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

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