Trying to Plan an Affordable Weekend Getaway.

Updated on May 08, 2007
J.M. asks from Naperville, IL
8 answers

Our anniversary is coming up in June we'd like to get away for the weekend. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of someplace to go that is close (within 4 hours drive of Chicago), afforadable (hopefully only $500 for the weekend including gas, meals, hotel and entertainment) and entertaining (not the same things we do when we go out for an evening here)?

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C.S.

answers from Chicago on

I would recommend Galena... it's a nice getaway and close! We like to stay at the Ambrosia Inn. (ambrosiainn.com) Oprah has stayed there too! The other great place is Starved Rock - you can stay at the lodge (starvedrocklodge.com)

Have fuN :)

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S.K.

answers from Chicago on

This is a 5 hour drive but I thought I would pass along just in case. My DH and I just got back from a weekend getaway to St. Louis. It was great and relaxing and absolutely wonderful. I think total we spent about $400 and that includes everything for Sat morning to Sun afternoon. I pricelined a 3 start hotel for $75. We went to a Cardinals game and I found tickets on Craigslist for $25 a piece. We also used restaraunt.com to help with dinner pricing. If you are not familiar you can basiclaly purchase $25 gift certificates from certain restaurants for $10. If you have a coupon rate, you can sometimes purchase the GC for $4. I have never had a problem redeeming it and you save so much money. We ate at The Crossing which was FABULOUS and I highly recommend it. There is a lot to do between the baseball, museums, shopping, entertainment and the arch. Good luck and enjoy!

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C.R.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J.,
I have a great idea for a get-a away, however I don't know if you are planning to take the baby. Please email me ____@____.com and I can give you more, you have to be referred.My name is C. R. Look forward to hearing from you.

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A.

answers from Chicago on

Madison, WI is a great place to go. It's about 2 hours from here. There is lots to do...very affordable. The night life is fun aswell. You can take a walk to the student union on campus and get some beers and popcorn. The essen haus is also fun...polka music and the chicken dance. Lots of fun shops on state street in downtown madison. Beautiful flower garden (Olbrich Gardens) Lots of great places to eat. Check it out...we love it there.

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E.

answers from Chicago on

J.,

We went last Nov. to Wilderness resort, they have great specials they run. Currently $99 in June. Three indoor waterparks, plus a great indoor dry park; bar; adult hottubs. Just a great place and a wonderful time.
Check out the site. http://www.wildernessresort.com/index/specials_and_packages
Have a great vaction where ever you go.
E.

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M.A.

answers from Chicago on

Hi Jodie:

My husband and I just went for a short week-end getaway so I thought I would write and tell you. We went to Pheasant run in St. Charles. We actually did not stay there as we thought it would be expensive so we got a hotel out side ofthere but went there to look around. It is really beautiful and the rooms are as low as #119.00 a night. Weel worth it as they have 3 pools. One inside , one out and one inside and out. The bars there are expensive (depending on what you drink) they also have plays, a comedy show and a bar with a live band. Very close and reasonable. Then they have the small town of St. Charles, very pretty to walk through and then 5 minutes away is the town of Geneva which is very cute and nice. We had a GREAT week-end for under $500.00 and it is only an hour away.
Depending on when your going I think they have oak rides and tours also. Great area for a close . short, inexpensive week-end. Bring snacks and drinks for the rooms, you can bring them to the pool with you to save on money.
Good luck and have fun.

M.

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J.M.

answers from Chicago on

Maybe head to Michigan City, IN? It's an hour from downtown, relatively inexpensive. You can maybe look into renting a house on the beach or stay in a local hotel.

There is the outlet mall and there is a new casino. Maybe a spa there too. For daytime, you can go to the beach, walk through the mall or the town is quite nice too. At night, casino or a local play? A movie perhaps or dinner on the beach. Have fun!!

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D.K.

answers from Chicago on

Blue Harbor Resort is our favorite. It is located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and has a great indoor waterpark. It is located on Lake Michigan and is about 4 hrs away. It costs us usually 400.00 including breakfast both days, but you have to request a package with the breakfast buffet. For entertainment, they have a local theatre, children's museum and fishing,etc. in the area. They have a website and are also part of the Great Wolf Lodge chain.

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