From the Innkeeper | Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois)

Tower Bathroom

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:52:28 GMT

The last couple of winters, we have been working on updating the bathroom in Tower Room. The Tower Room is unique because its bathroom consists of two levels.

The lower level has a walk-in shower, sink, and toilet. The upper level -- the tower of the house -- has a double Jacuzzi tub and an electric fireplace to warm things up on those cold winter nights.

Last year we stripped the wallpaper off the lower level and did some faux painting. This year we tackled the upper level, again stripping wallpaper, adding some faux painting, adding new wall decor and updating the decor in the tower windows.

It really is remarkable to sit in the Jacuzzi tub and look up past the chandelier to the beautiful wood-paneled interior of the tower. The glow from the electric fireplace off the mirrors next to the tub provides a magical atmosphere!

Of course, the upper level of the bathroom should not be your first choice if you have knee or hip issues -- the stairs in the bathroom are quite steep. But if that is not an issue for you, we hope you will enjoy the fresh new look in the Tower bathroom!

Telegraph Herald Visits

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:03:42 GMT

Thank you to the Dubuque Telegraph Herald for their feature story on the Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Sunday's business section. We especially appreciate the care reporter Elizabeth Kelsey put into the story and for the time she spent visiting with us. Running a bed and breakfast is not about getting recognized. It's about serving guests. Still, it is always nice to see kind words in print, and we appreciate the honor.

Here is a link to the article: https://www.telegraphherald.com/news/business/article_a4d1eb5d-f889-4e61-88f0-107265f816c4.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

Looking A Lot Like Christmas

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:21:04 GMT

Christmas in Galena is a beautiful time of year. At Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast, we are typically decorated for the holidays from the weekend following Thanksgiving until Jan. 7, the feast of the Epiphany, or Eastern Orthodox Christmas. Here is a glimpse into our bed and breakfast as we celebrate Christmas, 2025. We wish you all the peace and joy of this special season!

December in Galena

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:05:58 GMT

The Holiday season in Galena is filled with the Christmas spirit. The time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day offers some of the most anticipated events of the year. If you are looking for some Holiday cheer, look no further than Galena and the Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast!

Here is a sampling of events in December:

First Saturday: Holidaze Festival followed by Fire in the Sky. The Holidaze Festival on Green Street Plaza offers a variety of food vendors, drinks, ice skating, craft shopping and a chance to meet Santa! The festival lasts from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Then at 6:30 is a spectacular fireworks display, shot off from Grant Park behind Main Street. It's a great day, and evening, of Christmas merriment!

Second Saturday: Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows. More than 5,000 luminaries line the sidewalks, steps, and streets, creating one of the most magical evenings of the year in Galena. These luminaries are typically glowing between 5 and 9 p.m. From 4 to 7 p.m., shops along Main Street make their windows sing with entertainment of all sorts. It is a wonderfully festive day in Galena. Don't forget also to visit the gazebo in Grant Park to hear carolers belting out Christmas classics! The Hallmark Channel really has nothing on Galena on this memorable day!

Third Saturday: Snowflakes and Sweets Stroll. Receive a punch card for 10 treats, then stroll Main Street enjoying some of the best that Galena has to offer. Chocolatiers, bakers and drink mixers will do their best to sweeten your day as Christmas draws near. The stroll lasts from noon to 4 p.m., and naturally there is plenty of Christmas shopping you can do along the way on Main Street!

This is of course not an exhaustive list. There are many other ways to get in the Christmas spirit in Galena, including A Tuba Christmas and an Ugly Sweater Food Tour. More information on these events and more are available at www.visitgalena.org.

And if relaxing in the beauty of an 1880 Victorian home at Christmas time is really all you are looking for, then the Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast is for you! Tasteful holiday decorations, jacuzzi tubs, a tasty breakfast next to the dining room Christmas tree...that and more awaits!

Cemetery Walk

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:50:16 GMT

The cemetery walk is back! Galena's Greenwood Cemetery will provide the backdrop on Saturday and Sunday, September 13 & 14, 2025, between 1 and 4 p.m.

This the 31st annual cemetery walk, which acts as a major fundraiser for the Jo Daviess County Historical Society.

Performers, after extensive research, bring to life 19th century residents of Galena as they experienced prosperity, hardships and intersecting cultures.

Tickets are $20, ages 8 and up, and can be purchased at the event.

On Friday, September 19, an indoor performance with ADA accessibility will take place at the Galena Center for the Arts, across from Greenwood Cemetery. Tickets are again $20 and can be purchased at the door.

Visitors to Galena are often intrigued by its history. This will be a great opportunity to see some of that history brought to life!

QR Code for Your Visit

Wed, 21 May 2025 19:20:32 GMT

Visitors to Galena, IL, will find this QR code very helpful, both before and during their trip. Simply scan the QR code with your phone and you will be taken to a calendar of events in Galena for the current week. The calendar is updated every Monday and is provided by Galena's marketing arm, Galena Country.

The link also takes visitors to a City of Galena parking map as well as a host of other resources. Check it out!

Outdoors Galena

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 20:48:29 GMT

Warmer weather makes many of us eager to spend more time outdoors. Galena , Illinois, is one of the best places in the Midwest to enjoy the beauty of nature. With its rolling hills and scenic vistas, Galena offers a wonderful opportunity to breathe and relax. There are too many places in Galena Country to mention in one blog post. Here are three ideas, though, to help make your trip to Galena a memorable one, as well as some links for obtaining more information.

Blackjack Road: Horseshoe Mound (pictured above) is about a ten-minute drive from Cloran Mansion and is located off of Blackjack Road. It offers a magnificent birds-eye view of Galena as you look out toward Wisconsin and Iowa. There are two relatively short trails, viewing scopes, and plenty of good bird and butterfly watching.

Casper Bluff Nature Preserve is a short drive from Horseshoe Mound, down Blackjack Road. In addition to hiking trails through prairies and bluffs, the Preserve is also the site of Native American burial mounds.

Horseshoe Mound and Casper Bluff are free and also dog friendly.

Hoof It Goat Treks: This memorable adventure takes visitors on a 1.25 mile hike over land owned by the Goat Trek family for generations. Through wooded lands and prairies, guests are accompanied by one of nature's most sociable animals, the goat. Of course, treats along the way don't hurt in making these goats so sociable. Hoof It is about 15 minutes from Cloran Mansion and offers events besides the walks, such as bonfires and live music.

