Please be prepared to enjoy Galena Country responsibly by wearing a mask and keeping your distance. For further information on COVID-19 guidelines in our area, please click here.
Posted on March 31, 2021 by Kirsten Bell
Welcome to a collection of brand new experiences happening only in Galena Country, which feature unique educational workshops, delicious tastings, outdoor adventures, and more! These Original Experiences are in partnership with some of the area's most sought out attractions. Don’t just visit; make the most of your time with these hands-on, behind-the-scenes fun activities that only happen here.
Delight the senses! Two of Galena's new and popular businesses, Champagne on Main and Scent Workshop, have collaborated to offer this exciting experience! Savor two glasses of delicious, sparkling bubbles in your own 'Champagne on Main' champagne flute while creating a personal signature scent candle through this guided workshop. The signature scent candle will be hand poured into a champagne bottle base – swoon! This experience is a perfect ice breaker on a first date, great bonding time with your kids, or a fun time catching up with the girlfriends!
A coffee cupping is the industry-standard method for tasting and evaluating coffee. It is also a great way to taste several coffees in a short period. Local roaster, Earl Thompson, will guide you through a 60-minute sensory exploration of three delicious Galena Roasters single-origin coffees locally roasted to custom profiles. Included is a brief discussion of specialty coffee and coffee roasting, along with an explanation of the coffee taster’s flavor wheel. All participants will walk away with samples of Galena Roasters coffee to take home with them. Private as well as group cupping events are available on request.
Immerse yourself in the striking colors and aromatic fragrance of Galena Country's countryside with a guided farm tour through Clara Joyce Flowers. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Driftless Region, this cut flower farm specializes in high-quality blooms, wedding and event floral design, and wholesale cut flower production.
Join in on a fun-filled goat trek paired with a wine tasting at Hoof It. Stroll through the forest with a glass of wine and a goat by your side! Return from the hike and enjoy a sampling of 6-1 oz tastings from local vineyard and winery, Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery. Wines will be paired with goat cheese (of course) and others. Must be 21 to attend.
Do you have what it takes to brave the forest on Halloween in Galena County? Spend time with the Hoof It goats prior to venturing out into the forest on a Glow Walk. Return to a bonfire and music. If the temperature permits the music will be live, if it is too chilly, you need to sing. Just kidding - fun Halloween music will be playing instead. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to stretch out under the stars, BYOB, snacks, or order pizza delivery from Cannova’s.
Star-filled skies, a roaring bonfire, gooey s’mores, live music, and goats! Life is good! Join in on an evening trek as the sun sets and the light fades from the forest. Return from the trek to a roaring bonfire, s’more baskets, and live music. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to stretch out under the stars and enjoy the music. BYOB, snacks, or order food delivery from Cannova’s.
Unleash your creative side! Try your hand at spoon-carving in this 3-hr workshop, where you’ll learn basic spoon-carving techniques. You will also learn about selecting the best trees for greenwood spoon carving, breaking down logs and branches into usable spoon blanks, along with practicing the essential axe and knife skills needed for safe and efficient carving.
Using only three tools (axe, straight knife, and hook knife), you'll begin carving your own wooden spoon; leaving with a few blisters on your hands, an appreciation for the therapeutic nature and addictive qualities of spoon carving, and the basic technique, confidence, and reference material needed to continue carving on your own.
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!
Please be prepared to enjoy Galena Country responsibly by wearing a mask and keeping your distance. For further information on COVID-19 guidelines in our area, please click here.
Posted on March 19, 2021 by Kirsten Bell
Discover what lies beyond the expected with an escape to Galena Country, where only the best for your vacation is good enough. Have high expectations; they will be met!
| Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa: Set on 6,800 acres of pristine woodlands and gorgeous open countryside |
| Elle & Becks: 2,500+ sq. ft, four-bedroom loft suite overlooking beautiful downtown Galena. |
| Goldmoor Inn & Dining: Set high above the banks of the Mississippi River, offering stunning views and gourmet dining experiences. |
| Inn at Irish Hollow: Elegant amenities and spectacular meals on a 500-acre working farm. |
| Jail Hill Inn: Offering the ultimate in relaxation, luxury accommodations, and location and voted #1 B&B/Inn in the USA and #2 in the World by TripAdvisor in 2019. |
| Suite Victory #1: Beautifully renovated apartment in downtown Galena with private parking and includes breakfast at Victory Café. |
| Ulysses Suites: This well-deserved buiding has been lovingly renovated with a nod to the Grant Hotel from the turn of the century. |
| Vignettes Modern Luxury: Overlooking Galena’s Main St., this apartment is professionally decorated by Vignettes of Galena. |
Tip: Few things say luxury like a relaxing spa treatment. Book a rejuvenating in-room massage during your stay.
