And now for a little retail therapy...and the best getaway ever
If you’re like me, no decent getaway can be had without scoring some great shopping. There are enough boutiques here to make a husband faint, or at the very least, run for the pub and tell you to phone him when you're done. Yep, Galena is a premium girlfriend getaway location. A few of my favorites:
Fairy Tales Too
213 South Main Street
Galena, IL 61036-2226
815-777-3000
Full disclosure here, the owners are friends of mine. But that doesn’t detract one bit from the charm of this place. I’m not the gifty type, but I do love many of the clever things in the store. And I’m pretty sure this is the tiny ceramic mice center of the universe. Worth a look just for that.
Poopsies
402 S Main St
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-1999
Clever gift store that even men think is okay. No small feat.
Gabby’s Gifts
313 S. Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
815-776-0001
I was particularly struck with the wall art in this place. A really nice collection along with witty gift fare.
A Clover on Main Spa
Slumber
Slumber
205 South Main Street
Galena, IL 60136
www.wildcloverdayspa.com
Man, I wish I’d thought of this! Combining a pajama store with a spa...perfection!
Man, I wish I’d thought of this! Combining a pajama store with a spa...perfection!
Lulu’sGalena, IL 61036
815-777-2555
I wanted almost every sweater and shoe in this store. And I’m stuck in orthodic inserts, so cute shoes are nearly impossible for me--but I can dream.
Peace of the Past
408 South Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-2738
Nearly everyone in town sent me to this delightfully original book and antique store. It’s just packed with the kind of stuff you want to find on your getaway weekend.
The best place to knit in public? In Galena, this one’s a slam dunk, especially since it's both retail and food (well, beverage):
Jamie’s Wine Studio
209 South Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-0207
When you walk in, you’re likely to find Debra Clark knitting at the counter, so you’ll feel right at home. The wine selection is stunning, the staff uber friendly even to wine-novices like myself, and the lovely sitting bar in the back looks out onto one of the most inventive rock gardens I’ve ever seen.
All shopped out? Time to hang out with the alpacas. Yes, you heard me, alpacas.
Sure, the town boasts a lovely array of Bed and Breakfast establishments, and you simply can’t go wrong no matter which you choose. But you may want to think outside the B&B box, because Galena’s other fiber-related establishment is definitely worth your time. Even my yarn-bored teenage son was fascinated with the prospect of staying at:
Galena Log Cabin Getaway
9401 Hart John Road
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-4200
Where else can you stay in an upscale log cabin with alpacas out your front door? Yes, this charming little resort clusters a small community of very comfortable log cabins around a herd of friendly alpacas. This isn’t just the Galena Log Cabin Getaway, this is Adventure Creek Alpaca Farm. This is the closest I ever intend to get to camping--TV, nice warm bed, jacuzzi bathtub, and quiet so thick you can cut it with a knife. Most of the alpaca are named after presidents, so I gleefully purchased fleece from Washington and Grant to make my Winter Wonder mittens. I love that I met the animals that will warm my hands next winter. I expect I’ll grin like an idiot every time I wear these mittens, remembering my wonderful time here. Ruth and Frank Netzel tend lovingly to their award-winning flock and are happy to show you around.
To sum up, you don’t really need my guidance to have a great time. Galena's got you covered. What are you waiting for? Get on out here!
1 comment:
Galena sound lovely! I'm glad you had a nice visit.
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