Kayaks and Bikes: The Galena River offers tranquil kayaking opportunities, suitable for the beginner and enjoyable for all. Nuts Outdoors in Galena rents kayaks and is under five minutes from Cloran Mansion.

For biking, a great option is the Galena River Trail. It offers a nine-mile journey from downtown Galena to Chestnut Mountain. Because Galena is a hilly place, electric bikes are popular, and Nuts Outdoors rents these as well.

To see more information about these places in and near Galena, here are some helpful websites:

Horseshoe Mound

Casper Bluff Nature Preserve

We hope that you will make it out to Galena to enjoy all the natural beauty this area of the Midwest offers!

Time for Updates

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 16:36:24 GMT

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

50 at 60

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:05:48 GMT

Over the summer we had a guest from Florida check in named Michael Steighner. We did not know him, but in striking up a conversation with him, we learned that he was on a special journey.

His goal was to visit all 50 states, in different stages, over the course of 12 months, the year he was turning 60. He was recording his stops along the way for his YouTube channel.

On this portion of his mission, he flew into Chicago and then made Galena his first stop in a visit to the upper Midwest. Here is a link to Episode 28 , in which he features Cloran Mansion.

Michael's YouTube channel is called simply Michael Steighner. You can go there to see Episodes 26 and 27, which are about the Galena area. Episode 29 is about Berning Acres, which is a wonderful family dairy farm just minutes from us. They offer tours as well as other fun events.

Thank you, Michael! It was such a pleasure to meet you, and we wish you well, wherever your travels take you!

Summer Wedding Bells!

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 20:48:19 GMT

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Brew Fest

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:57:09 GMT

The Galena Brew Fest returns to Chestnut Mountain on Saturday, July 20, from 1-4 p.m.!

This annual event features local and regional beer, wine and spirits. Proceeds benefit the Galena Arts & Recreation Center, which does wonderful work for northwestern Illinois.

A ticket includes wristband, glass and 30 sampling tickets. Attendees must be 21 and older. The cost is $35, or $40 the day of the event. The cost of a designated-driver ticket is $5.

Live music will be provided by Sam Wooden.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.galenaarc.org/galena-brew-fest

Live Music in June

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 17:08:17 GMT

There will be plenty of opportunities in June to listen to live music while visiting Galena. Here is a listing of dates and venues:

June 1 -- Concert at the Vineyard with Danny Parker, Fergedaboudit Vineyard, 1:30-5 p.m.

June 1 -- Galena Cellars Downtown, Marty Raymon, 5-8 p.m.

June 1 -- Galena Eagles Club, Ten Gallon Hat, 7-10 p.m.

June 1 -- Music in the Vines with Scott Waterhouse, Galena Cellars Vineyard, 1-4 p.m.

June 1 -- Irish Dancers at Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub and Grill, 5-5:30 p.m.

June 2 -- Music in the Vines with the Danny Parker Project, Galena Cellars Vineyard, 12-3 p.m.

June 6 -- Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill, Andrew Huber, 7-10 p.m.

June 7 -- Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill, Ian Gould, 8-11 p.m.

June 8 -- Gay Pride Picnic, Grant Park, 12-5 p.m.

June 8 -- Karaoke, Galena Eagles Club, 7-10 p.m.

June 8 -- Fergedaboudit Vineyard, Vince Amore, 1:30-5 p.m.

June 8 -- Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill, Ian Gould, 8-11 p.m.

June 8 -- Galena Cellars Downtown, The Danny Parker Project, 5-8 p.m.

June 8 -- Music in the Vines with Steve Kalmes, Galena Cellars Vineyard, 1-4 p.m.

June 13 -- Live at the Plaza, Green Street Plaza, 5-8 p.m.

June 13 -- Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill, Meghan Davis, 7-10 p.m.

June 14 -- Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill, Hearthfire Duo, 8-11 p.m.

June 15 -- Hoof'n & Groove'n, Hoof It Goat Treks, 6-9 p.m.

June 15 -- Turner Hall, Hunter Fuerste & His American Vintage Orchestra, 6 p.m.

June 15 -- Karaoke, Galena Eagles Club, 7-10 p.m.

June 15 -- Fergedaboudit Vineyard, Kara Gordon, 1:30-5 p.m.

June 15 -- Galena Cellars Downtown, Rebel Wells, 5-8 p.m.

June 15 -- Music in the Vines with Take the Pearl, Galena Cellars Vineyard, 1-4 p.m.

June 15 -- The Tony Ocean Dinner Show, Fergedaboudit Vineyard, 6:30 p.m.

June 15 -- Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill, Hearthfire Duo, 8-11 p.m.

June 21 -- Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill, Andreas Transo, 8-11 p.m.

June 22 -- Corkless in Galena, Depot Park, 12-6 p.m.

June 22 -- Karaoke, Eagles Club, 7-10 p.m.

June 22 -- Fergedaboudit Vineyard, Lenny Wayne, 1:30-5 p.m.

June 22 -- Frank O'Dowd's Andreas Transo, 8-11 p.m.

June 22 -- Galena Cellars Downtown, Dan Peart, 5-8 p.m.

June 22 -- Music in the Vines, Galena Cellars Vineyard, Steve McIntyre, 1-4 p.m.

June 23 -- Sea Shanties Sunday, Frank O'Dowd's, 6-8 p.m.

June 27 -- Live at the Plaza, Green Street Plaza, 5-8 p.m.

June 29 -- Hoof'n & Groove'n, Hoof It Goat Treks, 6-9 p.m.

June 29 -- Karaoke, Eagles Club, 7-10 p.m.

June 29 -- Fergedaboudit Vineyard, Gabe Schillman, 1:30-5 p.m.

June 29 -- Galena Cellars Downtown, Daniel Zaccaro, 5-8 p.m.

June 29 -- Music in the Vines, Galena Cellars Vineyard, Jim Mantey, 1-4 p.m.

June 30 -- Frank O'Dowd's, Meghan Davis, 6-8 p.m.

Thanks, Pat!

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:31:06 GMT

Just wanted to share a painting that Pat Holland completed for us this week.

Pat is a Galenian treasure. She has been decorating cakes for Cloran Mansion for many years. Those of you who have been married here or have had a cake here for any other reason very likely know the tremendous quality of her work and the care she puts into whatever she takes on.

