Enjoy a Romantic Weekend for Two in the Elgin Area!
Getting Started
My husband and I have lived in or near Elgin, Illinois, for nearly a decade. It’s a place we feel comfortable, and not just because it’s a place we know. For us, a visit to this “City in the Suburbs” and the surrounding area is an easy getaway. When it’s time for a romantic weekend (and when isn’t it?), we don’t have to go far; instead, we can escape to this historic and scenic destination along the Fox River.
Located northwest of Chicago, the Elgin area encompasses several communities, each with its own distinct character. They straddle I-90, making it easy to get to even if you don’t live nearby. If you’re looking to get a little closer with the one you love, here’s an itinerary that’s sure to spark some romance.
Plan your Stay!
See Elgin Area Accommodation Options
Arrive Friday afternoon and check into your hotel. The Holiday Inn and Suites is conveniently located north of the interstate. Get a suite and you’ll have plenty of room to spread out during your stay.
Day 1
After you’ve settled in, head to the towns of West Dundee and East Dundee. In less than ten minutes, you can be strolling these adorable villages. We like to pop into the old train depot, which is where the Dundee Township Visitor’s Center is located. It’s only staffed from Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 2pm, but the building is open and you can pick up brochures for area businesses. They also have public restrooms inside, and those are open from sunrise to sunset.
The Depot’s in the heart of an expansive green lawn and is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and a brewery. We love Eastside Cafe and Wine Bar. You can purchase wine, pastries, and a variety of tchotchkes, but our favorite part is the coffee flight. My husband’s not much of a drinker, so he’ll get a variety of flavors, and I’ll get a variety of flavors – spiked.
Another favorite stop is Around the Corner Candy. It’s on the west side of the Fox River, in West Dundee, and it’s filled with nostalgic candies. It’s a trip down memory lane, and it’s “sweet” to find treats from each other’s childhood.
Armed with dessert, cross the street and head to Emmett’s Brewing Co for dinner. You can’t miss it: it’s located on the corner in a building that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll see “Emmett’s Tavern & Brewing Co” above a striped awning. The entrance is on the side street, and as soon you walk in you’ll see the brewery itself, followed by the dining room with its elegant bar and hardwood floors. If you like beer, you’re in for a treat, as they’ve won several awards. The food is also good, with a wide selection of burgers, and entrees that top out at less than $30, making this an affordable date night.
After dinner, catch some live music at Rookies RocHaus. Also located in a building with significant history, this former vaudeville theater now showcases national touring artists, local acts, and tribute bands.
Day 2
Morning
What’s more romantic than a leisurely morning followed by a drive along the curving roads? Allen’s Corner Diner is one of our favorite spots for breakfast. It’s been serving up hearty homemade meals since 1921. With only 35 seats it’s small, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait, and you’ll also need to bring cash. If it’s a nice day they’ve got outdoor seating.
Afternoon
Take your time enjoying each other and the locals before heading towards Klein’s Farm and Garden Market and Pasek Farms General Store, both located on Plank Road. These two share a parking lot and are the perfect place to buy provisions for a picnic. You don’t want to get there too early, though, because across the street is Plank Road Tap Room and they open at noon. The building is small, but they’ve got a gorgeous beer garden with picnic tables, plenty of seating, and a fire pit. If you’re still full from breakfast, they’ve got half a mile of hiking trails with hidden logs so you two can leave your mark. Too early for beer or wine? Plank Road Tap Room has nonalcoholic beverages, too.
Once you’ve relaxed for a bit, drive into downtown Elgin. This vibrant community has several gems that are great for a romantic weekend. If you’re not hungry yet, you can follow the Public Art Trail with its sculptures and murals. Once you’re ready for lunch, grab those goodies you got that morning and have a picnic on Walton Island. It’s part of the Fox River Trail and is located in the middle of the river. Then it’s time to stroll downtown. A couple of our favorite stops are Rediscover Records and Mama Lee’s Popcorn. Family-owned (you might even meet Mama Lee), they’re sure to wish you a “poptastic day.”
Evening
Head back to the room to rest and clean up, because it’s time for another date night. Old Republic Kitchen + Bar is owned by the same family that owns Rookies RocHaus. Its unassuming location in a parking lot belies a surprising restaurant and music venue. Sitting outside feels like you’ve hit the tropics. On Saturdays they offer prime rib, and I personally recommend the cheese curds. I tried those with a Wisconsinite, and she heartily approved.
If Old Republic’s outside isn’t open during your romantic getaway, an alternative is to go to dinner at Al’s Cafe and Creamery in downtown Elgin, followed by a show at Hemmens Cultural Center.
Day 3
Before you head back to reality, have brunch at Maple & Hash. There are two locations, but I recommend the one in Pingree Grove. At the intersection of US-20 and Rt. 47, it’s easy to find. They’ve got a variety of Benedicts and creative pancakes and waffles like churro and s’mores. It’ll be difficult, but try to save room for dessert, because you won’t want to miss Milk House. There’s something inherently romantic about getting a scoop with the one you love, and you’ll love this creamery and its charming rural location on one of the first farmsteads in Pingree Grove.
A romantic weekend in the Elgin area is a getaway that helps us reconnect. I hope it’ll do the same for you!
