a skyscraper. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. In the warmer months you can enjoy watersports, a caf, beach rentals, and activities on the shore. As well as the many award-winning wineries, Illinois is also home to a number of great breweries. Any visiting duo is practically required to take a picture with "The Bean" (officially titled Cloud Gate), the iconic reflective sculpture in downtown's Millennium Park. It is probably the most. Many places with hiking trails also allow biking, and in some ways, biking can be more versatile with the area you are able to cover. For example, Cairo is a unique town with many abandoned structures. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is an open-air shopping plaza with more than 20 specialty stores exclusive to the Peoria market. Complete with five beautifully decorated suites, a parlor, library, music room, and dining room, The Vrooman Mansion offers a seasonal gourmet breakfast each morning and is conveniently located near wineries, breweries, the Miller Park Zoo, and several quaint restaurants. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. This Depression-era eatery operated here from the 1930s to the 1960s. Each reservation includes breakfast, beverages, and cookies, plus you can customize your stay with pizza, massages, desserts, and appetizers for an additional fee. Eat & Drink, Open every day of the week, McLean County Museum of History offers free admission to its visitors every Tuesday. A 10-foot waterslide leads from the loft bedroom to the pool. There is even a specific romance package that includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, premium chocolates, and collectible mugs to commemorate your experience. If you're both looking for a true romantic escape in nature, you're in luck: Pharaoh Campground has a dozen campsites open year-round for a small fee. Family Fun, in You can also catch a first-run film at the charming Antioch Theatre on Lake Street. Eagle watching? Visitors to the grounds recommend a tour to see the beautiful garden and original furniture. Admire The Chicago Skyline From The Oak Street Beach. Recreate some iconic movie romance with a tour of the North Shore and keep an eye out for the many places used as filming locations. Inn at 835 Springfield Right in our state capital is a beautiful turn-of-the century inn that screams luxury. Even if you've never been there before, you've seen it in countless movies and TV shows. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.). To see some of the best spa resorts in Illinois, check out our post here. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. There are many places throughout the state that are amazing to enjoy the autumn colors. Set on 17 acres of land, this bed and breakfast is a hikers and bikers dream getaway; trails are available to two nearby state parks and the I&M Canal Trail. Despite the somewhat strange name, this festival regularly attracts 80,000 visitors to enjoy the country-style food trucks, antique tractor shows,s, and live entertainment. There are many amazing museums to be found throughout Illinois. Davie School Inn is the perfect getaway for wine lovers as its right along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Some examples include Gradys Family Fun Park in Bloomington, a small park with rides, go-karts, and mini golf, or Enchanted Castle: Lombard which features laser tag, go-karts, bumper cars, and an arcade. Travelers may want to catch a show at the Lincoln Theatre, opened in 1921 as a stage for vaudeville that welcomed stars in the making such as Ginger Rogers and the Marx Brothers. You and your partner may find yourselves hiking to the heavens at the Garden of the Gods, swimming the shores of Lake Michigan or barreling down the Great River Road scenic byway. The riverfront is the place to look for a dinner reservation; try The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern. However, the real attraction is the Skydeck, on the 103rd floor of the tower. Most canopy tours last 2 3 hours and require a safety orientation before participation. Refuel after a day of exploration at Ottawa's B.A.S.H. In Illinois, you can make such a journey along the Great River Road. With a long history as the Peoples Pier, Navy Pier has always featured as a space for the public to gather and relax. The Chicago Architecture Foundation Center in conjunction with Chicagos First Lady cruise boat has designed a river cruise to feature some of Chicagos most beautiful, interesting, and historic architectural delights. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as The Bean. On the other hand, escaping to a cabin in nature can be an amazing experience, a great way to clear ones head, connect with nature, enjoy the wildlife around you and make the best of your time with your partner. Venturing away from the largest mounds also allows for great unhindered views of nature. What is Seoul Known For? Both options require a combination of patience and advance reservations, but they're well worth it, according to patrons. Whether youre looking for a lavish spa, great food and wine, or a beautiful suite, Illinois has plenty of places to relax and revitalize during a romantic couples' retreat. Located on the Chicago Loop, the lavish London House Chicago is perfectly situated for a couples weekend getaway. To see our full list of best museums in Illinois, click through to our post here. From the Shawnee Wine trail mentioned above to smaller clusters of wineries found in other parts of the state, there are many places to enjoy locally-produced wines. Also potentially of interest in Herod is a roadside park on U.S. Route 34 that leads to a cave once home to the Fairy Cliff Caf. Sip some wine and take in the view of Galena Cellar's Vineyard (Galena). Panoramic views of Chicago can be found from the top of the John Hancock Center or history can be explored in one of the many museums. There is a quarter-mile observation trail, or hikers can go all in on the 5.5-mile trek along interconnecting trails; each boasts views of the forest's unique rock formations. Julia Scott Vrooman lived there for more than a century, befriending the families of two presidents (the Wilsons and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt) and baking bread that she sent to the Queen of England and other dignitaries. Luckily, many buildings and sites have been preserved from this history and are now available to be observed and learned from in the modern day. Situated on Lake Michigan, Chicago is ideally located for enjoying the beautiful surrounding nature as well as the highlights of city life. February 13, 2019, Courtesy of Greater St. Charles Convention & Visitor Bureau, Home Head into the Rustic and Reclaimed Market for home and decor finds or the Great Lakes Antiques & Boutique, which also features the work of local artists. It doesn't have to be Valentine's Day to plan a romantic weekend getaway in Illinois. With so many winter activities available, it is a great opportunity to experience many of the popular places without the crowds, as well as take part in winter-exclusive experiences. For more information about this beach, click here. He attended St. Joseph's Academy and graduated from the last class at Corpus Christi High . Illinois has a range of scenic drives, including roads following rushing rivers, historic drives, cultural drives, and forest drives. While not traditionally known as a wine-making area, Illinois actually has quite a lot of wineries throughout the state. At 1353 ft from the ground, this is the highest observation deck in the US and the glass box allows you to see straight through to the ground below. Deidre Peverill/Flickr 2. There are a number of restaurants nearby offering a range of cuisines, making Navy Pier ideal for an extended stay. You can read our complete privacy policy here. Water parks are another great option for entertaining the family, especially during the heat of summer. When visiting Illinois, the Science Center is perfect for children of all ages and offers both day camps as well as standard visiting hours. Romantic touches here include a spa, a rose garden and a variety of intimate accommodations,. If you prefer to stick to the tried and true, Six Flags Great America is another great option among the amusement parks of Illinois. originated from an 1890 novel but later became popular on the vaudeville circuit the idea was that if your show was a hit in Peoria, it would be an overall success. A National Historic Landmark District, Nauvoo showcases a Mormon heritage with dozens of restored homes and shops available to tour by horse-drawn wagon ride for free. If summoning spirits isn't your thing, try to conjure some winnings at Argosy Casino Alton instead. Looking to leave your room and explore? Visiting Illinois at different times of the year can bring to life different aspects of the states nature, culture and attractions. Catch a seasonal floral show including a Spring Show, Orchid Show, Chrysanthemum Show, and Poinsettia Show. The saying "Will it play in Peoria?" Itinerary options for a variety of budgets make Chicago a versatile choice for a couples escape. Experience Illinois with your significant other by exploring Chicago, driving the Great River Road, hiking in Ottawa and more. Trip Ideas Explore Things To Do PLACES TO EAT BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES WINERIES & VINEYARDS HISTORY Places to Stay Inn at Irish Hollow This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites without extra cost to you. Located right in front of huge skyscrapers, the landscape is very unique. About 25 miles outside of Springfield, the Market Street Inn Bed & Breakfast in Taylorville also makes a great home base to explore central Illinois and the impact of former resident Abraham Lincoln. The Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast is an Italianate mansion designed by Irish immigrants John and Ann Cloran in 1880, where today guests can enjoy cozy rooms with fireplaces and whirlpool baths, complete with a gourmet breakfast daily. There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. Many of the wineries have a cozy, rustic yet gourmet feel and offer a wide selection of wines. If youre looking for something a bit more adventurous than basic swimming and sunbathing, kayaking might be for you. To see our guide to the best water parks in Illinois, check our post here. