Posted on October 4, 2021 by Jamie Bartosch for Galena Country Tourism
Photo taken at Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery
Growing perfect grapes in northwest Illinois takes years of practice. The Galena-area families who do it have spent generations experimenting and fine-tuning their crops and winemaking processes—and wine-loving visitors profit from the results.
Depending on the vibe you’re after, you can uncork these lovingly produced wines in tasting rooms along Galena’s bustling Main Street, or enjoy a scenic drive out of town to the vineyards where the grapes are grown and the wines are perfected.
One of Galena Country’s loveliest vineyard views is from the wraparound porch at Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery. The winery and its landmark Red Barn have been owned by the Lawlor family for three generations.
Tours are available, but people mostly come to relax in the countryside and sample the 40 wine varieties. Favorites include the Sparkling Frontenac Gris, a semi-dry sparkling rosé that won Best Wine in Illinois at the 2019 Illinois State Fair. Their popular flagship wine, Eric the Red, is a dry red infused with American Oak, with notes of spearmint, tart raspberry and cherry. On a hot day, visitors might opt for wine slushies or the popular Señor and Señorita Sangrias.
Galena Cellars’ Wine Tasting Room & Gift Shop, located on Galena’s Historic Main Street, is set in a 3-story Italianate style building, originally built in the 1860s. Enjoy a tasting while listening to live music on the weekends. *
At the Main Street location of Massbach Ridge Winery, guests are welcome to bring in popcorn, chocolates and other foods they purchase in town to pair with the wines. Year after year, people return for a bottle of their sweet red Träumen wine. The Daffodil white is another crowd pleaser.
Located on an 18-acre farm, 10 miles off Highway 20 in Elizabeth, Massbach Ridge offers informal tours, tastings and shopping. The annual pre harvest festival promises hayrides through the vineyard—laden with clusters of plump grapes— and live music performances.
The style is more Italian than Illinoisan at Rosario Bruno’s Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery in Hanover. Bruno, who is of Sicilian heritage, learned winemaking techniques from his Italian friends. They would purchase California grapes right off the trains near Chicago’s famous Taylor Street, having sampled different grapes and haggled for the best prices.
Part of the charm at this winery is that it produces great wine, but the owners don’t take themselves too seriously, as their lighthearted name suggests. In a tasting room designed to look like a Tuscan village, fans uncork popular wines, like Cabernet Franc, Syrah or Moscato. The wine can be served with an Italian antipasto or cheese plate.
Also in Hanover, located on a bluff overlooking a 25-acre vineyard, is Rocky Waters Vineyard & Winery. The tranquil, boutique winery, run by the Spahn family, produces 14 wines, including the Marechal Foch Tower Red, the sweet Leon Millot Meadow Blush and the Prairie Gold Dry Riesling.
For ideas on what else you can do and see in Galena Country, browse the latest Visitors Guide.
*Edited by Galena Country Tourism to reflect updated location.
Posted on September 29, 2021 by Kirsten Bell
‘Tis the season to wrap your hands around a warm cup of comfort! We’ve rounded up some toasty ‘hot spots’ where you can relax and thaw out this winter in Galena Country!
Savor a steaming cappuccino, sip on a Chai Tea Latte or indulge in a Hot Chocolate topped with cream at this full-service coffee bar. They expertly roast their coffee in small batches – try their brew of the month and take some home with you! Make a meal of it and indulge in gourmet breakfast and lunch deliciousness!
Cozy up to a classy coffee at this French and Italian-inspired cafe. Pair your espresso with signature items such as flavored macarons, chocolate tart, French beignets, giant eclairs, pain au chocolat, pure butter croissants, and more!
Visit this local craft distillery for a tour behind the scenes and then treat yourself to a Hot Toddy made with Bourbon, honey, fresh lemon juice, and hot water before heading back out into the cold!
This unique spot features a Coffee & Gelato bar within the confines of a lifestyle boutique that offers the latest in fashion, accessories, and homeware. You can even take their delicious coffee home with you!
This cozy spot offers freshly ground coffee, espresso, and other warm drinks. Enjoy a tasty sandwich and browse local art on display and choose a bottle of wine from the wide selection of wines.
