Romantic Valentine's Day Get-Aways in Central Illinois

We all complain about the weather in Central Illinois. It's too cold. When is this snow going to stop? Well, if you're gonna live here, you might as well make the best of it. Valentine's Day is coming up and now would be a great time to plan some winter fun. So, drive a short distance and enjoy the great outdoors. You might even have so much fun that you will want to stay for a night or a weekend. No problem, hotels and restaurants abound close to all of these activities.

STARVED ROCK STATE PARK & MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK NEAR UTICA, ILLINOIS

Hiking and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed at Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, Illinois and at nearby Matthiessen State Park, Utica, Illinois. Cross country skiing is only allowed in the picnic area at Starved Rock State Park. Nearby Matthiessen Dells Area has cross-country ski trails and rents skis on weekends December through March. Snowmobiling is not allowed anywhere at Starved Rock, but is allowed at the I & M Canal one mile to the north in Utica, Illinois. Do It To It Ski Shop rents skiing equipment from a rustic log cabin in Matthiessen State Park, every weekend with decent snow cover. NOTE: Matthiessen State Park is open only to deer hunters on January 15-17. Contact 815.667.4868 or email dnr.R1Parks@illinois.gov

STARVED ROCK LODGE, OGLESBY, ILLINOIS

For a romantic get-away, the Starved Rock Lodge, Oglesby, Illinois offers full service dining with a huge fireplace in the center of the dining area. There is also a small cafe offering sandwiches and snacks. The lobby area boasts two fireplace and comfy seating to sit and read or watch the snow through the large windows. The lodge is historically old, so don't expect a luxury hotel, but it is comfortable and convenient as it is located right in the park. Call 815-667-4211 for reservations.

GRIZZLY JACK'S GRAND BEAR RESORT, UTICA, ILLINOIS

Newer lodging can be found at nearby Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort, convenient to Starved Rock State Park and boasting a 24,000 square foot indoor water park. Other indoor activities include the Cave Arcade video game and The Enchanted Forest, an indoor amusement park featuring 36,000 square feet of full size amusement park rides, video games, and music. For convenient dining, Lumber Jack's Pizzeria and Sports Bar, located inside The Enchanted Forest, serves casual family style meals. Open your hotel door and walk about 20 feet to get to hiking and skiing trails.

HUMISTON WOODS NEAR PONTIAC, ILLINOIS

The 400-acre Humiston Woods Nature Center, Rowe, Illinois, right off SR-23 and about five miles to Pontiac, Illinois, offers a unique outdoor adventure for the entire family. Open year round, it features over 20 acres of restored prairie, plus a 10-acre tall grass prairie and 13-acre original Savannah prairie; six trails (including a bluebird walk) and viewing platforms for walking, birdwatching or cross-country skiing; literally hundreds of varieties of flora and fauna; a fishing pond, creek and the Vermilion river (with ice skating in the winter); canoe dock; two pavilions; picnic areas; and Scout camping areas. The Nature Center, opened with money from the Harriet Humiston estate, hosts school and group tours, family reunions, wedding receptions and other special events. (Walk softly in the woods so you don't scare the many deer.) Not advertised, is a new log cabin with a huge main room and two restrooms at the north end of the Nature Center. For more information, phone 815-844-7350.

COMFORT INN, STATE ROUTE 116, PONTIAC, ILLINOIS

If you plan to stay overnight to do some hiking, the Comfort Inn, located off of I-55 and right on State Route 116, Pontiac, Illinois, is a short drive to Humiston Woods. Amenities include complementary breakfast, fitness facility, laundry room, pets allowed, swimming pool, Internet access (in room), kitchen/kitchenette, microwave oven, refrigerator, whirlpool (in room). Nearby attractions are Downtown Pontiac, Livingston County War Museum, Old City Hall Shops, and Route 66 Museum. Activities within two miles or less include bowling, a fitness center, golf course, driving range, movie theater, trap/skeet shooting. Within walking distance are Wal-Mart, Maurice's, Dollar Tree, and a Wireless Center. K-Mart, Big R, WalGreens, and Fashion Bug are just a mile east off of State Route 116.

SENOR TEQUILA, STATE ROUTE 116, PONTIAC, ILLINOIS

SENOR TEQUILA, a new chain restaurant that just opened in Pontiac, Illinois where Buster's Restaurant at 603 N Deerfield Rd used to be, is as the name implies a Mexican restaurant serving lunch from 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and open to 9 PM every day. The restaurant features typical Mexican food and a full bar. Prices are $5 and up for lunch. Menu items can be found at http://www.senor-t.com/menu.

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CONSTITUTION TRAIL, BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, ILLINOIS

The paved 24 mile long Constitution Trail, located in the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal, population 160,000, is great for hiking or cross country skiing. Skis can be rented from Wild Country. Rentals can be picked up the day before at 3 pm and returned the day after skiing by noon. For a romantic get-away, Bloomington offers several hotels and restaurants galore.

CHATEAU HOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTER, BLOOMINGTON, Illinois

One of the most popular hotels in Bloomington, Illinois, adjacent to the Constitution Trail, is The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center at 1601 Jumer Drive. The hotel features newly decorated rooms, some with a fireplace. Activities include swimming in the indoor heated pool, relaxing in the sauna or whirlpool or toning up in the exercise room. Coffee is served in the lobby each morning. Complimentary transportation service can escort you across town in style from 7 am to 10 pm . Shuttle service to and from the airport is offered 24 hours a day. For reservations: email chateau@platinumhospitality.net or call (309) 665-5671 or toll free (866) 690-4006. You can also make reservations through their on-line reservation system at http://www.chateauhotel.biz/reservations.php

The hotel's on-site Le Radis Rouge Restaurant, adorned with antique crystal displays, antique oriental carpets and ornately carved cabinets, offers an award winning menu featuring French specialties, American favorites, aged USDA Choice steaks, prime rib, and the freshest seafood. A daily feature is offered, along with house specialties. All breads and desserts are baked fresh daily in their bakery-kitchen. Their "world-famous" hot cinnamon rolls (google Jumer's Rolls for the recipe) are served with every dinner. For dining room reservations call 309-662-2525.