Laughing at ourselvesAfter working through our busy Easter Sunday and after Mark worked all day Monday (his supposed "day off"every week), we were able to take a quick trip to Galena, Illinois for a tw0-night stay at a cozy bed and breakfast. This was a nice gift given to us from Mark's parents last year for a birthday and anniversary combo. My spring break has been this past week--I return to school tomorrow--and it's a slow enough time of year for Mark to take off for a couple days during the week from the restaurant, so we opted to go at a time when we knew it wasn't going to be really busy but also not particularly attractive outside either.
Galena, Illinois
Trolley ride through town...
Portrait of Grant at his home
Grant's dining room. Apparently, he liked his meat well-done and would NOT any wild fowl...
View from Grant's homeIf you haven't heard of Galena, it's similar to towns like Hot Springs, Arkansas or Wisconsin Dells or Stillwater, Minnesota. The town itself is located in the far northwest corner of Illinois, just minutes from Dubuque, Iowa and is nestled in this really nice valley next to what used to be a very large river (Galena River). There is quite a history to the area, it being a major lead producer and a popular city for many politicians to reside, including President Ulysses S. Grant. Lincoln and Douglass both spoke there while campaigning against each other. Coincidentally Mark and I enjoyed throwing back a few cocktails at the old hotel Lincoln and Douglass spoke and stayed at, which is still running as a hotel with a full restaurant and bar. Mark actually assisted the nice bartender with removing a keg of Guiness and connecting a new line to it...he just can't get away from helping!!
Mark helping change the keg
RelaxingWe had a nice time, although both Mark and I both were getting over colds, so there was a lot of coughing, sniffling and being fairly lethargic. 
Pine Hollow Inn
Pine Hollow Inn
Trolley time!
Random sculptures
Lions with tongues hanging out
2 comments:
Looks like a nice get-away for the two of you! You both work so hard it's nice to see you get to play a little, too.
Matt and I went there last year with his parents, had a great time. Did you happen to go to the one-man-show "How Whiskey Won the West?" If not, we bought the CD for Matt's mom and are willing to burn it. Also, did you go to the museum? Great stuff, featuring a *single* boot of U.S. Grant (the other was stolen) and a cigar butt some kid picked up when Grant tossed it on the street. Not to be missed. - Phil
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