7 Ideas for Celebrating Christmas on the Road

Being away from home and even en route somewhere on the holidays can be difficult. Here are some ideas to infuse a little cheer when on the road!

Patisserie Coralie in Evanston for Tea and Treats

Patisserie Coralie in Evanston, Illinois is the spot for French pastries and a spot of tea or coffee

Tea and pastries at Patisserie Coralie in Evanston, Illinois -- can we say perfect winter day joy! When things start getting chilly around here in the Chicago area, I head for places where I can get tea or coffee. Pastries and chocolates are always a great bonus! Last weekend, I visited Patisserie Coralie in Evanston for the first time. The adorable French patisserie was very busy and it was easy to see why! Patisserie Coralie has every pastry you can think of including croissants, macarons, tarts, meringues, madeleines, eclairs, viennoiseries, truffles and more.

Wednesday Weekend Windup {Ice Carving, Holiday Stroll, Art Market, Glass Art and More}

This weekend is a great one to get your holiday celebration on! Here are my picks in the Chicago suburbs:

2 Restaurant Finds in Galena, Illinois

2 Restaurant Finds in Galena, Illinois Including One Eleven Main and Otto's Place

Galena's historic main street invites wandering, exploring and relaxation. During our quick getaway to Galena, I found that I really was able to sit and relax at a number of spots plus saunter through a number of shops. I was so relaxed that I actually didn't take many photos of our tasty exploits. So, I guess Galena is one of those places that finally got me to relax, so I will need to return again! I do have a couple of places that we enjoyed to recommend. So, all is not lost!

Monthly Discoveries Newsletter

Newsletter Time!

Gillerson's Grubbery in Aurora, Illinois Serves Up Great Food with Local Flare

Lunch at Gillerson's Grubbery in Aurora, Illinois enjoying comfortable bar favorites with a twist.

Before our afternoon at the theatre at historic Paramount Theatre in Aurora, we decided to stop for a little lunch. My husband noted that Gillerson's Grubbery uses a number of local providers and are big supporters of the local community, so we knew we had to check it out. Well, they have burgers too.... so there's that!

Holiday Shopping in Galena, Illinois

Holiday Shopping and Small Business Exploring in Galena, Illinois

Our weekend holiday getaway to Galena, Illinois was just what we needed to start off the holiday season, revel in small business explorations and event get a little shopping done! Of course, there was time for wine tasting too! My husband and I opted to sneak away to Galena for a weekend in November and it was just the recharge we needed. Immediately upon arrival, one is charmed by Galena's historic main street: