Romantic getaways in Illinois: Want to take my girlfriend on our anniversary on a romantic getaway for a day or two on the weekend of June 20th. Looking for any ideas.

June 10, 2009 9:35 AM

Romantic getaways in Illinois: Want to take my girlfriend on our anniversary on a romantic getaway for a day or two on the weekend of June 20th. Looking for any ideas.

I'm looking for ideas. Chicago area or anywhere else in or around Illinois. I'd love to have something where I can stay in a room with a hot tub, but I'm not opposed to a cabin type of getaway or glitzy Chicago getaway. I'm open for ideas.

posted by MMALR to travel & transportation (13 comments total)

Are you set on the idea of Illinois? Kohler is 2.5 hours north of Chicago and has a drop-dead gorgeous hotel with hot tubs galore. It's so romantic we got married there. You will not regret it.

Otherwise, Galena is a quaint town on the west side of Illinois (3 hours from Chicago, very pleasant drive). It's chock full of romantic B&Bs and shopping.
posted by desjardins at 9:45 AM on June 10 [1 favorite]

When my fiance and I were on a long road trip out west, one of our favorite stops was Galena, IL. It's a neat historical town. We've always wanted to go back. It's considered a touristy place, so I'm sure you can find a romantic room and activities.
posted by JuiceBoxHero at 9:47 AM on June 10

Galena is a bit of a haul, I'll try looking around that area. Anybody got any suggestions other than Galena? The Kohler place looks pretty neat, I'll have to look at the pricing.
posted by MMALR at 9:54 AM on June 10

There are quite a few B&Bs tucked away in Chicago neighborhoods. I haven't stayed in any of them, but if you're looking for something close to home with a jaccuzzi, that might be an option. This directory might help you.

St. Joseph, MI is similar to Galena in terms of quaint touristy cuteness. Not sure if it would be an option distance-wise, but it's only a few hours' drive. I stayed in a cute B&B with a jaccuzzi tub and lovely views of the lake. Can dig up the name if you'd like, just MeMail me (blanking on the name right now). Bonus points for St. Joseph: you can swing by Old Fashioned Donuts on Chicago's south side on the way there.
posted by Meg_Murry at 10:10 AM on June 10

Another popular destination for Chicagoans is Lake Geneva, just over the border in Wisconsin. Haven't been there since I was a kid, myself, but it seemed pretty nice then.
posted by washburn at 10:56 AM on June 10

We stayed here last spring, while visiting the White Pine State forest (ostensibly to hunt morels, but we struck out). The cabins are pretty cool, built by the WPA back during the depression, with gas fireplaces inside and fire pits outside. Nothing fancy (and no hot tub), but nice and cozy. Excellent hiking nearby. About 2 hours west of Chicago.

We're thinking of Starved Rock next.
posted by Bron at 11:04 AM on June 10

Depending on how much time you want to spend in your room (as in naked time), Sybaris.
posted by Silvertree at 11:18 AM on June 10

LOL, I have looked at that place, and it looks pretty awesome. It's fairly close to us as well. I might check it out.
posted by MMALR at 11:19 AM on June 10

We did a "romantic weekend getaway" in Lake Geneva last year and it had potential to be lovely. Unfortunately, our B&B wasn't the best, plus we rented a car and drive the whole way which bookended a relaxing weekend with Crazy Chicago Driving Stress. If we did it again, we would take a train as close to LG as possible, and THEN rent the car. Also pick a better B&B.
posted by jennyb at 1:48 PM on June 10

we would take a train as close to LG as possible

no such thing.
posted by desjardins at 3:59 PM on June 10

we would take a train as close to LG as possible

no such thing.

The RTA/Metra's Northwestern Line runs out to Harvard IL, which is actually pretty close to Lake Geneva.
posted by washburn at 6:44 PM on June 10

Mrs. Silvertree and I really enjoyed our stay there MMLAR. :-)
posted by Silvertree at 5:50 AM on June 11

Starved Rock has a lodge in the grounds, and Matheson state park (basically across the street) has some beautiful canyons and waterfalls.
posted by garlic at 2:20 PM on June 11