Author of My Adventure

Two things I love are traveling and hallmark movies. Most people would think that these two do not correlate…but they can! Right before I turned 40, I made a list of 40 things to do before I turned 40. Some of my ideas I got from my personal bucket list, others ideas from lists individuals posted on Pinterest and a few from friends. Doing a ‘selftrip’ was on that list and a scary concept for me. I had read blogs of other ladies who had taken self trips and how the majority of the bloggers found it enjoyable, freeing, and built up their self confidence. So I thought I’d give it a try.

So how does this relate to a Hallmark movie… well I chose to go to Galena, Illinois which the down town looks like it came straight out of a Hallmark movie. Since staying at a bed and breakfast was also on my 40 by 40 list, I booked a room Farmer’s Guest House Bed and Breakfast. I was a little nervous so I talked to the owners beforehand and like a volcano erupting out of my mouth my whole story about my 40 by 40 list came out and their response was what a great idea.

Since it was about a 5 hour road trip for me, I got some audio books, threw my suit case in the car, dropped my dogs off with my parents, and headed on my first self trip.

Farmer’s Guest House Bed and Breakfast had a welcoming and rustic feel to it with great hospitality by the owners Luke and Elaine and Luke’s father, Mark. The Farmers House has a gathering room up front with various games, a dinning area or you can dine outside in the back, and rooms upstairs with private bathrooms. I stayed for 2 nights and each day I got fresh cookies, a bottle of wine, and homemade chocolates from the local candy store. The breakfast both mornings was delicious. One day I had fresh fruit, three mini quiche, a sausage link, cinnamon streusel coffee cake, and two biscuits. Juice and coffee were also served. I’d stay again just for the breakfast!

Down town was just a short walk away from my lodging, so my first day there I explored the different stores and Luke and Elaine had already told me where they recommended to eat. The shops were darling! I also walked along the walking trail there in town and later kayaked in the Galena River right next to the down town area. The store to pay for the rentals was right after the edge of down town and rental boats were right next to the dock. The one place I wanted to try but I ran out of time was the winery. I guess I just have to go back again.

I never had any interest to go to a restaurant by myself and to be honest, I thought I’d find it nerve racking. So I added to go to a sit down restaurant by myself on my 40 by 40 list. I chose to I eat at the most delicious Italian restaurant called Vinny Vanucchi’s Italian Ristorante. I eventually got over my nerves and enjoyed the atmosphere and my dinner.

Traveling by myself was an amazing experience. I did have a friend that I checked in with and another friend had the location of where I was lodging just to be on the safe side.

Enjoy your next adventure! You just may like taking a ‘selftrip’.