The Culinary Escape Weekend is focused on foods that delight us- chocolate, wine, cheese, herb-infused vinegars and oils, preserves, and more - and how they are made in Northwest Illinois.

A Delicious Way to Spend Your Weekend

The weekend includes:

• A tasting reception
• Saturday tours of organic farms and stores
• Tasting oils and vinegars of the world, and locally made fruit and vegetable preserves, at local food emporiums
• Tasting local cheeses and wines
• Two cooking classes with our guest chefs.
• Fabulous meals at Galena eateries, focused on local, fresh foods in relaxed and elegant settings.

Aug. 30 and 31, 2008

Mount Carroll, Ill.

View Retreat Itinerary

• Lodging options:

1. Simple Comforts Retreat, women's retreat center
2. Hickory Hideaway, luxury cabins
3. Country Palmer House, B&B
4. Prairie Path Guest House, B&B.

• Set among rolling farmland, these lodgings offer guests a chance to slow down and appreciate the simple life.
• Guest chefs: Donna Duvall, Food Fancies, Personal Chef/Teacher and Michael Staver, Kendall College

April 17-19, 2009

Galena, Ill.

View Retreat Itinerary

• Lodging: Avery Guest House, Bed & Breakfast
• Guest chefs: Sheila Wells at Great Galena Cookery and Executive Chef, Goldmoor Inn

July 3-5, 2009

Mount Carroll, Ill.