Weddingbee Blog

So, after this happened, Bossyboots and I wanted to get the heck out of dodge. We won’t be taking our official honeymoon for another six weeks—SPOILER ALERT: we’re going to a place where you get leis—which left us feeling sad and depressed after our wedding. (Not really, but extending the partytimes sounded like a great idea.)

Bossyboots and I love to go to Galena, IL for little weekend trips. Mostly because we are 86 years old on the inside… but also because we got engaged there. It’s a tiny little resort town located about three hours away from Chicago.

You know we had to start our road trip off right!

We also needed snacks and reading material.

I enjoyed the view while Bossyboots did all the heavy lifting.

Now, I am a healthy eater. I will eat the sh*t out of some broccoli and carrots, but 90 minutes into our drive, the Belvidere Oasis is located specifically to appeal to my basest instincts…

The closer you get to Galena, the more beautiful the scenery. The gray, urban buildings fall away, and you’re left with wide expanses of trees, rustic barns, and cows. Always cows. The funny thing is, we always pass this huge tease of a lookout tower. Supposedly, you are allowed to climb to the top of this impressive structure and appreciate the hypothetically gorgeous view.

It’s always closed.

Whatever. This time Bossyboots and I weren’t to be denied, so we pulled over to survey the view from ground level. As a result, a very tiny tear rolled down my perfectly rosy cheek.

Midday, we pulled into our chosen place of lodging. Usually, we stay at the Ryan Mansion, which is AWESOME. This time, we decided to be dangerous and branch out.

I have to be honest – we actually strayed from the Ryan Mansion because we planned to have a drink or three at dinner, and we wanted to be able to walk to our hotel from the restaurant. Does this make us responsible adults? Yes? Good. Because that’s the conclusion I’ve personally decided to go with.

I will tell you that we had a great time. The bed and breakfast was perfectly lovely structurally, but we don’t think we’ll stay there again (which is why I’m not telling you the name). The innkeepers just weren’t very friendly. It’s payback from *Annie Wiggins for abandoning her!!!

*Annie Wiggins is the ghost that haunts the Ryan Mansion, and she’s a vindictive lady.

Galena is full of all kinds of shops—we spent the day sampling about a million dips, oils, jams, and salsas.

Galena is also the place to go for wine tastings around here! So of course we spent the afternoon obliging, while practicing calling each other “wife” and “husband”…

We were ecstatic to find that Galena hosts a St. Patty’s Day parade every year. A surprise parade? Full of yay.

The local Piggly Wiggly grocery store sponsored a float, and guess who played Grand Mascot….

I about died – this moment made the day! Pigs are my spirit animal.

We took a leisurely dinner at a local Italian joint, emphasis on leisure. It was a great time just hanging out and people watching.

We spent the evening on the porch at our B&B, drinking our wedding champagne and smoking the last of our Macanudos. The next morning required an early lunch, followed by our drive back to the city.

We had a truly wonderful time away from the excitement of our wedding, just hanging out and having fun. I loved it and so did Bossyboots. I think we get so sucked into wedding planning that it feels strange to spend time together without discussing floral arrangements!

Do you have a minimoon planned? Where will you be going??