February 9, 2010
We asked our friends to the north what they would recommend to people spending the romantic weekend in their region. Here are a few suggestions:
Stairway at Tinker Swiss Cottage, Photo by Steve Pitkin
Tired of just plain dinner and roses for Valentine’s Day? Head to Northern Ill. for unique, quirky experiences to spice up your romantic weekend getaway! Have a brew and a pizza at Carlyle Brewing Company before checking out an IceHogs hockey game or a Rampage indoor soccer game at the MetroCentre. Enjoy a meal in one of the high quality downtown restaurants (Josef of Barbados, Brio Restaurant & Wine Bar, Kuma’s Asian Bistro) before taking in a show or an art exhibition. Or really change things up and check out some history-themed events at Tinker Swiss Cottage or Midway Village Museum.
Looking for a place to stay in Northern Illinois? Ravenstone Castle B&B, Harvard is a Medieval-style castle featuring four themed sleeping rooms set among fields and woods just outside of Harvard. Before checking in make a stop at Anderson’s Candy Shop in Richmond and enjoy the finest hand-dipped chocolates since 1919. Afterwards, check out the charming antique district of Richmond and its eclectic collection of shops. For a romantic dinner in the area, head over to Port Edward Restaurant along the banks of the Fox River in Algonquin. Recently featured on Check Please! Port Ed has been local favorite for more than 40 years. Hint: Try to reserve a table in the Porpoise sailboat floating on the indoor lagoon or the windmill table or the secret room inspired by the House of Seven Gables.
Crystal Lake’s historic Raue Center for the Performing Arts is offering a special Valentine Day Cabaret on February 13th. This intimate concert puts the audience on the stage with the performers in a traditional cabaret setting. The special night includes dancing, chocolates and a champagne toast.
Want to surprise your date with a little something extra? Check out Wilson’s Floral, Country Orchids and Chocolat by Daniel.
What else would you recommend doing in Northern Illinois to make this Valentine’s Day weekend special?
- Katie
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Arts & Culture, Food & Drink, Katie Olson, Northern Illinois, Romantic Getaways | Tagged: Enjoy Illinois, IL, Northern Illinois, Rockford, Romantic Getaway, Shopping, Theater, Travel, valentine's day | 
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Posted by Katie Olson
February 9, 2010
Shawnee National Forest
Southern Illinois has so much to offer for couples looking to spend a romantic weekend together. Enjoy three days for the price of two all month at Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins, within minutes of the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. The cedar cabin lodging offers all the comforts of home and welcomes your pets, too. During your stay, sample some of the great local wines, such as Hogg Hollow’s Heavenly White, along the Southern Illinois Wine Trail. Go hiking at the Shawnee National Forest and be sure and stop in the Chocolate Factory at Dixon Springs for sweets for your loved one.
While you’re in Southern Illinois be sure to visit Wineaux’s Restaurant, a winery and vineyard in the Cache River Basin. On Valentine’s Day weekend (Saturday and Sunday) the restaurant is having a surf and turf special.
The Irish Inn
Planning to propose? Consider popping the question, or planning the wedding at The Irish Inn in the Shawnee Forest. Simple, elegant and uncomplicated weddings are becoming a trend and The Irish Inn provides a beautiful, natural setting for the big day. 89-year old World War II veteran Rev. Murrell Hazel holds the record for performing the most Irish Inn weddings, and has married people on horseback, on the Ohio River, near waterfalls or bluffs, in a grove now called “The Marriage Grove,” and in most of the natural areas in the county. For more information, visit the website or call 618.695.3355.
- Katie
Leave a Comment » | Adventure/Outdoor Illinois, Food & Drink, Katie Olson, Romantic Getaways, Southern Illinois | Tagged: Enjoy Illinois, Getaway, IL, Nature, romantic, Shawnee National Forest, Southern Illinois, Travel, valentine's day, Winery | Permalink
Posted by Katie Olson
February 8, 2010
Hearted by Scott Meis
We asked all of the Convention & Visitor Bureaus throughout Illinois to send us their personal Valentine’s Day travel recommendations and over the next couple of days we will be sharing these gems with you. Each post will feature a different region of the state – watch for two posts each day!
Spending Valentine’s Day weekend in Chicagoland? With so many options, it can be difficult to decide how to spend this special weekend. We asked the Convention and Visitor Bureaus in the region for some tips and here are a few options:
Thursday February 11- Friday February 12
What’s better than wine and chocolate? Bring your sweetie to an educational and festive evening of chocolate and wine pairing at Lynfred Winery’s Wine Seminar: Chocoholics Anonymous and enjoy eight wines with eight different chocolates. You can also ask for a tour of the wine cellars and the four luxurious bed-and breakfast suites. Call 630.529.9463 to reserve.
Saturday, February 13
Want to beat the Valentine’s Day rush? Have a touch of chocolate throughout your Pre-Valentine’s Day dinner at the Morton Arboretum! Music, chocolate and the one you love surrounded by nature will set the stage for an unforgettable, romantic evening. Prices per order are starting at $30/person. Tickets are available to the general public for two seatings at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Now -Through Sunday March 7, 2010
Catch a show at Drury Lane Thatre Valentine’s Day weekend and enjoy a dinner and/or hotel package!
Funny Girl, set in New York City, revolves around Ziegfeld comedienne Fanny Brice and her rise to fame in the early ‘20s. Told mostly in flashbacks, the musical shows her from the start as a gawky Brooklyn teen, fast-talking her way into show business and her first triumph in the Zeigfeld Follies, to becoming the toast of New York, to the unraveling of her personal life and marriage to gangster Nick Arnstein.
Drury Lane Dinner Theatre Package – Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook
Enjoy a romantic dinner for two adults and tickets to see Funny Girl at Drury Lane Theatre. The package also includes luxurious overnight accommodations in a 2-room suite and breakfast in our Atrium Restaurant the next morning. Take a swim in our newly remodeled pool or burn off your Valentine’s Day calories in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
How will you spend your Valentine’s Day weekend in Chicagoland?
- Katie
Leave a Comment » | Arts & Culture, Chicagoland, Food & Drink, Katie Olson, Romantic Getaways | Tagged: Chicagoland, Drury Lane Theatre, Enjoy Illinois, IL, Morton Arboretum, romance, Travel, valentine's day, Weekend Getaway | Permalink
Posted by Katie Olson
February 5, 2010
1 Comment | Chicago, Offbeat Illinois | Tagged: ave, beach, bean, buckinham fountain, Chicago, commute, dance, dirty diana, documentary, downtown, enjoyillinois, IL, Illinois, king of pop, lake, lake michigan, michael jackson, michigan, michigan avenue, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, River, river north, the bean, Travel, work | Permalink
Posted by Nick Nottoli
