Apple River Fort

 by Kirsten Bell

Winter Holidays in Galena Country

There’s something special about the holiday season. Maybe it’s the sense of wonder and amazement looking at the beautiful light displays, or the smell of hot cocoa and a fire burning in the fireplace. Or maybe, it’s the sentiment of gift-giving, family and traditions.

There’s no better way to cultivate those special feelings about the holidays, than a trip to Galena Country. Whether you’re on a family vacation, romantic getaway, or want to start a new tradition with friends, it’s the perfect addition to a wonderful holiday experience. Enjoy these wonderful events and activities during your ‘Christmas in Galena Country’ stay!

Galena

Dinner Date with History: SOLD OUT (Progressive) Sat., Nov. 10, 2018, 5-8 p.m. Join the members of Best of Galena as they open their Bed and Breakfasts for this annual event. Your evening will include appetizers, main course, and desserts, which will each be served at a different location. A wonderful opportunity to visit three different locations, meet new friends and start off your holiday festivities. Reservations required. To reserve tickets and for more information, contact Lorraine via email at info@belleairemansion.com.

Nouveau Weekend: Nov. 16-17, 2018. Calling all wine lovers and epicureans of all levels! Join us as we celebrate the French-inspired tradition of Nouveau previewing a sampling of the vintage from the fall harvest.

Shop Small Galena Country: Nov. 23-25, 2018. The weekend is kicked off with Friday Night Lights, including extended shopping hours, free parking, and free gourmet hot cocoa. Team up with your best shopping crew and #GetToGalenaCountry for some retail therapy on the #HelluvaHalfMile.

Holiday Kick Off: Sat., Nov. 24, 2018. Enjoy the garland-draped shops along Galena’s Main St. and watch as Santa is escorted to the Old Market House by carolers and festive floats! Start of Santa’s Arrival: 5:30 p.m., Lighting of Tree: 6 p.m.

Holiday Fire in the Sky: Sat., Dec. 1, 2018. Live Carolers, hot cocoa and a fireworks display will take over the Galena River levee during this holiday celebration. 3:30-6 p.m. – Attend a pre-party celebration at The Elks Club. This family-friendly gathering and will include kids activities and live music by the Wundos. 6 p.m. –  Music on the Galena River levee. Sing along to Holiday music as fireworks fill the sky!

Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows: Sat., Dec. 8, 2018, 4-7 p.m. The streets, stairs, and sidewalks of Galena will be lined with nearly 5,000 candle-lit luminaries. Experience Living Windows as the storefronts come alive with holiday vignettes, sure to bring a smile to any Grinch. Stay tuned to learn how to vote for your favorite Living Window with a chance to win a free overnight in Galena!

Dinner at Desoto House Hotel: Sat., Dec. 8, 2018, 5-10 p.m. While the town is aglow with luminaries and ‘living windows’, enjoy a dinner by candlelight in the hotel’s courtyard where you will be enchanted by white twinkling lights and magical decorations. A special menu will be offered with live entertainment by Tony Sconyers

 

Galena Festival of the Performing Arts Christmas Concert: Sun., Dec. 9, 2018, 2-4 p.m. After enjoying the Luminaria spectacle on Galena’s festively decorated streets on Saturday night, settle in for a fun-filled Sunday afternoon of Celtic music and charm – a lovely way to usher in the holiday season!

Breakfast with Santa: Sun., Dec.9, 2018, 9 a.m.-noon. For big kids and little kids… bring a list for Santa and enjoy Rudolph, Frosty, and a helpful elf while enjoying an extensive breakfast buffet. Santa arrives at 9 a.m. and leaves at noon. Reservations are highly recommended.

The Generals Christmas Ball: Sat., Dec. 15, 2018, 7-11 p.m. Formed in 1961, The Galena Generals portray the nine Civil War Generals from Galena. This fundraiser offers dinner, dancing and fun in the historic confines of the historic Desoto House Hotel. Period music provided by the Americana Band and stories by The Generals themselves. Meal of Stuffed Pork Chop and Mixed Vegetables. Period Dress Welcomed.

Christmas Carols & Cookies: Sat., Dec. 21, 2018, 7-10 p.m. Warm up with Galena Cellars as you enjoy the sounds of Christmas accompanied by seasonal holiday wines and delicious cookies! Pianist and talented soloist Lannette Calhoun will host the evening that is sure to bring you Christmas cheer. Come sing along to your favorite holiday songs and enjoy a glass of your favorite Galena Cellars wine!

