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!

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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:

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Exploring Lena Brewing in Lena, Illinois

Illinois Made Lena Beer at Lena Brewing Company

On the drive from Chicago suburbia to Galena a couple of weeks ago, we spotted an interesting brewery -- Lena Brewing Company. The brewing company is housed in a repurposed feed mill building, so we could already feel that Lena was unique and had community spirit. We were right!

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Apple River Fort Historic Site on the Illinois Frontier

The Black Hawk War often receives little mention in our history books. So, we were surprised to learn about the Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth, Illinois commemorating frontier life during this period. The site consists of an interpretive center and a reconstruction of the fort.

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Our Family's Galena, IL Discoveries

Galena is a delightful location for a little family getaway. The town is historic and picturesque. There is plenty to do and explore yet the pace is relaxing.

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West Street Sculpture Park in Galena, IL

We did have a chuckle when we discovered this Bill and Hillary sculpture from 1994.

The outdoors and art. An enjoyable combination! Mixed in a lovely wooded setting, we savored an amble through the West Street Sculpture Park during our Galena visit.

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Dubuque Incline Delivers Historical Experience with Grand Views

Prior to our Galena trip, my daughter had never visited Iowa before. Since we were so close, we made a stop in Dubuque to ride its historic incline.

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Hiking during our Galena Weekend

A trip to Galena provides a refreshing change of scenery for us Chicago suburbanites. On the drive from our home to Galena, we enjoyed marvelous views of rolling farmland. Some turns revealed spectacular views of valleys. During our weekend adventure, we took advantage of beautiful weather and explored on three hikes.

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U.S. Grant Home in Galena, IL

Galena was home to nine Civil War generals including Commanding General of the Union Army Ulysses S. Grant. Being a Civil War buff, I jumped at the chance to visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home while on a recent weekend trip to Galena.

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