| Champagne on Main: serving champagnes, wines, cocktails and spirits, featuring vintage and non-vintage Champagnes. |
| Fried Green Tomatoes: delicious USDA Choice steaks, fresh seafood, and award-winning wine list. |
| Fritz & Frites Bistro: a charming bistro offering mouthwatering German and French cuisine. |
| Generals’ Restaurant: unique fine dining experience at the historic DeSoto House Hotel. |
| Jamie’s Wine Studio of Galena: intimate wine, martini bar, and fine wine shop. |
| Little Tokyo: home to the freshest Japanese style steak, sushi, and tempura. |
| Log Cabin Steakhouse: Galena’s oldest and longest-running restaurant since 1935, featuring tasty Greek specialty items. |
| Timmerman’s Supper Club: fine dining with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Mighty Mississippi River. |
| Woodlands Restaurant & Lounge: award-winning intimate dining overlooking the stunning Lake Galena. |
| Galena on the Fly: Take in the beauty of Galena Country from above on a Hot Air Balloon ride complete with a champagne toast and chocolates! |
| Long Hollow Canopy Tours: Reach speeds of up to 40 mph and heights of 75 feet! Rappel off of a platform and venture across our 140-foot sky bridge to reach our final 1,250-foot zip line. |
| Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.: Take a tour of the distilling process, raise a glass and you may be lucky enough to catch a Galena Reserve release… an extremely limited and one-off expression! |
| Chocolat’ 229: an exceptional collection of European chocolates. |
| Cotton Club: fashion boutique complete with clothing, jewelry, shoes, and designer purses. |
| Galena Apothecary: offering a wide assortment of vintage votives and circa 1850 salvaged wood boxes and trays, natural beauty products, quality gifts, jewelry, books, and paper goods |
| Galena River Wine & Cheese: gourmet wines, beers, cheeses, sausages, and specialty foods |
| Gustafson & Grey, Ltd: fine jewelry, antiques, and consignments |
| Nine Generals Cigar Company: cigars, men's grooming accouterments, and barware. |
| Simply Elegant Boutique: distinctive women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry, and footwear. |
| Skidmore Art Gallery: original artwork by professional artist Mark Skidmore. |
| Union Leather: a fully dedicated leather store carrying a full line of leather products |
| Verilife Cannabis Dispensary: shop with supportive guidance from the Verilife community to confidently choose the cannabis products that fit your lifestyle. |
| Vignettes of Galena: full-service interior design; offering drapery, blinds, home furnishings, carpeting, lighting and more |
| Amelia’s Under the Lamplight Dinner Theatre: enjoy fine dining and exceptional entertainment in this unique Supper Club atmosphere. |
| Haunted Galena Tour Co.: be led through the streets of historic Galena by candlelight and enjoy haunted tales of Galena. |
| P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre: a fun night of magic entertainment in a private 24-seat theater located in the heart of historic downtown Galena. |
In Galena Country, we've always been known to have a good time... times may change, but that never will. For more ideas on ways to enjoy this unique destination, check out the Galena Country Visitors Guide and start building on those family memories! Be sure to book accommodation early and browse the official visitors guide for ideas on other ‘must-do’ experiences.
Please be prepared to enjoy Galena Country responsibly by wearing a mask and keeping your distance. For further information on COVID-19 guidelines in our area, please click here.
Posted on March 4, 2021 by Kirsten Bell
The weather is warming up, the birds are starting to chirp, and Galena Country is calling for you and your fur-child to come out and play! Plan a safe pet-centric vacation in Galena Country using this pet-friendly guide.
Fido is sure to feel like the top dog at one of these dog-approved digs where he can rest his furry head after a fun day of exploring!
Your four-legged sidekick will love the scenic and sniff-worthy hiking trails found in nature preserves, parks, and along riverbanks where he can climb, scamper, and in some cases, even swim! If he prefers to stroll more than run, pick up a picnic basket from Galena River Wine and Cheese for yourself and some treats from New Earth Animals for Fido, then head to one of the parks for a relaxing walk and picnic together. Don't forget to check the leash laws.
