Welcome Spring With A Girlfriends Getaway in Galena

Spring has taken a long time to get here this year.  So I’m asking the ladies…Can you think of a better way to start the season than a weekend getaway to Galena with a couple of your best gal pals!  Do some shopping, sip some of the local wines and brews, and I think I can handle a little spa time.

A facial treatment, long lingering massage… and how about a mani-pedi?  It is time to get ready for those cute summer sandals!

There are many Girlfriend Getaway packages available – various spa packages , vineyard tours,  or even romance packages.  You can get more details by clicking on the link below.

The Galena.org website is chock full of information so you can plan an awesome spring weekend in beautiful Galena.

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For Great Eats, Check Out Vinnie Vanucchi’s

This Is Nate

 

I recently spent a weekend with my hubby in Galena and we finally had the chance to have dinner at Vinnie Vanucchi’s. We hadn’t made reservations and due to a private party were initially told we couldn’t get seated for at least an hour and a half. Well, I was really hungry and the taste buds were only speaking Italian on this particular evening, so we asked if we could hang out at the bar and still order from their tantalizing menu. “Of course” we were told, so off we went to the bar area where we sat and met our bartender turned server Nate Cook. Nate was awesome! Typically when you dine out, your server brings you your food and drink and then leaves you to it. Because we were dining at the bar, Nate was with us throughout the evening. What a sweetie Nate turned out to be. Chatting with Nate, combined with the one-on-one service, the spectacular Italian cuisine and the ambiance of Vinnie’s made this dining experience worth posting about. When in Galena, I highly recommend Vinnie Vanucchi’s for fantastic food, spectacular service, and amazing ambience.

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Galena’s Night of the Luminaria – Dec. 15th!

Where:  Throughout Galena
When:  December 15th
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Admission: Free 

Can you believe it’s already time for the Night of the Luminaria?  This is one of my favorite Galena Holiday events and is being sponsored by the Galena Area Chamber of Commerce, who says “Encounter the ethereal beauty of Galena as it is transformed along streets, steps and walkways into an enchanting, serene and magical place. Radiating with over 5000 candle-lit luminaries aglow around the city. Whether you choose to stroll down sidewalks, travel by trolley or cuddle up in a carriage, you will be captivated by the peaceful splendor of it all. The event offers an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective and for many attending has become a family tradition”.

Area businesses have extended their hours, which makes this a perfect opportunity to shop local!   And when you need a little rest, stop in one of the local restaurants for some food (and spirits).  There are many wonderful restaurants to choose from so you can feed whatever it is you’re craving.

Prefer to stay warm and cozy and let someone else do the driving?  Take the Night of the Luminaria Bus Tour, provided by Amelia’s Tours.  Tours run from 5:00pm – 7:00pm on the half hour. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and reservations are required as space is very limited.  Check out Amelia’s Facebook Page for more information.

Galena is just so beautiful during Luminaria.  Come on out to Galena and see the beauty of The Night Of The Luminaria for yourself!

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Christmas In Elizabeth – Saturday December 1st

Christmas In Elizabeth
Saturday, 01 December, 2012 – 9:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Cost: Free

Head on over to the village of Elizabeth where you will experience an old-fashioned Christmas. Tour the 1876 Banwarth House and Museum, decorated for the holidays. Visit the Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum and see model trains and chat with Santa. At 11:00am the Apple River Fort offers a living history demonstration and more. There will be a Christmas concert, craft show and bake sale. Many stores will remain open longer offering bargains and discounts.

Here’s the schedule of the day’s events Click Here

 

 

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First Sign of Spring – Galena’s 7th Annual Wine Lover’s Weekend

 

Spring is just around the corner which means it’s time to start planning for your Wine Lover’s Weekend in Galena!
My favorite annual ritual is less than 6 weeks away, so save the date:  March 23rd, 24th and 25th
It’s the 7th year for this event, which is touted as one of the largest indoor wine tasting events in the state.  In addition to the spectacular vini, enjoy special winemaker dinners, shopping and tours as well as lodging and spa specials.
There will be two Grand tasting events – one on Friday and one on Saturday.  You should note that this event completely SOLD OUT last year, so consider yourself forewarned! You may also want to get crack-a-lackin’ on booking your lodging.
This event is so spectacular it has it’s own website. Y0u can plan your activities, reserve tickets and find lodging at the Wine Lover’s Weekend website.   I hope to see you there — I’ll be there with my camera’s rolling….
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An Evening with Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln – Sat. Feb 4th

An Evening with Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln
DeSoto House Hotel – 230 S Main St. in Galena
Saturday, February 4, 2012-6pm Cocktail Hour-7pm Dinner

Galena’s historic DeSoto House Hotel plays host to An Evening with Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln

You are invited to a rare glimpse of the 1865 White House as President and Mrs. Lincoln share stories of their lives together during a documentary play set against the backdrop of the American Civil War.

 

6:00pm – Cash Bar
7:00pm – Dinner
8:00pm – Living History Theater

Go to The Galena Historical Museum website for details on this event.

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