I had a great weekend getaway in Galena, IL. I did a trunk show at Rustic River Finds hosted by Trish Italia. My table was stocked full of fall beads and old favorites. I also did a mini-demo at the Vintaj workshop. It was so nice to meet some new people and some that I've known online for a while and then seeing old friends is always so sweet. I was also able to meet a few people who will be joining me for my retreat and on the Bead Cruise. Fun! And such lovely souls, they made me wish the retreat was next weekend!
Rustic River Finds is a beautiful store! Every little corner was perfect. It was a fun mix of inspiration and supplies with Vintaj products taking center stage. It was so earthy and nature inspired. I highly recommend a visit if you are ever in the area.
My partners in crime for this weekend were my two aunties - Susie and Rosanne. My dear friend Erin Prais-Hintz traveled down to visit with me for the day. Erin is teaching a workshop at my retreat next month. She is my best-est beady friend and we need to live closer!!!
The day after the trunk show was my day off and so we were tourists, starting with visiting this crazy place near our hotel in Dubuque, IA - which is only 15 minutes from Galena. There was this trolley/elevator thing that had captured our attention all weekend.
So we took the short and slightly terrifying ride up the hill. This was a private elevator at one time for a businessman who wanted to get home in time to take a nap each day for lunch. Quite funny if you ask me, but I like his can-do spirit! He had his priorities.
At the top of the hill you could see three states - Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. I love this part of the country, so down-home, slightly old-west and completely surrounded by the beauty of nature.
We headed back over the Mississippi River to enjoy an afternoon in Galena. The boutiques are so much fun. Our first stop was Ink & Stamp with Sue. If you are into any mixed media, scrapbooking, stamping, art supplies - this is the place for you. We picked up some supplies for future creative sessions and some yummy autumn ribbons for my retreat. Next up...
What can I say? Beads, friends, family and chocolate - seems like a no-brainer to me.
I picked up some treats for the girls. And some treats for the long drive home.
My aunt Sue spotted a tree growing out of the building. Galena is filled with surprises if you take a few moments to stop and look around. If I were a free bird this would be the place I would pick to settle down for a while. I love this town and they must put some kind of creative sprinkles in the water because the whole place is filled with talent. It reminds me a bit of Stars Hollow - remember
Gilmore Girls?
So that was the weekend, it's now back to business in the Humblebeads Studio. Beads to make, shows to prep for and people to inspire!
15 comments:
Wow have never been there but looks like a lovely town..and were those pumpkin cupcakes I saw? Delicious.
Looks like a little piece of heaven!! I will absolutely go there one day and meet all my favorite people!! <3
I only live a half hour away from Galena, but I've only been once. Isn't that the way with places that are close to you? We had a girls weekend there once, in a nice rental with a hot tub :-)
That chocolate shop is making me think we need another girls weekend!
Been to Galena once, and it is such a lovely place! I'd love to go back someday. Those pumpkin chocolates look divine!
I love that trolley up the hill in Dubuque. I used to live not to far from it at the top of the hill. Galena was a favorite day trip for us. It's a great little city.
No place that I would rather have been this weekend. If only I hadn't gotten lost... in Hobby Lobby in Madison... for an hour... we would have had more time to hang out. And shopping in Galena is second to none. Rustic River Finds is my new favorite store! I spent the entire afternoon there, and although I would have liked to walk up and down that quaint street, I had more fun hanging out with my best friend and all the creative people there, including meeting baby Livi (Miss Jess even let me hold her and sing the Livie Lu song!). Can't wait to see you next month and yes, I wish we lived closer! Enjoy the day. Erin
Wow what a great time you had! I'm so green with envy. This summer we took a family vacation to Chicago and I begged and begged to go to Galena, but I was outvoted.
That elevator is pretty cool!
I had no idea that was what the elevator was originally built for. too funny! Sorry I missed you this weekend I got pre-occupied with the kids at Oktoberfest in town. It was a chilly weekend but a great one to be in Galena.
Just waiting to get the post saying you're making the move! It was great to see you Heather, and it was so nice of you to be our special guest in the workshop! We had company in town or I would've been shoving to the front of the line in Rustic River!
Hello Heather! I was so glad to meet you in Galena and look forward to the retreat the end of October. We did that trolley ride once! WOW! See you soon! Diana Kolowski
Oh goodness, Galena! That's near me!! :) I've only been there once or twice, but it really is a beautiful little town.
It's actually really ironic that you posted about that elevator thing because my boyfriend wanted to take me to Iowa and mentioned his family used to ride that all the time when they took trips there.
I think I want to take a trip to Galena sometime in the near future! ^.^
I love seeing the pictures from Galena. Your Aunties and Erin look like they are having a great time! I so remember the chocolate from our visit last year.
What a fun weekend, looks like everyone had a wonderful time! So awesome that Erin joined you. Galena looks like a really great town. I love small towns like that with a touch of personal charm. Gilmore Girls is my favorite, I have every season and still watch it!
I think you had a great weekend! :)
Beautiful pics! Heather it was so great to see you, your aunts and Erin. Thank you again for the fun demo & gift bags at our workshop! Your trunk show beads were outstanding, LOVE all the new fall pieces. Wish you all lived here, now wouldn't we have fun!!! Can't wait to see you again. :)
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