The Galena Thread (Chicago: house, live in, restaurants)

[susancruzs]

I love Galena and it was one of the areas I thought of when I was looking to move. When I've stayed there, I went the B & B route and also at the hotel right downtown, just for the history of it.

I've always gone off season plus during the week so I don't have to deal with the crowds. I did go on a Fall craft fair weekend once that was crazy but great fun. Galena is so walkable I would never stay anywhere that I had to take my car into town.

I haven't been since I moved to Wisconsin, but plan on doing that this Spring as it is a great drive across Wisconsin down to NW Illinois. It will give me a chance to see a few towns in Wisconsin just north of Galena that I've seen but not stopped.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by JoshB

Steve, I don't know why your browser wasn't showing them.

When lightheartedgrin posted the pictures on 12-22 @ 9:05 P.M. they were indeed visible to me. I would check your settings et cetera.

I see them now. Wonderful pics!

[JoshB]

Glad they work, steve!

[culater88]

Galena is great with tons of restaurants to choose from. They have plenty of antique shops too. I went last month, a little cold but truly enjoyed my visit there.

[twinsmomct1]

We're possibly moving to the Dubuque area in the next few months or so. We have two 12 year old boys so we want an area with good schools. From what I can find on the web, Galena looks like a nice town. Is the commute doable, especially in the winter? I see that if you live in Galena Territory, you could go to one of at least 3 different schools. Why so many? Which is the best? Would you recommend Galena over Dubuque?

Thanks for any help.

Patty

[GolfLover2]

Congratulations on finding Galena! My wife and I "discovered" it and its many attributes about 10 years ago and have been enjoying it as often as possible ever since. We even bought a home there that we get to many times a year and rent out to others wanting to experience the town and area. It's just been a great opportunity for us to get away. About three hours away for us, but feels like another world! Our home is in the Galena Territories, Eagle Ridge area which offers so many activities to enjoy. Everything from golfing to hot air ballooning, from eagle watches to wild turkey and deer wandering about, to horseback riding and being lazy fishing and swimming. In town, you have great little boutiques, history, architecture, wineries, restaurants and more to wander through and visit. It's just beautiful down there. No wonder many of the scenes from "Field of Dreams" were shot around town. Christmas-time is especially beautiful and scenic. It's true that it's not a real secret, many people pack the streets year 'round ... but they are usually extremely friendly and the comraderie experienced while strolling the town is relaxing and welcome. There are many things to see and do in a short distance drive with the town being located on the tri-state corner of Illinois. Dubuque and its attributes are close, including more shopping, the Mississippi, casinos, and more. My wife and I plan on moving there as soon as possible and maintaining a home year-round. Every season brings its own beauty.
Sports enthusiasts have a complete menu of activities to choose from too. So if you get a chance, GO! Visit and enjoy as soon as you can.
Hope to see you there!

[thebeach2]

I used to live in Iowa and would often travel to Galena for long weekends. I loved the hills, the quaintness of the town, the wonderful people and the escape from the flat farmlands of central Iowa (especially when looking for a weekend motorcycle ride getaway). We moved away from the area a few years ago and since then I have found another location that meets/exceeds the charm and attraction of Galena - Eureka Springs, AR! All the charm of the town but with larger mountains, warmer winter weather, lakes and wilderness, and much more to do (if you are interested in touristy things).

For all of you considering a move to Galena for retirement, check out Eureka Springs, Arkansas before you take the leap. I have experienced them both and they both have their own charms/flaws but since I really dislike cold weather my preference is Arkansas. It's a personal choice.

[Pookie]

Originally Posted by runninfiend

It's a nice river bluff town, but what Drover typed is correct. It is not a "best kept secret" at all, and it is very touristy.

For my money there are many river towns that are just as pretty and far less overrun by suburbanites thinking they're roughing it in the country for a weekend. They may not have the number of little shops and amenities, but are just as gorgeous.

runninfiend, could you please tell me about the other river towns? thanks!

[debbie at bouontiful]

I use to live close to Galena in the same county but was transferred to OK 11 years ago.(Savanna Army Base closure if any of you remember). We're getting very close to retirement now and I was just on the Galena real estate site and was amazed at how historic homes have come down in price. Of course with our luck, (we have a cattle ranch to sell), by the time this place sells they will be up in price again>>>>>>>>>Always our luck.

Anyway, living there before I wasn't too upset with property taxes but after moving to a very low property tax state it now shocks me. A 6000 dollar property tax in Galena would be 2500 here. Wow!! why does that State need all that money. Exactly, how do older people stay in their homes when they're paying such high property taxes? Just wondering because I know many people in the area that are not making big bucks and will be facing social security checks soon. of course, I am not going to ask them but it is a consideration for us. Although your flat rate income tax is lower than here but it in no way makes up for the high property taxes.

[04JETTA]

def. not its the second most visited place in the state I believe