In a busy world, you can always find time for yourself in Galena Country.
With its timeless brick buildings, meandering streets, and a quiet river running through it all, Galena has a special sort of magic that inspires visitors to slow down. It’s where you want to make time for yourself, whether you’re traveling solo, with loved ones, or with pets. Find yourself here through a mix of fun and soothing activities and attractions that span all seasons.
Since there’s no time like the present, here are some ways to carve out time for your soul in Galena Country.
MELT AWAY WORRIES
Galena promises opportunities at every turn to practice self-care, whether it’s with a restful spa treatment or aromatherapy that makes you feel good down to your toes.
Are you longing for a good haircut, a hand-softening manicure, or a glow-from-the-inside-out facial? Then look no further than Indulge Day Spa & Salon, with a whole menu of services and packages, like the “Day of Bliss,” which includes a facial, massage, pedicure and manicure. Need to work the kinks out? Knot’s A Problem has you covered with their massage therapists ready to provide therapeutic massages, reflexology treatments and couples massages.
Cannabis recreation is also popular in Galena Country and can help alleviate anxious nerves. Local shops like Botanicanna and RiverBluff Collective are outfitted with various cannabis and CBD products, from hemp chews to broad-spectrum oils and chocolates.
If sniffing perfume helps you unwind (and inspires pleasant memories), then Scent Workshop is for you. Pick up a candle that smells just like a spring garden or cozy cabin, or a perfume kit that allows you to craft your own mini perfume oils.
CALM FOR COUPLES
As you deal with hectic schedules and nonstop stress, it’s a safe bet that you and your partner could use some time away. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to slow down alongside your sweetheart.
Nature is a proven salve when it comes to stress, and Galena Country is brimming with it. Go hiking together at one of the many preserves in the area like Horseshoe Mound, Casper Bluff and Buehler Preserve just to name a few. Or, spend an idyllic summer afternoon picking strawberries and breathing in the fields at Terrapin Orchards.
Maybe you and your partner live in the moment by traveling back in time. Learning about a region’s history can transport you to another era, and it’s something fun and unique you can do as a couple. Many outstanding tours in the area will allow you to explore Galena’s bygone eras. Take self-guided, digital tours like the Historic Walking Tour, which takes visitors by buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Or, check out the Field of Dreams Walking Tour, which is perfect for fans of the 1980s hit film.
If you’d rather give your feet a rest, let Galena Trolley Tours do the traveling for you with narrated tours that focus on local history and architecture.
The Galena and U.S. Grant Museum is another spot that feels as if it’s frozen in time, with its local artifacts, as well as General and President Ulysses S. Grant memorabilia. To continue your time-traveling adventure, visit the Old Blacksmith Shop, filled with original, late-19th-century equipment and tools. See live demos led by on-site blacksmiths in fully operable forges.
If getting creative is a guaranteed way for you and your mate to relax, add the Galena Center of the Arts to your itinerary. They offer tons of classes, from drawing to acting to cooking.
Maybe your idea of relaxing is having someone else do the cooking for you. We recommend sitting and savoring a meal at area mainstays Cannova’s Pizzeria and Paradise Bar & Grill, where you can indulge in local comfort food. If sipping something slowly is more your style, take a tour at Rocky Waters Vineyard & Winery, Galena Brewing Company and Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Visit the unique Council Hill Station, a historic 1850s general store and railway station, to enjoy a cold beer and live music.
SOLO RELAXATION
Sometimes, you need to get away on your own in order to return to yourself. Galena has no shortage of locales where you can do exactly that. Curl up with a favorite book and whittle the time away—a couple of peaceful reading spots include the Galena River Trail and Buehler Preserve.
Or perhaps you can’t fully relax without your dog by your side. If that’s the case, bring your fur baby along on your Galena trip, stopping at New Earth Animals for treats and toys. Or, pay a visit to pet-friendly stores like The Feathered Nest, Pinder Pottery & Gallery, Vignettes and Simply Elegant Boutique. In addition, there are more than 20 accommodation options where you can stay overnight with your pup.
Another way to unwind with animals is by taking a Galena Goat Yoga class at Silver Linings Farm—that’s right, you’ll do sun salutations alongside adorable goats. Away from the farm, you can take classes through Awake4Yoga, which offers outdoor classes at Grant Park or one-on-one private sessions.
Shopping solo can also be more relaxing, and you can do so (and score some amazing original artwork in the process) at artistic boutiques like Hello Galena, Eshelman Pottery, Outside the Lines Gallery and River Bend Gallery.
More of a gourmand? Plan to stop at local food stores like Spice & Tea Merchants, Pasta Perfetta and Country House Grocery.
Galena Country transports people to another time and place to enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and adventures! For more outdoor activities, popular shopping, and lodging options, browse the official Galena Country visitors guide.