Friends don't let friends shop alone! Throw a leash on your besty, remind him to put on his best behavior, and hit Galena's Main Street. You will find more than 125 independently-owned businesses on this historic Main Street, many of which welcome pets. Many stores offer online shopping should you prefer not to make in-store purchases at this time.
Treat your fur-kid to a doggie donut from New Earth Animals or let him sniff out his own treat from the no-hide bar. Bon A-pet-treat Fido! What about a new outfit while you're at it?
Fur-tunately, Outside the Lines Art Gallery and Pinder Pottery welcome your pets to browse beautiful art and pottery pieces with you! Skidmore Art Gallery offers thirsty four-legged travelers a refreshing drink just outside the gallery.
Speaking of drinks, Miss Kitty's Grape Escape serves up killer martinis to enjoy with Fido at your side. If you're hungry, they serve appetizers, sandwiches, and more. Tip: The local VFW in Hanover will allow your pooch to sit at the bar with you too!
You both deserve a spa day! Doggie Do's & New Earth Animals Grooming will give your fur-baby a makeover while you pamper yourself at one of Galena Country's full-service spas. If you absolutely MUST visit a few places that do not allow pets, Doggie Do's also offers a daycare service where Fido can meet other four-legged travelers and exchange travel stories.
Time to relax with a glass of wine and reflect on your exciting adventures. Galena Country's award-winning wineries welcome pets - hot diggety dog – let's go! Sit, sip and savor delicious local wines while enjoying scenic views.
| Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery | Massbach Ridge Winery |
| Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery | Rocky Waters Vineyard & Winery |
In Galena Country, we know the importance of taking the time for the things that matter most. We've always been known to have a good time... times may change, but that never will. Browse the latest visitors guide for more ways to explore this one-of-a-kind destination!
Please be prepared to enjoy Galena Country responsibly by wearing a mask and keeping your distance. For further information on COVID-19 guidelines in our area, please click here.
Posted on February 18, 2021 by Fallon Oldenburg
Take a break from the daily stress of balancing work life, home life, and personal "you time" to regain sanity. It's a no-brainer, trade that morning alarm clock for a midweek refresher to Galena Country! Book the perfect getaway with this three-day itinerary.
Make a pit-stop in Stockton for an early lunch at Stella's Cafe' & Catering. Take time to strike a pose in front of the murals; a stop into Sweet Alice's is the perfect cure for a sweet tooth! Make your way to Elizabeth for some retail therapy at Jane Marie Boutique, Village Treasures, and Common Cents Resale. Arrive in Galena just in time to check into accommodations, followed up with a savory dinner at the General’s Restaurant. Discover a different side of Galena's history on a tour with the Haunted Galena Tour Company, or quench your thirst on Matthew's Haunted Pub Crawl. Polish off the night with drinks and live music at Miss Kitty's Grape Escape.
Begin with a hearty breakfast at Otto’s Place - be sure to ask about the quiche of the day and try a piece of warm, homemade coffee cake. Stroll across the Galena River for a fresh cup of locally-roasted brew from Trolley Depot Coffee & Tea Co., The Mean Bean, Kaladi's Coffee Bar or Big Bill's Sandwich and Coffee Bar. Discover more than of 125 independently owned boutique shops, galleries, attractions and eateries nestled into Galena's Historic Main Street. Whether you fancy yourself a foodie, fashionista, or history buff - Main Street is a treasure-hunting paradise! Next up, lunch at The Market House Restaurant, followed up with wine tasting at the Massbach Ridge Tasting Room. Learn about gourmet wine pairings made from locally-grown grapes, then stop over to the Dowling House or the Old Blacksmith Shop for a little history before dinner. Enjoy a scenic drive along historic HWY 20 to East Dubuque for a delicious meal at Timmerman’s Supper Club, perched along the bluffs of the Mighty Mississippi River. Be sure to finish off dinner with a hand-blended grasshopper! If it's a Thursday, take advantage of the live music and vintage rides at Cruisin' Thursdays.
After hitting the snooze-button, fuel up with breakfast at Victory Cafe in Galena, a leisurely morning walk along the levee and up to the Ulysses S. Grant Home for a tour. Take the scenic route home, this time via Stagecoach Trail, grab a delicious smoothie at Thriving Thistle in Apple River and a bite to eat at Chubz Pub & Grub or Wally's Pizzeria in Warren.