New Years Eve…DeSoto Style! Dec. 31, 2018, 9:30 p.m.–Midnight. Ring in the new year with Travis Hosette and the music of “Sinatra.” Dance and party all the way to 2019! Enjoy a cash bar, Hors d’ oeuvres, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Reservations are highly recommended.

Take a tour! 
Tri-State Trolley will be offering 45 min. Night of the Luminaria tours at 5, 6, 7 and 8 p.m. for $16. Sat., Dec. 8.
Enjoy a romantic, Night of the Luminaria heated shuttle bus tour with Amelia’s and a candlelit tour of the historic Ryan Mansion for $18. Shuttle Departs right behind the Desoto House Hotel. Tours run on the hour beginning at 5 p.m. and finish with a guided candlelit tour of one Galena’s most famous homes, the Ryan Mansion.

Mistletoe Stroll Holiday House Tour: Sat., Dec. 15, 2018, 1-4 p.m. Join Best of Galena as they open up their Bed and Breakfasts! Experience Galena’s finest Bed and Breakfasts. Tour their parlors and dining rooms, which have been decked out for the holidays and enjoy a couple of tasty treats – they may even share some recipes!

Tip: Plan a romantic dinner for just the two of you, try One Eleven Main for farm-to-table or Fritz & Frites for an intimate setting with a European flair.

Elizabeth

Christmas in Elizabeth: Sat., Dec. 1, 2018, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas with the Village of Elizabeth. Tour the 1876 Banwarth House & Museum decorated for the season, check out the caboose and ten operating model trains at the Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum, ride a trolley and visit Santa. While you are there, partake in the living history demonstration at the Apple River Fort and participate in the Santa Dash! Enjoy a craft fair, live music, food and children’s activities. In cooperation with the Elizabeth, IL Chamber of Commerce annual event, “Christmas in the Village‚” the Apple River Fort State Historic Site will provide holiday atmosphere with seasonal music and host baked items and small home-made gifts sale at the Interpretive Center (311 E. Myrtle St.). Costumed history interpreters will also participate in interactive impressions and activities.

Tip: Get a latté or bottle of wine at E-Town Coffee and make sure there’s time to stroll through Elizabeth’s Grand Antique Mall.

Stockton

Living Windows: Fri., Nov. 23, 2018, 4-6 p.m. As part of the Shop Small Galena Country weekend event, Stockton’s store front’s will come alive with Living Windows! An event that is sure to get you into the holiday sprit! Come hungry and enjoy a pop-up dinner at Stella’s Cafe & Catering from 5-9 p.m. Reservations are recommended!

Stockton Christmas Walk: Fri. Dec. 7 2018, 5:30 p.m. Welcome the holiday season with caroling, Christmas tree lighting and the crowing of Little Jack Frost and Miss Merry Christmas. On Sat., Dec. 8, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., stroll from store to store and shop, visit Santa, explore the festival of trees, ride in a horse-drawn wagon and grab a bite to eat in downtown!

Tip: Stop into Sweet Alice’s for a treat then shop for gifts and holiday decor at Beautifully Berkeley Bouquets & Home. Warm up in Stella’s Cafe & Catering with a blooming tea and fresh bread.

 

Warren

Warren Christmas Walk: Enjoy the Festival of Trees in the charming & historic Warren Community Building (Old Stone Hotel), starting November 30 and ending January 6, 2018. Stroll through town to see the decorated snowmen contributed by local businesses and holiday decorations. Santa will arrive in a parade on Monday, December 3 from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Explore the town and sample the treats and refreshments provided by participating businesses, don’t forget to register for door prizes!

Tip: Stop in to Wally’s Pizzeria for a great meal in their charming Main St. diner and Pecatonica Beer Co. for a local brew!

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 by Kirsten Bell

Finding Fun for Kids This Summer!

kids climbing fence

We all look forward to spending lots of quality time with the kids over the summer months, but sometimes you need help keeping them engaged and occupied. Whether it’s experiencing the rich history of Galena Country or running them ragged at the park, we’ve got some ideas for you!

