Romantic Getaways in Illinois

Drop off the kids with their grandparents or a trusted friend and spend a weekend reconnecting at one of these romantic Illinois getaways. Cozy bed and breakfasts, championship golf courses and award-winning spas found in the Prairie State can create a special experience for two and just may inspire plans for a return trip down the road.

Nestled in the Middletown Historic District and conveniently located 15 miles north of St. Louis, The Beall Mansion (407 E. 12th St., Alton, IL) is both a popular bed and breakfast at a reasonable price and a historical landmark. Take a narrated tour to learn the history of the house, then go antiquing in Alton to find your own treasures. If you’d rather catch up on sleep, schedule breakfast served in bed before raiding the 24-hour all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet. Warm weather is perfect for local winery tours along the Heartland Rivers Wine Trail, while winter eagle watching is a popular cold-weather draw.

Stone Terrace Bed & Breakfast (1622 Forest Place, Evanston, IL) offers guests a boutique experience in an 1883 mansion that overlooks Lake Michigan. Their 16-plus age policy ensures that the five-room home stays quiet, while personal training, yoga sessions and massage services make it a calming oasis. Suites that include luxury linens and large soaking tubs, plus a home theater and daily chef-prepared breakfast, add to the splendid atmosphere of this historical landmark. A high-end escape perfect for celebrating special occasions, the Stone Terrace focus on indoor luxury makes it a great all-season choice, especially if you're not keen on spending time outside during the windy Lake Michigan winter.

Only one and a half miles from charming downtown Galena, IL in the northwest corner of the state, The LeFevre Inn & Resort (9917 W. Deininger Lane, Galena, IL) promises beautiful views and spectacular sunsets for those looking for a mid-priced escape. The property includes a scenic lake, fire pit, complimentary continental breakfast, an outdoor pool and numerous nearby trails for exploring. You can take a tour of local wineries, venture downtown for a small-town experience, or even add a s’mores kit to your reservation when you book. Both private rooms and separate cottages offer privacy, and the nearby Chestnut Mountain Resort makes this an ideal all-season getaway for those who crave country tranquility.

Also in Galena, The Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa (444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, IL) is a perfect escape if you want a high-end experience with lots of outdoor options. Offering a collection of rooms, homes and villas at a range of price points, the property includes 63 holes of championship golf, a 6,000-square-foot spa, 23 miles of trails for hiking and biking and a lake teeming with fish. You can also head to the lake for complimentary paddleboating and canoeing, or book a pontoon boat cruise. For more adventure, jump in the basket of a hot air balloon. In the winter, skiing, sledding and skating are all easily accessible. Remember to celebrate with a romantic dinner at the resort’s top-rated restaurant.

Book a room at The Dana Hotel and Spa (660 N. State St., Chicago, IL) for an urban getaway or a romantic staycation in the heart of Chicago. Sleek and modern, this high-end hotel has everything you need for a luxurious city weekend. Soak in the city with custom packages that include everything from helicopter rides when the weather is nice to theater tickets that make braving even brutal Chicago winter weather worth a trip to the theater. Of course, you can always stay inside instead. If you do, be sure to take advantage of the in-room e-service tablets that make ordering from 24-hour room service or booking a spa appointment as easy as swiping. Enjoy delicious cuisine served up by award-winning chefs, and sip inventive cocktails in whimsical hand-blown glassware on the hotel’s rooftop lounge.