How about an Irish Coffee in an authentic Irish pub? This pub was designed and handcrafted in Ireland itself. Together with your coffee, the live entertainment and good Irish cheer is bound to warm you up in no time!
This high-quality grab-and-go bakery features delicious coffee, gourmet pastries, cupcakes, empanadas, and lunch options using local ingredients, always made from scratch.
Warm-up while sipping on a glass of mulled wine (Gluhwein) at one of these local tasting rooms situated on Galena's Historic Main Street. Browse many award-winning wines to enjoy at home.
This lovely local cafe prides itself in offering Specialty Coffee roasted in-house served on the bar as espresso drinks, brewed coffee, and cold brew. They carry Galena Roasters coffee in retail bags, including many different single origins and blends and different roast levels, so you can bring Galena Roasters home with you when you leave!
Make yourself comfortable in this family-owned coffee shop. Enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up or delicious hot chocolate as well as a selection of delicious baked goods!
Think custom gourmet coffee! Here you have the option to custom design a personal coffee blend and label. Choose up to five different mouthwatering flavors to create your own individual and unique blend. Enjoy a warm cup of freshly brewed java, made locally by fellow coffee lovers.
Tucked away in a slough in East Dubuque, Millennium brings its style of home cooking to the Mississippi River but they also offer specialty drinks including boozy loaded cocoa, spiked coffee and even candy cane martini's... okay that's not a warm drink but it warm you up from the inside!
After “striking a pose” in front of Stockton’s famous downtown murals, warm up with Stella’s famous Caramel Macchiato! Housed in the W.E. White Building, listed on the National Historic Registry, Stella’s is known for its beautiful original tin ceiling and artful ambiance. Step across the street to Sweet Alice's for some take-home treats and blooming teas!
Situated on the famous Stagecoach Trail in Apple River, lies this little gem! Not only is it a gas station, but here you will find wholesome nourishment too! Grab a Bullet-Proof coffee (coffee with butter and coconut oil blend) a delicious bite to eat, and fuel-up for your travels!
This family owned and operated coffee and tea shop specializes in hand crafting each beverage with skill and precision. On the menu, you will find ethically sourced and locally roasted (Galena Roasters) coffee as well as an assortment of full-leaf Fair Trade Organic teas. Delicious pastries, pre-packed snacks and ice cream are also on offer.
Now that we've got you all nice and toasty… you are ready to explore more of Galena Country! Spend the weekend in a place that's as original as you are. These dining options will take care of your hunger when the time comes and they will have cozy drinks to keep you going too!
Posted on August 10, 2021 by Kirsten Bell
Image: Hoof It Goat Treks
Hardworking teams need some time out together to refocus and reenergize. What better place to increase team collaboration than in historic, scenic, and fun-loving Galena Country! From gliding through treetops on a zipline tour to watching spark fly at an old blacksmith shop demo, there's something for every interest and personality on your team. We have highlighted some ideas to choose from when planning the perfect retreat.
Whether you have three or twenty team members, Galena Country has everything from cozy B&B's, to large resorts to accommdate everyone. Some ideas include the following:
Experience authentic offerings perfect for groups. Take a peek behind the scenes on a tour of a brewery or distillery, create your own scented candles, be entertained at a magic show or go on a ghost hunt in haunted Galena.
Galena Country's rolling terrain creates a natural playground for unique outdoor activities! Feed your hunger for adventure with these fun team-building experiences:
| Chestnut Mountain Resort activities | Nuts Outdoors |
| Golfing | Parks and Trails |
| Hoof It Goat Treks | Shenandoah Riding Center |
| Long Hollow Canopy Tours |
Learn about the history of Galena Country together! Gain an insight into the 1832 Black Hawk War with a visit to the Apple River Fort or follow in Ulysses S. Grant's footsteps with a visit to his home, frozen in time!
| Apple River Fort State Site | Galena History Museum Step-On Tours |
| Galena Trolley Tours | The Old Blacksmith Shop |
| Grant Home State Historic Site |
One-of-a-kind shopping in Galena Country means that the name of the game is boutique! From leather apparel, cigars, locally roasted coffee, and sportswear to delicious food items, everyone in your group will find something on Galena's Historic Main Street. This charming half-mile is lined with morre than 125 shops and restaurants!