Summer Camp:

  • Shenandoah Riding Center (Galena):¬†Horseback Riding Camp for riders of all skill levels¬†with opportunities in¬†five sessions of 1/2 day lessons. New this year is a sleepover camp July 18-20!
  • The Country Experience at Amstutz Farm (Elizabeth):¬†The Country Experience is a summer sleep-away camp for 7-12 year olds. A working farm where real-world work/play = confidence, respect, appreciation, joy. Read what Crain’s Chicago Business had to say about them HERE! (pictured)
  • Camp Casper with the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation:¬†With well over 900,000 known species, insects are the most diverse group of living things on Earth. They are pollinators, pests, predators, and prey, and they are the focus of Camp Casper 2016. With such a diversity of niches, behaviors, and life histories to cover, this is sure to be a fascinating year for Camp Casper. ¬†Two separate sessions open to different age groups. Older kids (ages 9-13) will attend on Monday through Wednesday while younger kids (ages 6-8) will attend Wednesday through Friday, June 21-24.¬†There is a fee attached to this program¬†and RSVP‚Äôs are required by calling JDCF at 815-858-9100 or emailing educator@jdcf.org.
  • Planetary Studies Foundation Summer Camp (Elizabeth): With programs like these it would be hard to choose…Living in the 1800’s, Space Week Astronaut Training, Cemetery & Genealogy Studies, Oceanography and Planet Earth & It’s Neighbors. For schedules, fees and registration click HERE!
    Learn more about the foundation, the museum and their special events HERE!
  • Galena Arts & Recreation Center (ARC): A valuable asset to the City of Galena and the surrounding communities, the Galena ARC offers several programs for school age children. Learn something new in the¬†Art Program or sign up the kids to spend the day at the pool with their Summer Camp!
  • Galena Territory Summer Program (Galena): Property owners and renters¬†can take advantage of summer programs at the Owners’ Club. Call Sue in the Recreation Department for details!
  • Camp Eagle at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa¬†(Galena): Book your stay at the Inn or choose from their condos and rental homes. There’s plenty to do as a family at the resort, but when you want to head to the spa,¬†hit the links¬†as a couple or take a romantic champagne cruise,¬†Camp Eagle provides activities and fun for kids age 4-12.

Disc Golf_Chestnut Photo

Outdoor Fun:

  • Disc or Foot Golf: Try something new with foot golf at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa or Lacoma in East Dubuque or¬†Disc Golf at Chestnut Mountain Resort.
  • Swimming Pools: Galena, Stockton, East Dubuque and Warren all have outdoor public¬†pools. The Galena Territory indoor and outdoor pools are open to property owners and guests.
  • Alpine Slide & Zip Line: Sled down the mountain towards the Mississippi River at Chestnut Mountain Resort! Check for special¬†passes and get unlimited rides! The Soaring Eagle gives you a bird’s eye view with panoramic views of the mountain, river and beyond!
  • Golf Lessons: Call up the pros for a private lesson at Woodbine Bend or Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa!
  • Paddle Board: Rent the equipment and get a lesson on paddle-boarding on the Galena River with Fever River Outfitters.

blacksmithshop_BradBasham

History Lessons:

    • Galena & U.S. Grant¬†Museum: View the hologram presentation before looking down into the real lead mine and then taking in the brand new Port of Galena exhibit.
    • Grant’s Home: Tour the home given to Ulysses and Julia Grant by the City of Galena.
    • Blacksmith Shop: Watch and learn from the ¬†blacksmiths as they forge items that are then sold in the gift shop!
    • Galena Public Library: Stop in to the Children’s Library for a quiet break!
    • Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum: Learn about the history and the influence the railroad had on Jo Daviess County.
    • Apple River Fort: Let the costumed interpreters show you the way of life for settlers back in 1832¬†when the Fort and the people in it held off¬†Blackhawk and his troops.

Try Something New:

  • Cooking Demonstration with Susan Steffan, The Breakfast Diva: Let the Breakfast Diva demonstrate some of her favorite recipes! Susan Steffan was a contestant on season 2 of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship and her recipe was voted No. 1 by BedAndBreakfast.com! (Great for older kids!)
  • Magic Show with P.T. Murphy: “Galena’s #1 Attraction!” -Trip Advisor 2013, 2014. Witness the mysteries of an ancient art up close in P.T. Murphy‚Äôs private 24 seat theater located in the heart of historic downtown Galena.

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Have fun in Galena Country!

 

 

in Blog / Galena Summer 2016 0 comments