With Galena Country only being a few hours' drive for many - it's the perfect getaway at any time! There's a lot of places out there, but there's nowhere like us! Book your stay and let the planning begin with a browse through the digital visitors guide.
Posted on February 4, 2021 by Kirsten Bell
Image Credit: @happyrobertii
Whether it's walking with frolicking goats, racing down a snowy hill on a sled, or making your own scented candles for the home, Galena Country offers up safe and fun activities to put smiles on every face in your family. Book your cozy lodging and come hungry (and thirsty!) because you’ll be spoiled for choice, thanks to a wide variety of restaurants in Galena Country!
Shenandoah Riding Center offers scenic trails surrounded by tranquil beauty for the perfect family horseback ride or horse-drawn wagon ride! From seasoned equestrians to beginning horse enthusiasts of all ages, there is something for everyone! New to Shenandoah is Orb Soccer, which is essentially playing soccer in a hamster ball and so much fun to watch. It's safe, fun, and a must-try!
Experience the pure joy of frolicking goats walking beside you as you hike through native prairie and forest at Hoof-It Goat Treks. The goats play and entertain you along the way! Private treks are also available. Speaking of goats, destress as a family with a 45 min yoga session at Galena Goat Yoga followed by 45 minutes of goat play.
For the family that loves to ski and snowboard, this one’s for you! Chestnut Mountain Resort’s slopes are meant for all levels of skiers and boarders to enjoy. The 475-foot vertical drop meanders 3,500 feet through 19 runs, ranging from novice to black diamond, and it all overlooks exquisite views of the Mighty Mississippi River. 475 feet seems pretty steep, but don’t worry, they’ve got two quad chairs, four triple chairs, two conveyor lifts, and one surface lift to get you back up to the top!
The Nordic Center, located at the Highlands Complex at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, features exciting winter activities to keep you entertained! Grab a sled and race down the hill or try your hand at snowshoeing! Skate like no one's watching on the ice-skating rink and warm up at the fire pit to keep you going! Equipment is available to rent from the Nordic Shop. If you miss the golf course, enjoy a round on the TrackMan Golf Simulator and feel like the seasons never changed!
To say that Galena Country is 'rich in history' is an understatement. In fact, even the scenic routes to Galena Country are historic. Make an educational stop at the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum to explore to meet the spirit of Ulysses Grant in a hologram welcoming you to the museum. Find true national treasures, such as the “Peace in Union” and “General Grant on the Battlefield” paintings as well as the flag from the Vicksburg Siege! Spice up your museum visit by going on a scavenger hunt. Several age-appropriate hunts are available.
For an authentic experience that never disappoints, book a tour of the Ulysses S. Grant Home, an appreciation gift to U.S Grant in 1865 that is frozen in time and features original furnishings. Tours are kept to a minimum size for social distancing and reservations are required.
For perfect take-home items and family bonding experience, sit down together as a family at the Scent Workshop and make your own signature scent candles for your home. Learn French perfuming techniques to create custom perfumes, candles, and more in a fun and relaxing setting. Take a piece of Galena Country home with you! Find functional handmade pottery, paintings, baskets, stained glass, jewelry and more at Hello Galena! All items are made right here in Galena Country by local artists and artisans.
While Galena Country boasts a destination filled with unique and independently owned stores, there are a few that your kids will go crazy for! Poopsie's is fun, funky, and beyond the ordinary! The children can check out the toys, games, and books on one side of the store while you explore the one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, home décor, and more.
Gabby's Gifts features a wide variety of games, educational toys, outdoor fun, stuffed toys, bath and body products and lots of cool items to keep the adults busy too!
Galena Kids Store and Learning Center is an educational toy, game and puzzle store for both children and parents.Personal shopping appointments are also available at these stores. For the trendy teens in your life, we’ve curated a list of places just for them!
Before you leave Galena Country, make sure you strike a pose as a family in front of Stockton’s beautiful murals for the perfect Insta shots! While there, pop into Sweet Alice’s to stock up on delicious candy for the road trip back home! The Berkeley’s, Traighton’s Truffles, and Kylie’s Caramels are a favorite of many. Take note of the cute Alice in Wonderland theme, the kids will love it.
In Galena Country, we've always been known to have a good time... times may change, but that never will. For more fun ideas on ways to entertain the family, check out the Galena Country Visitors Guide and start building on those family memories!
Please be prepared to enjoy Galena Country responsibly by wearing a mask and keeping your distance. For further information on COVID-19 guidelines in our area, please click here.
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