But beyond cake decorating, Pat is also an accomplished artist. She has a business called Pat Holland Illustrations, which creates paintings/drawings of homes and buildings like the one she just completed for Cloran Mansion. The business includes a lot of other illustrations as well, such as of pets, flora and fauna, landscapes and "life portraits" -- a portrait of an individual accompanied by other objects/people to provide a sort of composite "picture" of that person's life. She works in acrylic paint, like she did for us, as well as in pencil and ink. Pat has also worked on restoring broken statues, as she did for St. Mary's and St. Michael's churches in Galena.

I encourage you to take a look at her Facebook page -- Pat Holland Illustrations. She has lots of examples of her work as well as a way to contact her if you are interested in having her complete an illustration for you.

Pat's humility is well-known to all who know her. But all who have benefited from her skills and creativity know how much Galena is enriched by her presence here.

Thanks, Pat!

A Major Love Story

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 17:20:18 GMT

It was a frigid day Saturday afternoon, with several new inches of snow on the ground and windchills at -10. But it was a lovely and warm atmosphere inside the Cloran Mansion, as Townsend & Christine made their marriage vows in our dining room!

The atmosphere was also patriotic, as Christine is a Major in the U.S. Army and Townsend is a soon-to-be Major. Christine is currently stationed at the ROTC program at the University of Illinois. Townsend is about to be deployed to South Korea for several months, so there was no stopping them from making the day a wonderful one, whatever it was doing outside!

The best man was Simba, who obviously found the time to obtain a matching tie for the special occasion.

Best wishes to all three as they begin a new journey together!

Mistletoe Stroll

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:33:14 GMT

This Saturday, December 16th, Bed & Breakfast Inns of Galena will be hosting its Mistletoe Stroll. All are welcome. It can be an especially nice event for residents of Galena who typically drive by the many wonderful bed and breakfasts everyday in Galena but because they live here have had no particular reason to go inside.

The participating inns besides the Cloran Mansion are: Lamberson Guest House, Steamboat House, Farmers Guest House, Belle Aire Mansion, Jail Hill Inn and Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages (who did a great job organizing the event).

Those purchasing the $10 ticket can visit these inns in any order, have a treat, and enjoy the Christmas decorations. The event lasts from 1-4 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in advance until Friday at 6 p.m. at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mistletoe-stroll-tour-of-holiday-houses-tickets-693260479757?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwAR039sVA3gj3aKuRbi08q9oJfZASsmaqMRVS9sSs9sWXvylelpqMHvdKO6g

Tickets can also be purchased during the event at any of the participating inns. All proceeds benefit local charities.

We hope you can make it!

Christmas in Galena!

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 21:45:46 GMT

December is a beautiful time to come out to Galena. The town sparkles with red and green and the lights of the season. And of course there are also some spectacular weekend events like the fireworks display and Luminaria.

But weekdays can be an especially great time to visit. They may not have the big events. But they do have more calm, fewer crowds, and still all the beauty.

We hope you can make it out to Galena during this special time of year! We thought we would share some photos as we decorate the Cloran Mansion for Christmas 2023.

Tower Renovations

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 22:38:39 GMT

Last week, Cloran Mansion was closed so that we could undertake a number of renovations and not disturb guests. The biggest of these projects was renovations to the tower of the house.

The siding of the tower consisted of green cedar shingles, but many of these had begun to deteriorate after years of, well, weather in northwestern Illinois. Harrington and Sons Construction took on this project, replacing the old cedar with faux cedar of a similar color. These shingles should have a life span of forty or fifty years, putting the Cloran in a good position for decades to come.

Next up was the cresting that sits on top of the tower. Cresting, the decorative metal fencing that sits on top of the tower, was a feature of Victorian homes like the Cloran, built in 1880. The old cresting had begun to rust through and break. After we ordered new, similar steel cresting and painted it, Harrington took care of the installation for us. It's a little beyond the reach of our tallest ladder.

Another exterior project was replacing the shutters on the front of the house (actually, we took care of most of these a couple of weeks back).

Inside, Paul worked on re-staining the bannister that leads to the second floor to rejuvenate the look at little bit. Finally, Rockford Refinishing took care of refinishing the double Jacuzzi tubs in two of our rooms -- Antonio's Cottage and Ann's Room. Both tubs now have a sparkling white new surface.

We thought you would enjoy a little peek wth the slideshow below!

Get in the Holiday Spirit!

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 19:33:01 GMT

The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Autumn Wedding

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 19:02:09 GMT

Congratulations to Dena and Jeff Windham from Bettendorf, Iowa. They were married here on Sunday in front of our gazebo on a beautiful autumn day. This picture about says it all!

Galena Foodie Adventures

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:31:23 GMT

We are happy to announce that we are now partnering with one of the newest attractions in town, Galena Foodie Adventures. These food/beverage tours are run by Galena resident and culinary school graduate Devin Ganka.

After making a reservation with us, guests will receive a 10% discount code they can apply when scheduling a tour with Galena Foodie Adventures. GFA offers two tours:

1) Galena Food and Drink Tour. Offered on Saturdays and Sundays as well as some holidays, this tour lasts from 1-3:30 p.m. and includes visits to 5 different locations downtown for a total of 10 tastings/beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options). It is open to those 5 and over, and there is a limit of 10 people per tour. Cost before discount is $80/person.

2) Cocktail Adventure Tour. Offered on Fridays and Saturdays as well as some holidays, this tour lasts from 6-7:30 p.m. and includes three cocktails and three food tastings downtown. Non-alcoholic options are available, but tour is restricted to those 21 and over. There is a limit of 10 people per tour, and the cost before discount is $64.99/person.

Both tours take place rain or shine.

You can find out more about these tours by visiting www.galenafoodieadventures.com .

If you have already made a reservation at Cloran Mansion and would like to take advantage of the tour discount, please email Paul at innkeeper@cloranmansion.com.

Happy Tasting!

