My college roommates and I have decided to go on a girls weekend (for 4 days), but can't figure out where to go. We don't want to go too far, since we only have 4 days and don't want to spend 2 of them traveling, so I think CA is out. We are all from IL, 2 of us in the burbs and 3 of us down state IL. I also don't want it to be too expensive. Any suggestions or advice. Someplace you've been that's maybe off the beaten path. Someplace you can't wait to go back to. Please help me, it's coming up fast, the 3rd weekend in July, so not a lot of time to figure this out.
Thanks so much.
St Joseph, MI!!! It is just on the other side of the lake from Chicago, only about 90 min drive, but it is the most wonderful summer getaway! The beaches are clean and wonderful, there are so many cute shops and museums, and it's just a fun, relaxing place! There are also plenty of cafes with live music at night! Renting a little house on the beach is a lot less there than other places as well!
I just got back from a weekend in Door County with my sisters. It may be a bit far for you since some girls are coming from downstate, but it was great. We stayed in Sister's Bay, but there a many towns located up and down the shore, there are a lot of great shops too.
Not sure of what you're looking for in your getaway - but there's a fantastic little farm in Wisconsin (couple of hours drive from the city) called the Little Sugar River Farm which is too cute. My husband and I went in the Fall/early Winter, and it was lovely, I can only imagine it's gorgeous in the summer. You rent the whole house so it's completely private, and there's a kitchen etc to bring your own food. Although Farmer Frank will also cook for you if pre-arranged - we did that one night and it was delicious! http://www.littlesugarriverfarm.com/
Other driveable destinations (although a bit more of a trek) are Door County, or Mackinac Island in northern MI.
Galena definitely (about 2 1/2 hours from Chicago). Unique shops, wine tastings, great restaurants and historic tours. I would recommend you stay at Eagle Ridge (about 10 minutes from downtown Galena). You can rent a condo and bring your own food which saves money (there is also a really nice spa). This is a great place for a girls weekend away :)
Have fun wherever you choose to go!
Galena! Great wine tasting and shops. Have fun!
Hi S.,
I have had fun in Lake Geneva, WI. Very cute and middle expensive condos are available at Mill Creek Inn(Hotel?). Great restaurants and awesome shopping. When we went, the condos ran $140 a night and there were deals for multiple nights.
L. L.
You could go to Kohler Wisconsin, very nice up there, tour the Kohler facility and relax at the spa. The town area is very cute too.
Lake Geneva is always nice.
I like Galena, IL and Lake Geneva, WI. My hubby and I are going to Lake Geneva to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary next month, because we've had so many great memories up there over the years. We've also been to Galena about 3 times in the past few years.
Benefit of Lake Geneva is that if you take the main drag (Highway 50) straight east you will get to I-90 and then about 5 minutes south is Pleasant Prairie which is a great outlet mall. It would make a great excursion for a day if you went to LG. If you like antiquing and quaint little shops you can drive 20-30 minutes down Route 12 to Richmond, IL. We've stayed at the Cove which is right next to Mill Creek - also condos, also reasonable (this past Mem.Weekend we got $109 online), and it's a quick 1/2 block walk from either to the lake or shops. If you want a little more peace stay at the Abbey (they have a special if you book 3 or more nights) - it's on the other end of the lake, more relaxing (has a nice spa) but you need to drive about 15 minutes to get to the shops. I think a waterfront room is worth it there, it adds to the relaxation mindset. We've taken the boat tours on LG and found them to be very informative if you like to know about all the rich folks that have called that lakeshore home! Great food at Popeye's (world's best nachos) and at the place next door with the funny name...something like Scuttlebutt's. If you haven't been to Egg Harbor there is one in LG now, they have excellent breakfast. Also the Gino's East attached to the Best Western on the lake has EVEN BETTER stuffed pizza than the ones in Chicago, it must be the water...
Galena is a little farther, Eagle Ridge is like the Abbey - you will have to drive 15 minutes or so to get into town and park. There is the DeSoto hotel right in the middle of town you could possibly park and never move the car until you leave. There is a GREAT restaurant Fried Green Tomatoes and a Great pizzeria Procento's (sp?) it is on one the side streets a few doors from main street. We have stayed at the Irish Cottage which is 5 minutes from town and has a spa downstairs. Great Irish food & Music in the pub, on the weekends they have Irish dancers. Free breakfast is more than the usual donut & bagel buffet. Feel free to reply if you want more info or have questions on either!
http://www.eagleridgeresortonline.com/Reservations/index.asp
A bunch of us (10-12) rent a 6 to 8 bedroom house every year.
There are smaller homes/villas there to rent.
We loved Cedarburg, WI. Cute town with lots of stone buildings - looks like the 1890's. They have lots of shops in downtown area - antiques, chocolate, coffee shops, bookstore, scrapbooking, winery - It is close to Milwaukee - so you could do things in Milwaukee too.
M. in Elk grove Village
My girlfriends and I also like to hit up a long weekend for a retreat. Most recently, Lake Geneva! Everyone rides together so you save on gas and still get to hang out during the travel time, and it's not so stressful and time consuming as air travel. Enjoy!
I agree with many of the other Moms that Galena is great. There is also a gem located in Wisconsin called the Osthoff Resort. AMAZING SPA, food and wine. They have a great pool and beach. Cute town within walking distance. This place is so worth taking a look at. They have 2 and 3 bedroom units, so it can save you some $$ too. Have fun!!
I recommend Galena. My mom, sister, and I went there last year and it was great. There are shops, restaurants, golf courses, beautiful hills to hike or just enjoy looking at, horseback riding, etc... We rented a little cottage at Eagle Ridge and really enjoyed it. Galena is right near the border with Wisconsin & Iowa. It is only about a 3 hr drive from Chicago but might be too far for your friends from downstate.
If you wanna stay around here but be "away" then Galena is a great spot for the girls! Shopping, spa's, not too spendy lodging, only a few minutes from the Dubuque casino, and fabulous restarants!!!
I second Kohler, WI!