Break from chain dining with singular eateries offering artisan-inspired dishes from around the world at every corner! Some group-friendly restaurants include the following:
Take the guesswork out of your next Group Tour with a message to the Group Experience Director and a browse through the digital visitors guide. In Galena Country, we've always been known to have a good time... times may change, but that never will.
Posted on July 29, 2021 by Fallon Oldenburg
If you want to make the most of your time, go to a place that’s frozen in it! Gather a group of friends and experience fall in Galena Country!
First up is lunch with a view at the Sunset Grille located at Chestnut Mountain Resort. Feast your eyes on incredible panoramas of the Mighty Mississippi while enjoying lunch, followed by check-in. Settle into your room before venturing downtown to Galena’s Historic Main Street, where you’ll be immersed in history on a Trolley Tour. After the tour, experience more than 125 boutiques, galleries, attractions and eateries. Finish the day with a savory meal at Galena’s oldest supper club, the Log Cabin Steakhouse. Start the meal with an order of saganaki and finish with a flaming grasshopper!
Enjoy breakfast at the resort or off site at Big Bills Sandwich Shop & Coffee Bar on Main Street. Next, head to the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site to tour the home of the United States 18th President. Take note of the many original furnishings, still on display! Next, journey outside of town to Horseshoe Mound Preserve, where you can take in views of Galena and the rolling hills of the driftless region. Be ready to snap some photos of these unforgettable views! Grab a bite to eat at Green Street Tavern at Desoto House Hotel for lunch, followed by a ‘behind the scenes’ tour at Blaum Bros Distilling Co. Make your way back to the resort to freshen up for fine dining at Timmerman’s Supper Club, a nostalgic restaurant perched along the bluffs of the Mississippi River backwaters.
Finish breakfast at the resort with a relaxing chairlift ride overlooking the Mississippi River, then venture to town for shopping and wine tasting. Fuel up at Gobbies’s Sports Pub and Eatery for lunch before heading to Hoof it Goat Treks, where you’ll experience a peaceful hike through the forest while baby goats follow and play along the trails.
Everyone loves a good story, and here, one good story always leads to another. Make plans to experience Galena Country with the best of friends, because we may be old, but never the same old thing.
Posted on July 15, 2021 by Kirsten Bell
Image: Chestnut Mountain Resort
Are you thinking about taking a midweek vacation to Galena Country but wondering if there will be anything to do, let alone after 5 p.m.? Well, pack those bags, there is more than enough to keep you entertained and the best part is, where will everyone else be? Waiting for their weekend vacations of course! Take advantage of this novel idea and profit from less crowds.
Naturally, enjoying the outdoors with others is fun, but if you’re looking for an experience that feels a little more solitary, visiting parks and trails midweek can be rewarding! Hike with entertaining goats, race down an alpine slide to the banks of the Mississippi, soar high on a zipline, or enjoy a friendly round of mini golf.
Galena Country's charming and independently owned storefronts will keep you shopping the entire day, but no need to stop there; the following stores are open after 5 p.m. Enjoy extra elbow room while browsing delicious eats and treats, clothing, homeware, specialty items, and more. Every Thursday night, live music along Galena's Main Street will serenade you while you shop.
Finally, there are some fun events that take place during the week that are typically targeted toward locals, such as trivia nights, weekly car shows, and live music - join in! How about a ghost tour or haunted pub crawl (if you dare) or enjoy a delicious wine tasting or Magic show!
Dining is generally less busy during the week, and you could even be seated right away; additionally, you might even benefit from midweek restaurant deals such as burger night at Millennium Bar & Marina on a Thursday night! Pay just $1 for a burger with the purchase of any beverage.
Galena Country transports people to another time and place to enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and adventures. Some historical, some timeless, and some brand-new, but always original! Browse the latest Visitors Guide for more ideas on how to enjoy good times and find your comfy lodging here!
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