Midwest Association of Independent Inns

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:14:43 GMT

Cloran Mansion joins new B&B Group

We are happy to announce that Cloran Mansion has joined a new organization to promote small inns in Galena and beyond. The new organization is called the Midwest Assocation of Independent Inns, or MWInns for short. MWInns has just published its first quarterly newsletter, and we are please to see that Cloran Mansion is one of the featured inns! You can find the newsletter at https://conta.cc/3EnO5pg

MWInns' focus will be to promote small, independent lodgings in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Many times, visitors may want to include Galena as part of a larger trip in the Midwest, and the MWInns site will be a helpful guide. The MWInns website can be found at https://mwinns.com/

The Association will also be helpful to small lodgings like Cloran Mansion against tech giants like Expedia and Booking.com. These services take large commissions from lodgings, money that cannot then go to the continued upkeep and improvement of the property. MWInns will help promote booking directly with the lodging, which provides you with the best rate and the best communication with the innkeeper.

So we look forward to a beneficial relationship with MWInns, and we hope that you will check out their website to see what it is about and to help you plan your next Midwest trip!

The Naylons

Sat, 02 Sep 2023 20:39:06 GMT

Congratulations to our latest wedding couple, Alura and Josh Naylon! Alura and Josh live in Sterling, Il., and were married midweek here at Cloran Mansion. It was a pleasure having them here, and we wish them a lifetime of happiness together! For more information on elopements or small weddings here, please visit www.cloranmansion.com/weddings .

Spring Has Sprung!

Sat, 06 May 2023 20:29:48 GMT

Last summer we did a good deal of landscaping work on the grounds here. This included the planting of six new crabapple trees, and it is wonderful to see these trees come alive this spring! The white blossoms are sparkling, especially in contrast with the stunning pinkish/red blossoms on the older trees next to them.

Last week we hope we increased the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors by having the roof of the gazebo redone. Cedar roofing is great looking, but it tends not to last more than 15 years, and the old one on the gazebo had run its course. We replaced the roof with faux cedar shakes, which we believe look very close to the real thing and should help preserve the gazebo by lasting for decades.

It is really one of the pleasures of running Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast -- to see the grounds come alive each spring and to experience the sights, sounds and smells as warmer weather returns. We hope you will be able to join us at the Cloran Mansion in the months ahead!

Meet the Hoppers

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 19:29:31 GMT

Congratulations to Amy and David Hopper, married here at Cloran Mansion this week! Amy and David come from Lincoln, IL, and found Galena to be a great place to make their vows and begin their new life together. It was a bit on the chilly side for a spring day, but that did not stop the celebration. All the best to Amy and David on great happiness in the years ahead!

Corkless in Galena

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 21:01:30 GMT

The annual popular wine festival known as Corkless in Galena returns on Saturday, June 24, 2023, from noon to 6 p.m.! The fesival will feature eight wineries from across Illinois, including those from the Galena area.

The festival will again be located at Depot Park in Galena. It will include wine tastings, food trucks, music and local artists. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the beginning of summer! Admission is $20 and includes a festival glass, five tasting tickets for 1 oz. pours or food, and a five dollar voucher good for the purchase of a bottle of wine at the festival.

Depot Park is located along the Galena River next to Grant Park.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting https://corklessingalena.simpletix.com/

Eagle Watching

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 22:07:00 GMT

Janet and I took advantage of some January sun to do a bit of eagle watching. Lock & Dam 11 in Dubuque is about 25 minutes from Cloran Mansion and provides some terrific viewing of bald eagles this time of year along the Mississippi River. Eagles congregate there to do a lot of winter fishing. The eagle in the photo above was one of several flying around today.

The post Eagle Watching appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

2023 Visitors Guide

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 15:10:00 GMT

The 2023 Galena Country Visitors Guide is now available online, courtesy of Greater Galena Marketing! You can view the online version at https://www.visitgalena.org/Visitors-Guide. We hope you take a look and begin planning your 2023 getaway to Galena!

The post 2023 Visitors Guide appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Christmas Time in Galena!

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:34:00 GMT

Enjoy the holidays in Galena! This year a new tradition begins with the Galena Holidaze Festival. The event will be held at Green Street Plaza on Main Street on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 11 AM to 6 PM. The annual fireworks show, known as Fire in the Sky, will then follow at 6:30,…

The post Christmas Time in Galena! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

October Colors Are Sparkling

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 19:00:00 GMT

It’s been a gorgeous fall here in Galena this year. Plenty of sunshine and lots of color! There are still some autumn leaves left. This was taken at Chestnut Mountain yesterday.

The post October Colors Are Sparkling appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

October Wedding

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 21:06:00 GMT

Congratulations to our most recent autumn wedding couple, Bill and Windy White from Orlando, Florida! Bill grew up in northern Illinois, and the two decided on Galena and its fall colors for their special day!

The post October Wedding appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Milking It

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 21:51:00 GMT

This weekend, Janet and I had the pleasure of visiting Berning Acres, a dairy farm about 10 minutes from us in East Dubuque, IL. This is a picture of our tour guide, Natalie, providing some extra nutrition for a calf just a week or two old. Berning Acres provides tours May through October, a “Night…

The post Milking It appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Congratulations!

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 20:05:00 GMT

Congratulations to our newest wedding couple, Mikia and Jay King! Mikia and Jay hail from central Illinois and had a lovely ceremony near our pond, where the koi were very honored to act as witnesses. All the best to you for a lifetime of happiness!

The post Congratulations! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Wedding Bells x 2

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 23:43:00 GMT

Happy days recently at Cloran Mansion as we celebrated a couple of wonderful weddings in the summer heat. Congratulations to Dawn and Matthew Klepsteen from Knierim, Iowa (married July 23) and Denise and Glenn Stadler of Hoffman Estates, Illinois (married Aug. 3). Wishing you lots of happiness in the years ahead, and we hope to…

The post Wedding Bells x 2 appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

4th of July Wedding

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 20:33:00 GMT

We had a great 4th of July celebration here yesterday. Kay and Darren Phillips were married in our gazebo! Despite predictions of storms, the clouds parted and the sun shone for a lovely, if steamy, day for a wedding. Congratulations to Kay and Darren, and we wish you many more happy years of celebrating with…

The post 4th of July Wedding appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Do You Feel the Love?

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 22:03:00 GMT

The digital travel magazine Trips to Discover this week posted its newest article, “The Most Romantic Destination in Every State.” For Illinois, the magazine gave the honor to Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast! Thank you!

