Travel Guides Weekend Getaways
Diana Lotti
A romantic getaway is a perfect way to show your affection and create lasting memories with your partner. Whether it’s a weekend away or a simple day trip, stepping away from your day-to-day routine and exploring a new town or city provides you with the chance to rekindle the spark in your relationship.
One picturesque town that’s just an hour’s drive from Chicago is a perfect destination for a romantic day trip — Long Grove. You can wander through cobblestone streets hand in hand and explore hidden gems. The beauty and tranquility of this particular picturesque town outside of Chicago provide a calming effect. It allows couples to focus on reconnecting while sipping wine, shopping in the small boutiques, or eating a meal in one of its restaurants. Remember that the destination is almost as important as the romantic trip itself, and this town outside Chicago will provide couples with the perfect backdrop.
Explore this hidden gem outside of Chicago
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Located just 35 miles north of Chicago, Long Grove is a small and historic town that provides visitors with a unique dining and shopping experience perfect for couples. According to its town website, Long Grove started as a farming settlement of German pioneers when they arrived in the 1840s, and after almost 200 years, this little town still holds its charm and historic buildings, including The Village Tavern.
The Village Tavern is the oldest continuously operating restaurant not just in Long Grove but in the entire state of Illinois. It has been operating since 1847, but nothing compares to its simple white façade as it contrasts with its interior mahogany bar and brick fireplace.
The historic downtown area of Long Grove also provides couples with unique boutiques housing home décor, women’s fashion, antiques, art galleries, and delicious treats like the buttery caramels from Long Grove Confectionery, the gourmet popcorn from Signature Popcorn, or the fine chocolates from Broken Bridge Treats.
For couples who love art and craft beer, there are a variety of art galleries as well as the art-studio-turned-brewery Buffalo Creek Brewing with a German-themed taproom and biergarten. Couples will have plenty of romantic things to do as they explore everything Long Grove can offer.
The best things to do
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The town of Long Grove offers plenty of things to see and do that couples will enjoy during their weekend getaway or day trips. According to Time Out, highlights of Long Grove include the Chocolate Festival and the Strawberry Festival. There is nothing more romantic than eating a chocolate-covered strawberry while sipping champagne or wine.
For those who love wine, why not do a romantic wine-tasting or vineyard tour at one of the vineyards located in Long Grove? Valentino Vineyards has a wine estate that covers 20 acres of land and offers 20 different award-winning wine options. There is also Broken Earth Winery offering an extensive wine list, beers, and spirits to fit every palate and live music on the weekends. Lastly, the Corked Wine Bar provides a romantic outdoor seating area perfect for couples to enjoy wine with one of their savory meals.
Whether you explore the local boutiques or enjoy a romantic dinner, there’s something special about Long Grove that will leave couples feeling refreshed and reconnected.
