GALENA COUNTRY, ILLINOIS

The upper Mississippi River winds through bluffs and bottomlands, anchoring a wonderland of good times in northwest Illinois. Leading the list of the region's sights is the charming and historic little town of Galena, home to Civil War General and U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. Dotting the green and gorgeous hills and dales, nearby villages are packed with sights, entertainment, and great travel opportunities. Visitors can spend days exploring their delights without ever driving the same route twice.

East Dubuque is the Illinois across-the-river-adjunct to Dubuque, lowa. It features waterfront fun, a city park that is home to an Illinois Natural Heritage Landmark, and is known for the popular downtown car show called Cruisin' Thursdays. Fewer than 300 people call Menominee home, but the little town has its own kind of countryside favorite, Berning Acre Farms, where one can spend the day learning all about the processes of a working family dairy farm.

Beloved for its preserved downtown business district and President Grant's history, Galena boasts the sightseeing and entertainment options of a destination twice its size. Galena's Historic Main Street has built a reputation with more than 125 unique art galleries, antique stores, and eclectic boutiques, all housed in beautifully restored 19th-century buildings.

Pat's Country House Grocery offers steaming hot, gooey-with-goodness cinnamon buns and an old-time butcher service, including homemade brats and sausage and fresh, made-to-order fruit baskets for your picnic. The Southside Hornet Pub & Grille is always abuzz, and if countryside antiques make your varnish bubble, look to A Bushel & A Peck Country Store.

Pecatonica Beer Company Tap House, named after the nearby Pecatonica River, from a Native American word for "slow water," emphasizes that same deliberate care in creating its selection of brews. Chubz Pub & Grub tunes up Warren's National Historic Registry-listed downtown with live music and delicious small-town fare, and Smiley's Pub will light up your visit with its Harley-friendly atmosphere.

Along the historic Stagecoach Trail in Apple River, you'll find the Thriving Thistle Bistro, complete with a wellness facility. The Side Track Inn is a tiny but mighty pub beneath a vintage "Old Style Cold Beer" illuminated sign, and the beautiful Apple River Canyon State Park is a must-visit. The village of Nora, just 116 in population, is known for its archetype of a small-town, friendly watering hole called Nora Bar - try the Slaw Burger or Honey Touched Bone-In Wings.

At Woodbine Bend Golf Course, fun and food are on the menu, with a challenging but accessible links-style course accented by gourmet-style clubhouse fare. Book a wood carving workshop at Marie's Wood Carvings and browse her intricately carved forest creatures on display. Strike it rich at Nature's Treasures, where a wonderland of delights awaits the visitor. Upgrade your garden with the shop's artfully crafted wind chimes and birdhouses, or browse its garden decor, crystals, and brilliant finds that change with the season.

With intoxicating views of the rolling, forested landscape all around, Rocky Waters Vineyard & Winery specializes in grapes well suited for the local climate and soil. Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery reaps the reward of owner Rosado Bruno's years of winemaking experience. Hanover's fertile soil isn't reserved solely for grape growing. Sulcanna hemp farm specializes in cultivating high-quality seeds and plants for CBD and other cannabinoid products.

Stella's Cafe & Catering is tucked into the corner of one of downtown Stockton's charming historic buildings. Here you can satisfy your appetite with Momma's Meatloaf and mashed potatoes or a hearty breakfast. Savvy shoppers relish the Savvy Scavengers' selection of eye-candy clothes and accessories. Don't forget to strike a pose in front of the larger-than-life murals painted throughout the downtown area.

Elizabeth is home to the Apple River Fort State Historic Site and Elizabeth's Grand Antique Co., featuring more than 200 vendors offering antiques and vintage goods. Common Cents Resale lives up to its motto of "Repurpose. Reuse. Restyle'' and every trip to Elizabeth can be sweetened with a visit to the Three Sisters Sweet Shoppe. Nestled in the crook of U.S. Highway 20 overlooking the rolling Jo Daviess County landscape, Cajun Jack's Bar & Grill makes an ideal stopping-off point for a wider-than-you-might-expect dining experience.