The post Do You Feel the Love? appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

It’s a Good Sign

Thu, 05 May 2022 15:40:00 GMT

We are very happy with our new sign installed this week. The old one was rotting away, so it was time for a replacement. Many thanks to Lange Sign Group in East Dubuque for their attentive and timely work, to mason Reggie Droessler, who obviously takes great pride in what he does, and to Cheryl…

The post It’s a Good Sign appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Happy Birthday, President Grant!

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 19:14:00 GMT

This weekend, Galena marks the 200th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant. Grant was too trusting by nature, never a successful businessman, and he smoked too many cigars. But at a time when his country needed him, he was there, and the Union — and Galena — were deeply grateful. We hope you can help wish…

The post Happy Birthday, President Grant! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Best of the River

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 20:37:00 GMT

Thank you to readers of River Travel Magazine. In its annual “Best of the River” survey, Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast came in second in the category of best bed and breakfast. River Travel Magazine focuses on travel along both sides of the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to New Orleans. Here is a link to…

The post Best of the River appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Top Dog

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 21:36:00 GMT

This week Yelp! named Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast the top dog-friendly lodging in Illinois (Antonio’s Cottage only). Truth be told, I not a big fan of these kinds of rankings (top cities, top restaurants, top one-armed paper hangers, etc., etc., etc.). But it is always nice to be recognized, and I want to thank…

The post Top Dog appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

New Visitor Guide

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 19:07:00 GMT

The new visitor guide is out. Here is a link to it to help you plan your trip to Galena! Galena Visitor Guide

The post New Visitor Guide appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

New Roof

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 19:56:00 GMT

New roof finished today, just in time for a good spring rain. Can’t tell you how good it feels to have this project completed. Old “tin” roof may have been 100 years old or more. Time to thank it for its service and enjoy the new “hat”!

The post New Roof appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Join the History Hunt!

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 22:55:00 GMT

Looking for a fun activity in the springtime? In April, the Galena Historical Society will release its 2nd Annual Galena History Hunt map!Explore Galena on a fun filled scavenger hunt to local historic sites. Learn unique facts and stories at each historic site along the way for a chance to win $500 and other prizes!Maps…

The post Join the History Hunt! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Welcome back!

Sun, 23 Jan 2022 18:30:00 GMT

It was a fantastic and special weekend here at Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Five grandchildren of Virgil and Rita Gaber, along with their spouses, came to stay in the house they grew up in or visited as children decades ago. Virgil and Rita Gaber bought the Cloran Mansion from the American Legion in 1967…

The post Welcome back! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Christmas bells…and wedding bells!

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 20:43:00 GMT

Congratulations to Karly and Zach from central Illinois on their lovely wedding here at Cloran! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

The post Christmas bells…and wedding bells! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

“Fall”ing in Love

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 20:04:00 GMT

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Holmes! Ohdonna and Troy were married Saturday at the Cloran Mansion on a beautiful fall day in a ceremony attended by close family and friends. The couple traveled from Ottawa, Illinois, to Galena for their special day. We wish you all the best as you begin a new…

The post “Fall”ing in Love appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Galena Shuttle Is Here!

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 19:45:00 GMT

Starting Labor Day weekend, guests can take advantage of the Galena Free Ride transit service every Saturday in September and October, from 11am–7pm Avoid the congestion of trying to park on Main Street. Instead, park in the Depot Park remote lot, hop on the transit and be dropped off just steps away from Main Street.…

The post Galena Shuttle Is Here! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Golden Day

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:50:00 GMT

Congratulations to Karen and Charles Ginn, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary over the weekend with a renewal ceremony here. All the best to a great couple and two very loyal guests! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share in the moment with your family.

The post Golden Day appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Corkless, 2021

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 20:16:00 GMT

AFter a Covid-induced dry spell, Galena looks forward to the return of this great event!

The post Corkless, 2021 appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Tower Room Updates

Wed, 12 May 2021 22:16:00 GMT

In addition to Alice’s Room, we have also been doing some work on Tower Room to try to enhance the experience for guests. A new king bed is in place, and by removing a dresser, we have made room for two comfortable chairs for relaxing. A bachelor’s chest and a glass table with lamp are…

The post Tower Room Updates appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Renovations to Alice’s Room

Tue, 11 May 2021 22:07:00 GMT

We have been doing some work here over the past few months to enhance the experience of guests. One of our projects has been Alice’s Room. Alice was the daughter of John and Ann Cloran, and she took care of her father after Ann passed away. Alice’s Room is our smallest, but we have been…

The post Renovations to Alice’s Room appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Celebrate!

Tue, 04 May 2021 18:10:00 GMT

Really wonderful to host Derrick and Candace as they visited Galena for the first time from downstate Illinois. On a beautiful spring day, they said “I do” here at the Cloran Mansion. We were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with them on their special day, and we wish them nothing but the best as…

The post Celebrate! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Look, up in the sky…!

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 21:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to Alex and Maria, who had a super wedding ceremony here on Wednesday! The happy occasion included each taking a turn reading a letter to the other in their native language, Russian. Apparently, Alex waited until their wedding day to reveal his true identity. All the best to this fun couple from Janesville, Wisconsin!

The post Look, up in the sky…! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Cloran Gift Certificates

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 14:11:00 GMT

Give a Gift Certificate to the Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfastin Galena!If you are still searching for a perfect gift for someone special, how about a gift certificate to the Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast? Give the gift to get away from it all! The recipient can use it any time of year, weekday or weekend.…

The post Cloran Gift Certificates appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Wednesday Wedding in Our Dining Room!

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 18:03:00 GMT

There is always a neat feel to a December wedding, and that was certainly the case yesterday as Nick & Jodi made their vows in our dining room just after sunset. It has been wonderful having both of them here, and we wish them all the best in their new journey together!

The post Wednesday Wedding in Our Dining Room! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Be a Christmas Angel: Buy a Gift Certificate for Time Away!

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:57:00 GMT

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. If you are like most people, you have at least one loved one who could really use a little time away. We have a solution. This Christmas, give them a gift certificate to the Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Galena. As we look to 2021 and…

The post Be a Christmas Angel: Buy a Gift Certificate for Time Away! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Fried Green Delivers!