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. From beautiful state parks to intriguing museums, read on to find the best things to do in Illinois for you. To see more unique historic mansions in northern Illinois, see our comprehensive list here. There are many wineries in the area, and going on a winery tour while enjoying the beautiful scenery is a great way to support local businesses while also experiencing the area. For this reason, going to the beach is another good option for hot summer days in Illinois. For some more hints on hiking in Illinois, see our previous post here. Past Sybaris guests approve of the serene and private atmosphere, with some saying it brought their romantic getaway to another level. Book your trip. in Cahokia is one of only two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S., recognized for the remains of an ancient, pre-Columbian Native American city. Activities. Visit Millennium Park, the Palmer House Hotel and other city landmarks. Mundelein, Illinois, United States. If you prefer a day trip to the spa mixed in with other activities, visiting one of Illinois many day spas could be perfect for you. However, if you are going to be spending time in Grafton, you may prefer some of the following wineries. Nestled in the Chain O'Lakes region of Illinois is Cypress Resort & Marine, a great escape for couples looking for a lakeside retreat. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome on the lakeshore. Here is an overview of quaint cabins on the southern Illinois wine trail. The Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Chicago Water Tower, and more can all be found along this stretch of road. Bring your lover to Lover's Leap on a wooded trail with views of the river and the Starved Rock Dam. It is home to a range of free events, programs, celebrations, and more, held all throughout the year. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Attractions: Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Becky Thatcher Home, Mark Twain Cave, Mississippi Riverboat, Molly Brown Birthplace, antique stores, craft stores, and much more! There are actually a number of places that are open year-round, as well as seasonal spots. Why You Should Go Looking for some place to spend the upcoming weekend? While it may not seem like the most interesting topic, the center has gone above and beyond to make the experience interactive and exciting. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. Foodies seeking an Illinois escape can head to Champaign, a great Midwestern food town that's home to a lively community from the University of Illinois campus. There are rides, waterslides, pools, and carnival-style games, in addition to features like minigolf and go-karts. To see our list of the top things to do in Grafton, see our post here. September is Illinois Wine Month if you're looking to take utmost advantage of the grape harvest and all its accompanying events. Source: Henryk Sadura / shutterstock. Family Fun, From Ridge Cemetery, the cemetery to a ghost town, located at the highest point of a mountain to the Woodstock Opera House, an architecturally beautiful building supposedly haunted by the resident ghost Elvira. 2023 Guide, 12 Best Airbnbs in Sagres You Need To Stay At. Yes, that means you can have a beach day in Illinois, which also comes with the opportunity to soak in the serenity of the untouched North Dunes and Illinois Beach nature preserves, located inside the state park. This owes to its great combination of neatly planned . But Springfield is not just for history fanatics: Spend a retro date night at the Route 66 Twin Drive-In theater, open from April through September. Lincoln Park Zoo is located inside the beautiful Lincoln Park and is a great addition to a day at the park. The aforementioned Anderson Japanese Gardens can be found in Rockford as can the well-renowned Burpee Museum of Natural History. Chicago is also a great place to explore a range of different museums. in Many small cities and towns throughout Illinois feature local amusement parks. They include private baths, plush towels, hand-milled French soap, cable TV, state-of-the-art telephones, Wi-Fi and high-speed wired internet. Often belonging to important figures in the states history, these mansions are interesting from both architectural and historical standpoints. Here you'll find both the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where the Lincoln family lived for 17 years, as well as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. For our full list of winter activities in Illinois, see our more detailed post here. If you are interested in viewing some of the beautiful nature already mentioned but are looking to avoid the tired legs, or simply prefer observing from the car window, you are in luck as Illinois also has a number of scenic drives. The latter contains presidential artifacts found nowhere else and a theater that shows educational films and living history performances to immerse you in the time of Lincoln. Other top sights here to check out are the Air Combat Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's Dana Thomas House, and the Camp Butler National Cemetery. 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Get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving and all its accompanying events Drink...
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