From charming inns and standout restaurants to unforgettable experiences and the people who make them happen—Galena Country continues to shine on the local, national, and global stage. Whether it’s hometown heroes honored at the Galena Country Tourism Awards, top-rated businesses on TripAdvisor, or major brand accolades like Wyndham’s global recognition, these awards highlight the exceptional quality and hospitality that set our region apart. Join us in celebrating the places, people, and properties that make Galena Country truly award-winning.
A Night of Recognition
Galena Country Tourism invited the community to nominate standout individuals and businesses across various categories. These awards spotlight excellence in every corner of our tourism industry, from warm front desk welcomes and perfectly crafted cocktails to social media brilliance and unforgettable attractions.
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites – Best Lodging Personnel
Some places feel like a second home, and that’s no accident. The Irish Cottage Inn & Suites team earned this award for their impeccable service and the warmth and welcome they offer every guest. From the front desk to housekeeping, their charm, attentiveness, and local spirit create stays that visitors rave about and remember long after checkout.
Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa – Best Housekeeping Personnel
Cleanliness is often invisible, but never unappreciated. The housekeeping team at Wyndham Garden sets a gold standard for comfort and care. Recognized across North America for their consistency and professionalism, they create pristine, peaceful spaces where guests can truly relax. Whether it’s a fresh towel or a spotless room, their work speaks volumes.
Jason Wiegard, Galena Territory Association – Best Maintenance Personnel
Behind every beautiful park bench and smooth walking trail is someone who never stops working. Jason Wiegard is that someone. First to arrive and last to leave, his dedication to Galena Territory keeps facilities safe, scenic, and running like clockwork. It’s the kind of quiet leadership that keeps everything—and everyone—moving smoothly.
Lisa Schmidt, Fritz & Frites – Best Restaurant Personnel (Front-of-House)
A great meal is about more than just food—it’s about feeling seen and cared for. Lisa Schmidt delivers this daily at Fritz & Frites, where her intuitive service and warm demeanor transform dining into a special occasion. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Lisa makes every table feel like the best seat in the house.
Edge by Goldmoor Inn – Best Restaurant Personnel (Back-of-House)
In the heart of one of Galena’s most celebrated kitchens, the Edge team crafts culinary excellence plate after plate. Guests praise their creativity, consistency, and big-city quality with a small-town soul. Their passion for food elevates every dish—and every visit to the Goldmoor Inn.
Terry McGovern, Beautifully Berkeley – Best Retail Personnel
Shopping here is more than browsing, it’s a conversation. Terry McGovern of Beautifully Berkeley brings genuine joy, deep product knowledge, and community pride to every interaction. Her thoughtful touch has created a store that’s not just well-loved, but unforgettable.
The Grape Escape Team – Best Bartender
When it comes to hospitality with a twist of fun, nobody does it quite like The Grape Escape crew. Known for craft cocktails and even craftier conversation, Rick, Paula, Miss Kitty and the team turn every night into a neighborhood celebration. It's not just a bar—it’s a Galena institution.
Galena Trolley Tours – Best Attraction
For decades, Galena Trolley Tours has been the first hello to the region for thousands of visitors. With entertaining guides, rich storytelling, and that signature red trolley charm, it’s more than a tour—it’s an experience that brings Galena’s past and present to life.
Galena Bakehouse – Best Social Media Presence
In a digital world full of noise, Galena Bakehouse cuts through with heart. Their posts aren’t just scroll-stoppers, they’re spirit-lifters. With warm visuals, charming stories, and a genuine connection to community, they’ve built a following that feels like family.
Jail Hill Inn – Best Website
Luxury, elegance, and ease. Jail Hill Inn’s website captures the full experience of a stay before guests even arrive. From booking to browsing, it’s beautifully intuitive and has become a model for how digital hospitality should feel.
Brianne Van Hemert – Best Tourism Ambassador
Brianne doesn’t just promote Galena Country—she lives and breathes it. A tireless collaborator, community connector, and creative mind, her efforts extend far beyond her own business, Scent Workshop. Whether it’s events, partnerships, or behind-the-scenes support, Brianne makes every visitor feel like a friend.
Fred Bonnet – Outstanding Hospitality Award
With decades of excellence under his belt, Fred Bonnet has helped define what fine dining means in Galena Country. But his impact doesn’t stop at the kitchen. Fred’s a champion of local events, a mentor, and a steadfast supporter of the community he loves, and the love is mutual.
Additionally, Fried Green Tomatoes, Fred’s beloved downtown restaurant, has been recognized by OpenTable diners with an “Exceptional” rating and an impressive 4.9-star average. It’s just one more testament to the quality and care Fred brings to every table and every guest.
Barb Hocker – Lifetime Achievement Award
Barb Hocker’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Galena’s tourism story. For decades, she’s nurtured growth, mentored leaders, and opened doors—sometimes literally—to visitors from around the world. Her work has helped shape Galena into the welcoming, thriving place we know today.
TripAdvisor 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards
Excellence in hospitality extends well beyond our annual dinner. Tripadvisor's 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards brought global recognition to several Galena Country businesses. These honors are based on consistent, outstanding reviews from travelers worldwide.
Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best
Awarded to the top 1% of listings on Tripadvisor, this is the platform’s highest honor. Galena Country is one of just two destinations worldwide to have two properties recognized in this elite category—an incredible testament to our community’s dedication to hospitality. This distinction celebrates businesses that consistently go above and beyond, as reflected in traveler reviews and ratings. Both Aldrich Guest House and Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages were featured in the Best of the Best Hotels in the U.S. – B&Bs and Inns category.
Aldrich Guest House
Just a short stroll from Galena’s historic Main Street, Aldrich Guest House charms guests with a perfect blend of 19th-century character and modern touches. From gourmet breakfasts to warm, personalized service, it’s no surprise this property is also Illinois’ first cannabis-friendly B&B—a feature that continues to spark curiosity and praise from travelers nationwide.
Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages
Set on 10 peaceful acres, Hawk Valley Retreat offers an escape into nature with private cottages, walking trails, and the kind of serenity that’s hard to come by. Guests consistently highlight the welcoming hosts, homemade breakfasts, and the sense of calm that defines every stay. It’s a hidden gem that shines on a global stage.
Travelers’ Choice 2025
Recognizing the top 10% of listings that consistently deliver exceptional experiences. These standout properties represent the warmth, quality, and attention to detail that define Galena Country. Whether it’s a cozy inn, a charming guest house, or a full-service resort, each of these businesses continues to exceed traveler expectations, earning their place among the best in the world.
Wyndham Garden Galena Honored on a Global Scale
Conveniently located along historical Route 20, the Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa has long been a favorite among visitors. This year, the team earned prestigious recognition on both a brand and global level.
2024 Wyndham Garden Housekeeping Award – Recognized across the entire Wyndham Garden brand for exceptional cleanliness and attention to detail.
2024 Best of Wyndham Garden - Awarded to top-performing Wyndham Garden hotels globally.
Global 2025 Hotel of the Year – Awarded for overall top performance across all categories, this honor places the Galena property among the best in the world.
2025 has been a standout year for Galena Country, with local favorites and global brands alike earning top honors. From unique experiences to standout restaurants, our tourism community continues to impress. Check back often to see which businesses are making their mark—you just might discover a new favorite.