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 22:05:00 GMT

We are happy to let guests know that Fried Green Tomatoes will be delivering dinners to the Cloran Mansion every Friday and Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. through December 2020. Simply place your order either through us or directly with Fried Green Tomatoes by 3 p.m. the day of the meal. The cost is $50…

The post Fried Green Delivers! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Spirit Tour

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 21:20:00 GMT

The spirit(s) of Halloween have hit the Cloran Mansion! We hope that you can stop by and see the ghouls and goblins that have temporarily invaded the grounds here as part of the Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit Tour in Galena. More information can be found at https://galenachamber.com/halloween-spirit-tour/ We hope you will have a frighteningly good…

The post Spirit Tour appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Happy Anniversary!

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 21:52:00 GMT

Congratulations to Lisa and Brian who not only celebrated their 24th anniversary but renewed their wedding vows here at the Cloran Mansion on Saturday! It was a beautiful September day to say “I do” once again. We wish you many more happy years together!

The post Happy Anniversary! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

August Wedding Bells

Sun, 23 Aug 2020 21:05:00 GMT

It was a privilege this weekend to host the wedding of Kyle and Amanda Douglas. Kyle and Amanda hail from the Quad Cities area and make a most kind and generous couple! We are grateful they chose the Cloran Mansion for their special day, and we look forward to many happy returns! All the best…

The post August Wedding Bells appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 21:58:00 GMT

“The Women on Third Street, The Fight for Justice, Equality, and the Vote.” Join Adele Gratiot Washburne, Susan B. Anthony, Clara McClellan and Jane Addams outside the historic homes and in the beautiful gardens of Third Street in historic Galena. Come hear their stories, learn their struggles, and witness their determination to fulfill the promises…

The post Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Wedding Monday

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 19:51:00 GMT

Congratulations to Teresa and Josh, who were married here on Monday! They are a terrific couple from central Illinois, and we were honored to be part of their special day. We are wishing you many years of happiness, Teresa and Josh, as you begin a new journey together!

The post Wedding Monday appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

U.S. Grant Home Open!

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:55:00 GMT

Just a note that President Grant’s House in Galena is now back open! Visitors are welcome Wednesday to Sunday each week. There are six tours per day, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30. Tours are limited to 10 people. Masks and social distancing are required. Suggested donation is $5 per person. The address is…

The post U.S. Grant Home Open! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Perfect Afternoon

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 21:52:00 GMT

There was a storm in the morning and a storm at night. But the in-between was perfect. It was great timing as Desiree and Paul became Mr. and Mrs. Berger on the grounds of the Cloran Mansion on Saturday. Thank you to the great couple on making it a wonderful day! Many happy years of…

The post Perfect Afternoon appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Sky Lights

Sun, 21 Jun 2020 19:22:00 GMT

Fireworks displays are hard to come by these days. Visitors to Galena Saturday night, though, were treated to a spectacular electrical storm courtesy of Mother Nature. Rain had been predicted, but what we got instead was a brilliantly lit-up sky. This picture was taken from right near the Cloran Mansion.

The post Sky Lights appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Main Street Coming Alive!

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 17:31:00 GMT

It was great to see Main Street in Galena operating more fully this weekend. Retail shops welcomed customers for the first time in weeks, and many restaurants set up outdoor eating areas. Restaurants also continued to do take-out and delivery. It was kind of fun to see Main Street set up with a more “block…

The post Main Street Coming Alive! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Retail Stores to Open May 29th!

Sat, 23 May 2020 21:28:00 GMT

On Friday, May 29th, stores on Main Street will again be open in accordance with guidelines provided by the state of Illinois. This will be a great day for Galena and for our guests! Customers will be expected to wear masks inside stores and adhere to social distancing. These measures will help keep people safer…

The post Retail Stores to Open May 29th! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Grant

Fri, 22 May 2020 18:57:00 GMT

This weekend we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country. The History Channel will mark Memorial Day in part by beginning a three-part series called simply “Grant,” about Galena’s favorite son and hero of the Civil War. For those of you with a history bent, here is the official trailer.…

The post Grant appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

We Remain Open!

Fri, 22 May 2020 00:04:00 GMT

We have missed our guests this spring, but we hope that will make everything all the sweeter this summer! We remain open with modifications — for example, limiting to 50% capacity at least to the end of May. We hope everyone is staying healthy. More updates from Galena to follow soon…

The post We Remain Open! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Service during Coronavirus

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 20:19:00 GMT

We hope you are staying safe during this time to cut down on the spread of the coronavirus. Because people have asked, we also need to let everyone know that we have stayed open as an essential service. We do not want people to travel unnecessarily, but we also know that emergencies and unusual circumstances…

The post Service during Coronavirus appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

ABC shines spotlight on Galena

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 18:42:00 GMT

Galena was recently featured on ABC Chicago’s Windy City Live. Check it out here! https://abc7chicago.com/travel/galena-ill-is-the-perfect-summer-destination-for-families/5971517/

The post ABC shines spotlight on Galena appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Gramercy Park

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 20:04:00 GMT

About 13 miles from Cloran Mansion is Gramercy Park. It is located in East Dubuque, Ilinois, a quick drive down Route 20. In many ways it is like any other neighborhood park tucked away in a residential community. A playground offers a place for kids. Houses look out over open land Two things make this…

The post Gramercy Park appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

13th Annual Wine Lovers’ Weekend 🍷

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 19:17:00 GMT

Make your plans now to join in on one of Illinois’ largest indoor wine tastings. This year’s event will take place at Turner Hall on March 27-28. More than 250 wines will be available for tasting! To learn more, visit www.wineloversweekend.com.

The post 13th Annual Wine Lovers’ Weekend �� appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Why Book Direct?

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 23:17:00 GMT

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) come with many names: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Orbitz, etc. etc. etc. Their million-dollar ads fill the airwaves, implying that if you book with one of these sites, you will get the lowest rate. In fact, booking through one of these sites is not the best way to make a reservation. Here…

The post Why Book Direct? appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Galena Visitors Guide

Sat, 25 Jan 2020 22:23:00 GMT

The 2020 official Galena Country Visitors Guide has just been published. It has information on special events, attractions, dining options, and a whole lot more. You can check out an electronic version by clicking on https://maddendigitalbooks.com/galenacountryvisitorguide20/ . You can also order a hard copy by going to www.visitgalena.org. Happy planning — we hope to see…

The post Galena Visitors Guide appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

December Wedding!

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 19:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to Amanda and Brian on their recent wedding at the Cloran Mansion! The festive atmosphere of a December ceremony added beautifully to the festive colors of the holidays! Merry Christmas to Amanda and Brian and all the best for a Happy and Healthy 2020!

