Three Great Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

Three great weekend getaways in the Iowa/Illinois area are suggested to help you choose a fun and relaxing weekend. These weekend getaway ideas are all great places to visit. You decide what would work best for you.

1. Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel - Galena, Illinois

Galena is nestled in the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois. It is the perfect Midwest vacation destination for either a romantic retreat or simply a relaxing getaway.

Galena is located near many Midwest cities, and it is just across the Mississippi from Dubuque, Iowa.

The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel in Galena offers inclusive Galena getaway packages at an unbeatable price. Offerings available include food and wine packages, spend time together packages and live entertainment packages.

Galena has shopping galore, with more than 150 shops to suit most any taste. Because it is located on the river, either outdoor or indoor entertainment is readily available. Galena is one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

Maybe you would also enjoy a weekday snuggle up - [SNUG]. This includes one night accommodations, dinner for two at Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub and Grill, deluxe European Continental breakfast for two and is available through April 30, 2010.

Prices in Galena, though it is truly a great tourist area, are what you would normally find in a Midwestern city. Depending upon what events may be in town or time of year, charges may differ. Please call toll-free 866-CU-IRISH with any questions or go on line at Galena Illinois Weekend Getaway Irish Cottage for more information.

2. Wells Bed & Breakfast - Urbandale, Iowa

Wells Bed and Breakfast is located at 4724 72nd Street in the heart of Urbandale, Iowa. This is within the Des Moines metro area.

At Wells Bed and Breakfast you will find all the needs met in a distinctive home-like setting. They have 5 guest suites with private bath, writing desk, walk-in closet, small refrigerator and more. The entire 1st floor is handicap friendly and they offer handicap parking. This weekend destination would enable you to enjoy relaxation and then pair it with any type of activity you wish.

The bed and breakfast is a Queen Anne Victorian style estate home with over 8,000 square feet of room. Take advantage of the many gathering areas such as their morning room, library/video/game room and spacious porches. Sit and relax or use the local bike path for a walk, run or bike ride. Also, within a short 20 minute drive you will be able to enjoy the many sites and events which would be currently available throughout the Des Moines metro area.

Prices for relaxing and enjoying this wonderful home and its offerings vary. Please contact them at wellsbedandbreakfast.com or call 515-251-4724.

The porches themselves remind of you a stay at a very well do to grandma in the earlier 1900s.

3. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is home to many great hotels and romantic B&B's that will set your mood for your perfect weekend getaway. Plan your weekend in advance to decide if you'll choose to sleep in late, grab a leisurely breakfast at a near-by bistro or take a stroll. Maybe you'd rather hit the streets rolling with lots of shopping, site seeing or other types of activities. There are a plethora of great places to stay in Chicago depending upon your budget and much, much more.

Try out these activities in Chicago.

1. Ferris Wheel, Navy Pier - great spot to enjoy the Chicago Lakefront views and breezes. Round out the day with dinner at any of the several nearby restaurants. During the summer, many evenings display fireworks.

2. Horse Drawn Carriage Tour - at the corner of Michigan and Chestnut Streets. Take a downtown and lakefront tour of some of the best Chicago sights in a romantic carriage.

3. The Signature Lounge - 96th Floor of the John Hancock Center. The martinis are a bit on the pricey side, but the views of the city and the Lake Michigan shoreline make this one of the most romantic spots in Chicago. Try to be there just at sunset when it is especially romantic.

4. Millennium Park Ice Rink - from late November until April. You can enjoy free skating on the NHL-size outdoor rink. There is a small charge for skate rental. This can be a very romantic activity on a sunny winter afternoon.

5. Joseph Petrillo Band Shell - for a romantic Chicago evening during the summer. This is a great place to bring your picnic while enjoying some of the best classical music Chicago has to offer.

Purchase a Chicago Explorer Pass and visit all the trendy Chicago area fun places.

Suggestions for great places to propose in Chicago include the Buckingham Fountain. In the evening, music and lights accompany the dancing waters. Another idea is the sky deck of the Sears Tower where you will have views of 4 different states. This vastly tall building will provide you with great ohs and ahs as you look over the landscape at your special moment.

Romantic Dining in Chicago could include North Pond [reservations - 773-477-5845] in Lincoln Park. Other suggestions include Spiaggia [reservations 312-280-2750] for great Italian offerings with a fine view of Lake Michigan and Le Bouchon, a small Bucktown bistro with excellent French dishes. [reservations - 773-862-6600]

One Romantic weekend package idea would be to stay at the Amalfi Hotel. You'd receive a bottle of sparkling Italian wine, breakfast and dance lessons for 2 at Arthur Murray!

Ideas and suggestions are quite different for each weekend trip. You would need follow up to secure your plans and to find out more about each area. My goal was to give you information and suggestions to help you in your search for a great weekend getaway. Get going! Enjoy a very special and fun weekend not too far from home.