Farmers Guest House can arrange a very special event for you and your friends when you stay with us.  An old fashioned sleigh ride has always been on my “bucket list” and now that I have crossed it off my list, I am on a quest to help you fulfill your wishes as well.  Here are the photos of our Christmas Eve adventure.  There’s Annie & Dolly the horses.  That’s our special guest, Barbara, enjoying the ride!

Galena is open for business and Chestnut Mountain Resort is open for skiing. Load up the skis, snowboards and significant other and make your reservations to stay at Farmers Guest House. This year we are offering indoor, secure storage for your equipment and dryer service for your clothing.

Every reservation includes are full- hearty breakfast and WineTime each night at 5:30pm. There is no better choice than Farmers Guest House for your ski getaway to Galena. We’re only minutes from Chestnut Mountain and walking distance to downtown Galena restaurants and shops. Plan your escape from the ordinary and rest comfortably in our country elegant inn. Book your ski getaway to Galena here.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the Inn,

Not a sound could be heard, not the drop of a pin.
The placemats were laid out on the table with care,
Protecting fine wood tops from nicks, dings, and wear.

The guests were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of Crepes Suzette danced in their heads.
And marmalade jelly served on warm golden rolls,
An assortment of cereals in fine hand-hewn bowls.

When out on the lawn there came such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
With my cell phone and bat in my hands holding tight,
I peered through the door into the dark winter night.

The snow on the terrace and leaves on the lawn,
Needed shoveling and sweeping, I would do them at dawn.
When, what to my wondering eyes should I see,
But a black armored limo and eight black SUV’s.

It was someone important now that much was clear,
Though this VIP didn’t come with eight tiny reindeer.
More rapid than eagles his protection detail came,
And the radio crackled as they called out his name.
“Home base we’ve arrived with “The Eagle” and spouse,
Laying low at an Inn called ‘Farmers Guest House’.
It seems quiet enough there’s a swing and a cat,
I see someone approaching with a cell phone and bat.”

As I approached the black limo, very slowly at first,
What I saw amazed me and nearly made my heart burst.
It was a man dressed in fur, sporting white trim and red,
And the white of his beard matched the white on his head.

His eyes-how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
He had a broad face and a round little belly,
That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly.

He rolled down the window, gave a wink and a smile,
His perfectly formed teeth seemed to shine for a mile.
I had never before seen the likes of this lodger,
It was Grammy Award winner, country singer Kenny Rogers!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

He summoned me over and without hesitation,
Wanted rooms for the night with no prior reservation.
My policy is posted and required to be read,
No pets and no smoking, no jumping on the bed.

Despite my misgivings and wanting to do more
Despite the fact check-in ended promptly before.
I welcomed him gladly and all of his crew,
It was Christmas and really what else could I do?

He sprang from his limo, to his team gave a whistle,
Unpacking they flew like the down of a thistle.
And Mr. Rogers exclaimed, as he turned off his light,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

[An adaptation of Clement Moore's classic Christmas Poem by Rob Keone]
(With a change or two by the Innkeepers of Farmers Guest House)

The Fabulous Five were here for the last few days celebrating the holidays and Ila’s 80th Birthday!  I should look half as good at 80!!

How often can you experience the feeling of skiing on opening day? Well this year you can, and also stay the night in one of our luxurious country elegant rooms or suites.

Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL will open today and you can enjoy a special gift from Farmers Guest House when you book your reservation with us for tonight. Book your stay for tonight with Farmers Guest House and receive a complimentary wine tasting at Massbach Ridge Winery and Vineyard – the closest winery to Chestnut Mountain Galena.

At Farmers Guest House we are so excited that Chestnut is opening today,  at least one week earlier than we anticipated.  With 70 snowmaking guns, Chestnut Mountain does an excellent job of getting the slope open and grooming the trails. This is truly the best skiing in Illinois.

Guests of Farmers Guest House will also enjoy inside storage of skis, snowboards and boots. We will also provide dryer service so that you’re warm and toasty when you head up the hill. We’re only 10 minutes from Chestnut Mountain in Galena.

For more information and to book your room visit our Reservations page.

Before 11am anyway!  Yes, this isn’t the pizza you have for breakfast as a college student.  Loaded with bacon, sauteed veggies, fluffy eggs and 3 cheeses this is a breakfast made to give you the energy you need for a day of shopping in Galena or visiting our rich historical sites.

Best Pizza in Galena

We served this at Thanksgiving and it was wonderful!  It also works well to make ahead – but reheat it covered so it doesn’t dry out.

In separate sauce pans, prepare wild rice and brown rice.  Bring broth and rice to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 45 – 50 minutes for brown and 55 – 65 for wild.  Do not add salt or butter.   About 40 minutes into cooking time be sure to check that all the broth has not been absorbed before the rice is tender and, if it has, add ¼ cup additional water.

In a large skillet, sauté the onion, cranberries, garlic and thyme in oil until onion is tender.  Add the squash near the end so it doesn’t get over cooked.  Add the prepared brown and wild rice mixing all together.  Pour into a serving dish.  Sprinkle with pine nuts.

** To roast butternut squash –

Lay the whole squash on its side and slice into 1” slices.  Lay slices flat, cut off peel and scrape away any seeds and stringy parts.  Cut squash into ½” cubes.  Spread on a foil lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray or brushed with a little oil.  Roast at 425˚ for 20 – 30 minutes or until fork tender.  Don’t cook so long that squash gets mushy.  Once cooled the squash can be frozen for later use.

The recent overnight cold weather in Galena has let Chestnut Mountain bring out the big guns and start making snow on the mountain. The resort expects to be open daily by December 3. It’s time to start thinking about your ski getaway to Galena and make your reservations at Farmers Guest House. New this year at Farmers Guest House, we will have a special storage area for your skis and snowboards, as well as drying locations and dryer service for your ski apparel.

There is no better choice than Farmers Guest House for your ski trip to Galena. We are located close to all of the Galena restaurants on Main Street, and only 10 minutes to Chestnut Mountain for skiing. When you book your lodging with us at Farmers Guest House, you’ll be able to relax in your own room or suite all with private baths, enjoy the best breakfast in Galena, hit the slopes and then enjoy an outstanding dinner on Main Street. You’ll also be close enough to head back to the mountain for some night skiing in Galena.

Plan your winter getaway at Farmers Guest House and book your trip now.

Chestnut Mountain in Galena Illinois is one of THE best places in the Midwest to ski and snowboard. With several snowboard and ski runs choose from there really is something for everyone. Chestnut Galena has terrain for beginners, intermediate, experts, alpine skiers and snowboarders too. The view over the Mississippi River from the top of Chestnut Mountain is breathtaking, and creates the best skiing in Illinois.  Locals and experts swear by the challenging terrain at Chestnut Mountain.  Plus you can use your lift ticket to receive discounts at several shops and restaurants in Galena.

If you’ve never tried skiing or snowboarding, fear not because Chestnut Galena is also known for its ski and snowboard instruction. Farmers Guest House and Galena Illinois is the perfect place for your winter getaway.

Are you already an accomplished skier or boarder? Hit the slopes on and then relax with an in-room massage at Farmers Guest House while on your ski vacation to Galena.

For extra savings, take advantage of one of the Farmers Guest House getaway packages to Galena.

“First Rate Service and a Relaxing Atmosphere”

Reviewed November 24, 2012