The post December Wedding! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Give the Gift of Time Together!

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 22:57:00 GMT

Time is the most precious gift of all. This holiday season, give someone special a gift they will treasure: time away with a loved one at the Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Galena. You choose the amount. They choose when they want to get away and what room they want to stay in. Parents. A…

The post Give the Gift of Time Together! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

A Family Affair

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 23:24:00 GMT

Congratulations to Shelby and Diego! They officially became Mr. and Mrs. Gandara at the Cloran Mansion on Sunday in a ceremony in front of friends and family. Shelby’s parents Jill and Kevin have been great and longtime guests at the Cloran Mansion, so it was wonderful to be able to play host on such a…

The post A Family Affair appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Take a Winter Weekday Holiday!

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 22:47:00 GMT

Taking a weekday break in the middle of winter can be just what the doctor ordered! Let us help you do that: Stay any night Sunday through Wednesday at the regular weekday rate and get a second night free! January 5th to March 31st, 2020. (Free night CAN be applied to a Thursday) When making…

The post Take a Winter Weekday Holiday! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Autumn Colors

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 22:27:00 GMT

The big Galena Halloween parade is in two days! In the spirit of the season, here is a glimpse of October at and around Cloran Mansion.

The post Autumn Colors appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Progressive Dinner

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:43:00 GMT

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 9 for a progressive (and fabulous) dinner. The dinner is sponsored by Best of Galena, an association of bed and breakfasts in town. You will visit three inns in Galena as the evening unfolds — enjoying appetizers, the main course, and dessert. The first course begins at 6 p.m. What…

The post Progressive Dinner appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Reason to Celebrate!

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 20:13:00 GMT

Thank you to Stoney and Pamela Hileman of Omaha, Nebraska, for allowing us to host their wedding this week. Despite all the recent rain, we had a beautiful day and a great ceremony performed by Jess Farlow. All the best to Stoney and Pamela as they begin a new journey together!

The post Reason to Celebrate! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Sun Shines on Mr. and Mrs. Jordan!

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 20:54:00 GMT

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Dennis and Michelle Jordan! They were married here at the Cloran Mansion on Tuesday, Sept. 10th. Some pretty heavy thunderstorms rolled through the area early that morning, but by the time of the wedding, beautiful rays of sun were shining through. All the best to Dennis and Michelle…

The post Sun Shines on Mr. and Mrs. Jordan! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Visitors from Japan

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 19:25:00 GMT

The post Visitors from Japan appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Painting a New Picture

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 20:40:00 GMT

The Cloran Mansion is 139 years old, so it makes sense that it asks for a little TLC. The latest mini facelift has come this week. The roof received a new protective green coating. The soffits and fascia got some repair in spots and a fresh coat of white paint. The metal railing, balcony and…

The post Painting a New Picture appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

41st Anniversary & a Renewal of Vows

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 19:00:00 GMT

Mike and Jill Holm celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary in style. They renewed their vows on the grounds of the Cloran Mansion in a heart-felt ceremony on Saturday. Family and friends gathered from many places to be there, and Mike and Jill generously rented the whole house for the weekend so that everyone could…

The post 41st Anniversary & a Renewal of Vows appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Galena’s Hidden Gem

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 22:45:00 GMT

One of the easiest places to miss when visiting Galena is Linmar Gardens. It is tucked away at the end of Prospect Street, away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. But the traveler who takes time to find this hidden gem near the old high school will be richly rewarded. Linmar Gardens has…

The post Galena’s Hidden Gem appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Congratulations!

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:16:00 GMT

Elijah Ross and Farrah Olson were married in a lovely outdoor ceremony on Monday, July 8th at the Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Congratulations to this great couple as they begin a new journey together!

The post Congratulations! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Lots of Rain But Lots of Colors

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 21:58:00 GMT

One thing about all this rain…the flowers at Cloran Mansion are sure enjoying it! Here are some shots of the ongoing color display happening on the 1.5 acres of grounds here at the B&B. Play -0:20 Additional Visual Settings Enter Watch And ScrollCast to Chrome CastClick to enlarge Unmute 263 People Reached 37 Engagements Boost…

The post Lots of Rain But Lots of Colors appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Taking Flight

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 22:57:00 GMT

John Bonner and his wife Sandra have a lot of experience with hot air balloons. In John’s case, though, it was not as a passenger but as a pilot. For a long time, John flew his own hot air balloon. Meanwhile, Sandra would track the flight with her truck back on the ground That was…

The post Taking Flight appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Two Weddings and an Engagement

Sun, 26 May 2019 20:46:00 GMT

It has been a passionate Memorial Day Weekend at Cloran Mansion. On Saturday two couples were married here. At 1 p.m., officiant Jess Farlow married Nancy Zaremba and Mike Seifert of Bloomingdale, Illinois. Then Jess returned for a 4 p.m. ceremony, marrying Brooke Jensen and A.J. Lenzie of Manhattan, Illinois. The weather was beautiful, as…

The post Two Weddings and an Engagement appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Two New Packages!

Fri, 17 May 2019 00:26:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that the Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast is now offering two new packages in cooperation with Chestnut Mountain. The “Mississippi River Cruise” will allow our guests to take a 1.5 hours adventure along the Mississippi. The cost is $40 per couple, a $20 savings from the normal rate! River cruise…

The post Two New Packages! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Long-Distance Travelers

Thu, 09 May 2019 21:52:00 GMT

We were honored to host the Driscoll family the past two days in Antonio’s Cottage. They surely will take the award this week for longest distance traveled to stay here. Stephen, Karen, and their son Alex visited us from London, England. They started by visiting Chicago, then came out to Galena for all that…

The post Long-Distance Travelers appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

May the 4th Was With Them!

Mon, 06 May 2019 19:15:00 GMT

It was 70, sunny and spectacular as Kurt & Kelsey were married in a wedding at the Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast on Saturday, May 4th. Family and friends gathered for what turned out to be a wonderful day to help Kurt & Kelsey celebrate their new lives together. No signs of Luke Skywalker or…

The post May the 4th Was With Them! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Love…and Snow… in the Air!

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 00:44:00 GMT

Elizabeth and Barrett Stillings held a beautiful wedding on Saturday, April 27 at the Cloran Mansion. They were joined by family to celebrate the special occasion (as well as by their loyal companion, Kal!). They were also treated to a special surprise by Mother Nature, who dropped snow all day long on the unsuspecting spring…

The post Love…and Snow… in the Air! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Enter WTTW Contest!

