Valentine's Day Getaway Destinations Near Chicago

By Meredith Lyons

After the hubbub of the holidays dies down, January is generally a nose-to-the-grindstone kind of month. By the time February rolls around, you're ready for another break. What better time to get away briefly than for Valentine's Day?

County Clare Irish Inn & Pub
1234 N. Astor St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-5273
www.countyclare-inn.com

Located close by in Milwaukee, the County Clare is a charming Irish-style inn with a whirlpool in every room and a decent pub restaurant. It's within walking distance from several shops in downtown Milwaukee and the lakefront. Free parking is offered to all overnight guests as well as wi-fi. Valentine's Day falls on a Thursday in 2013, so check out County Clare's Lucky Friday Special Package or start early on the Wednesday and take advantage of the Day Away Holiday Weekday Special. (Click here for a list of all specials.) While you're in Milwaukee, check out the Milwaukee Zoo for only $11.75 and the Milwaukee Public Museum for $14 a ticket. You can't beat it for an inexpensive quick getaway.

Herrington Inn & Spa
15 S. River Lane
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 208-7433
www.herringtoninn.com

Head up to Geneva for a romantic stay at the Herrington Inn & Spa and receive a free service upgrade if it's your first time visiting! Enjoy a view of the Fox River and take in a couple's massage at the spa. With a fireplace in every room and the high-class Atwater hotel restaurant right there for your romantic dinner, you may not feel the need to venture out of the hotel. If you do decide to explore the quaint town of Geneva, it is a short walk from the hotel. Runners and walkers may also enjoy the many paths that meander through the grounds. Enjoy breakfast every morning and turn-down service with cookies and milk at night on your perfect romantic getaway.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

(800) 558-3417
www.grandgeneva.com

You can't beat Lake Geneva as a vacation getaway spot from Chicago, even in the winter. The luxurious Grand Geneva Resort offers several special packages (click here for a list of all of them) and active couples may even want to try the Stay and Ski Package which includes a discount on spa services as well as two area tickets for skiiing or snowboarding. You won't get bored eating on the resort grounds as there are three main restaurants available (of course room service is also offered). Try a romantic champagne Sunday brunch at the Geneva Chophouse.

The Steamboat House
605 S. Prospect St.
Galena, IL 61036
(815) 777-2317
www.thesteamboathouse.com

Travel to Galena for a cozy stay at the Steamboat House bed and breakfast. The Steamboat House is in walking distance from all that downtown Galena has to offer, including museums and quaint little shops. Walk over to the Massbach Ridge Winery for a wine tasting while you're in town. Enjoy fireplaces and antique furnishings in the rooms as well as a three-course breakfast each morning and wine each evening. Add the Romance Bundle or any other of the special packages to any two-night stay to pump up the vacation.

Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.