For the history-loving couple, Springfield is a perfect destination for an affordable getaway. Book a room at The State House Inn, which is within walking distance of many attractions, such as the State Capital, Lincoln's Home and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. With nightly rates starting at $104 in 2010, it is more economical than some of the other downtown accommodations. Spend the day strolling through historic Springfield. Tickets are available at the Lincoln Home Visitor Center, 426 S. Seventh Street, for a free, narrated tour of Abraham Lincoln's home. The Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth Street, has an entrance fee of $12, with discounts for military, seniors and students. Oak Ridge Cemetery, 1441 Monument, Lincoln's final resting place, is free and offers audio guided tours. For nighttime entertainment, check out the Sangamon Auditorium, located at the University of Illinois at Springfield, which offers many discounts, ranging from University of Illinois alumni to seniors; before you purchase your tickets, check with the box office to see if you qualify.
The State House Inn
101 East Adams Street
Springfield, IL 62701
217-528-5100
thestatehouseinn.com/
Galena, located in the northwestern corner of the state, hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, from Oktoberfest to the Daffodil Festival. Book the Colleen room at the Snoop Sisters Inn for the weekend rate of $81.10 per night in 2010, which offers all the amenities of a luxury bed and breakfast at a fraction of the cost. A stroll down Main Street offers a relaxing slice of small town charm. Galena is home to many antiques stores along Main Street, perfect for leisurely browsing. Stop by Galena Cellars Main Street Wine Tasting Room, located at 515 S. Main Street, to sample some of the local winery's finest. On a nice day, continue down Main Street up the steps at Prospect Street for a panoramic view of Galena. Try a walking ghost tour with the All About a Ghost Tour through the town for only $10 per person.
Snoop Sisters Inn
1000 Third Street
Galena, IL 61036
815-777-3062
snoopsistersinn.com/
There are few things more romantic than star-gazing, and camping is the perfect getaway for nature lovers. Illinois offers many camping opportunities; one of the loveliest is Starved Rock State Park, located approximately 90 miles west of Chicago. The campground at Starved Rock State Park is located about a mile from the park's Visitor Center and offers 133 Class A premium campsites, including a campground store for any last-minute incidentals. Admittance to the park is free, as is parking, so spend the day hiking through the 13 miles of trails, which include breathtaking waterfalls and canyons. After enjoying the nature, swing by the Starved Rock Lodge, which is located in the park, for dinner, music or just to relax by the fireplace. Depending on the time of year, the park hosts a wealth of events. From Art in the Park, a free chainsaw carving exhibit, to the Fall Colors Trolley Tour, there is no shortage of economical activities.
Starved Rock State Park
2668 East 875th Road
Ogelsby, IL 61348
800-868-7625
starvedrockstatepark.org/index.cfm?pageID=388