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 20:25:00 GMT

PBS station Channel 11 WTTW in Chicago has just aired a new special by Geoffrey Baer called “Chicago on Vacation.” To launch the new show and website, the station and Cloran Mansion are offering a drawing for two free nights! The deadline to enter is April 5. You do not need to be a PBS…

The post Enter WTTW Contest! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

May Races!

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 17:12:00 GMT

There are a lot of fun races to participate in this coming spring. Get some fresh air and enjoy Galena’s beautiful countryside while showing your competitive streak on any of the below races. Ride the Ups and Downs (May 4, 7am – 3pm) Galena River Trail Run (May 18, 8am – 11am) Galena Sky Trail Race (May 18,…

The post May Races! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Renovated Rooms

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 23:11:00 GMT

We have been busy in January making updates to upstairs rooms at Cloran Mansion. Tower, Ann’s, John’s, and Alice’s rooms all received new carpeting. New tiles were added to the bathroom floors of Ann’s, John’s and Alice’s rooms. Renovations were made to the bathroom wall tiles in Ann’s and John’s rooms as well as to…

The post Renovated Rooms appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

The Holidays at Cloran Mansion, 2018

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 04:17:00 GMT

Enjoy the Holidays at the Cloran Mansion in Galena with someone you love! A romantic getaway can be just what you need during this busy season. Watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpgzJKiMNX0

The post The Holidays at Cloran Mansion, 2018 appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Holiday Gift Certificates are Here!

Fri, 16 Nov 2018 18:51:00 GMT

Give a Gift They Will Treasure! What a better way to show your love at the holiday season than by purchasing a gift certificate for some time away at the Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast! As an added bonus, for every $200 gift certificate you buy, we will also provide a $25 gift certificate to either Fried…

The post Holiday Gift Certificates are Here! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Halloween Parade

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 21:30:00 GMT

Ghouls, goblins, and an occasional Elvis flocked to Galena’s 40th Annual Halloween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 27. It was a great event for the young and the young-at-heart as thousands hit Main Street to enjoy the music, tasty treats, parade floats, marching bands, and, of course, the costumes. A shuttle ran regularly from the Walmart…

The post Halloween Parade appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

It’s Fall in Galena!

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:58:00 GMT

Fall has long been a popular time for romantic getaways to beautiful Galena. With trees changing colors and big events adding lots to do, it’s no wonder that many people love to enjoy autumn here year after year. This fall season has been no exception. The 12th Annual Oktoberfest was a big hit. Not to…

The post It’s Fall in Galena! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Apple & Pumpkin Picking Season!

Sun, 26 Aug 2018 22:50:00 GMT

A sure sign that fall is on the way is the opening of Dittmar Farms & Orchard. That officially happens on Saturday, September 1, much to the delight of apple- and pumpkin-pickers across the area. Dittmar Farms began in 1854 when Erhardt Dittmar left Germany and settled in Illinois. The Farms are located in Elizabeth,…

The post Apple & Pumpkin Picking Season! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Wednesday Wedding Bells

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 21:08:00 GMT

Love was in the air on Wednesday. Kira Goodman and Jason Le Noble of Wisconsin held an outdoor, midweek wedding at the Cloran Mansion. The gardens, gazebo, koi pond and — of course — The Heart provided the perfect backdrop for family to gather for Kira and Jason’s ceremony. You may be looking for a…

The post Wednesday Wedding Bells appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Arts Festival

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 02:11:00 GMT

Come join us Saturday and Sunday, August 10th and 11th, for the 13th Annual Market House Square Arts Festival. Local and regional artists will be showcasing their paintings, woodwork, jewelry, pottery, baskets, and more at this outdoor event located at the Old Market House State Historic Site behind Main Street. Local musicians will perform throughout…

The post Arts Festival appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Fuel for the Fire

Thu, 02 Aug 2018 22:37:00 GMT

We have gone back to an old look at the Cloran Mansion with the addition of Adirondack chairs to complement a new fire pit. There’s nothing like sitting back on a summer or fall night and enjoying a romantic outdoor fire! The Adirondack chairs look lovely in the daytime sun or the glow of the…

The post Fuel for the Fire appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Time to Blossom

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 22:34:00 GMT

One of the attractions that brings so many people to the Cloran Mansion is the landscape around it. The beauty of the gardens is now on display, and it is great to see so many guests enjoying it. Some head out to the gazebo with an early cup of joe and enjoy quiet time or…

The post Time to Blossom appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Renewing Vows

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 01:06:00 GMT

It was a great day at the Cloran Mansion as Miriam Thompson surprised her husband Raleigh with a renewal of wedding vows. Today was the couple’s 24th wedding anniversary, and they came to the Cloran Mansion for the first time to relax and get away for a few days. Raleigh did not know, though, that…

The post Renewing Vows appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Kellers Celebrate 50th at Cloran

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 16:43:00 GMT

Karen and Clayton Keller remember the hot summer day 50 years ago, July 12, 1968, when they were married in Bloomingdale, Illinois. Clayton was about to ship out to Vietnam with the Marines after being drafted, and they were excited to begin their lives together even knowing that for the next thirteen months they would…

The post Kellers Celebrate 50th at Cloran appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Weekday Getaway!

Sat, 07 Jul 2018 03:55:00 GMT

Getting away is just a little more special when you know the rest of the world is working! Check out our new weekday offering under Specials at the top of this page.

The post Weekday Getaway! appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

July 4th Wedding Fireworks

Sat, 07 Jul 2018 02:05:00 GMT

The 4th of July has long been known for fireworks, but Kristi and Michael Killen added their own touch this year by getting married at the Cloran Mansion. The couple had a great day for it, even if it was a little on the hot side, and the gazebo, gardens, koi pond, and 135-year-old mansion…

The post July 4th Wedding Fireworks appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .

Beginnings

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 02:28:00 GMT

It has been an exciting week at Cloran Mansion. Taking over as the fourth owner of this magnificent bed and breakfast in its long history is really a privilege, and we feel filled with gratitude. The house is beautiful. The grounds are gorgeous. But best of all about being the caretaker of this grand old…

The post Beginnings appeared first on Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Galena, Illinois) .