A Charming Girls’ Trip to Galena, Illinois

Hello!  Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  This is a time I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm reflecting on a fun girls' trip to Galena, Illinois!

In December, I had the best weekend getaway to Galena, Illinois with three of my good friends.  If you've not heard of Galena, it's a quaint little town in northern Illinois just across the border from Iowa.  It's been on my list of places to visit forever and I finally made it happen!  Luckily, three of my friends came along to make it the perfect trip.

Galena is about a five-hour drive from where we live, so the girls and I decided to head out after work on Friday and return home on Sunday. It was a short getaway, but one we planned to fill with as much fun as possible.   Friday night, we met up, packed the car, and hit the road. To kick off the trip on a festive note, I had goody bags waiting in everyone’s seat when they climbed in.  Tucked inside the bags were a few of my favorite things:  handwarmers, face mask, nail file, chapstick, snacks, and tissues.  

Along the way, we stumbled upon the perfect greasy spoon diner and couldn’t resist stopping for dinner. It was just what we needed—comfort food, great conversation, and lots of laughter to fuel the rest of the drive. Afterward, we headed on to the charming VRBO we had rented for the weekend. The house was ideal for our group, with four cozy bedrooms and plenty of space for us all to spread out. Even better, it was just a short walk from the main street, putting shops, restaurants, and all the Galena activities right at our fingertips.

We intentionally picked this weekend because Galena was hosting its Luminaria Walk and the Night of the Living Windows events. On Saturday morning, we treated ourselves to booked massages at the Stonedrift Spa, just a short drive away at Eagle Ridge Resort—and let me just say, it was absolutely fantastic. Every one of us loved the massage we chose, and the peaceful time spent relaxing in the lounge afterward was just as wonderful. We sipped their delicious flavored water, enjoyed a few snacks, and soaked in the calm atmosphere before deciding it was time to head back into town for a bit of shopping ahead of the evening festivities.

Downtown Galena is so charming!  It looked like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie.  We meandored in and out of the adorable shops and picked up some special Christmas gifts.  

Now, I have to say the weekend we were there it was COLD!  Like freezing cold.  But we bundled up and made the most of it.  

The Living Windows were so interesting to see! Basically, most of the stores had live things happening in the storefront windows.  I was amazed at the number of live animals!!  Dogs, cats, goats, ponies - yes, LIVE PONIES!

We had made dinner reservations at Fried Green Tomatoes.  Highly recommend dining there if you are in the area!  Also, highly recommend getting reservations ahead of time.  Our dinner was wonderful and fueled us to walk around a bit more and enjoy the luminaries.  

Did I mention how cold it was? After a while, we decided it was the perfect time to head back to our rental and warm up with some games. Once we were back, we slipped into our comfy clothes and gathered around the table to play Mexican Train dominoes. It was the perfect, cozy way to end such a great day.

Sunday morning, we packed up early and grabbed breakfast before heading out of town. We chose Charlie's Place Eatery, and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious, and the hot chocolate was especially perfect for warming us up before the drive home.

There’s something truly special about a girls’ trip—the kind of magic that happens when laughter comes easy, conversations run deep, and time slows down just enough to savor it all. It’s a chance to step away from everyday responsibilities and reconnect with friends in a way that feels both refreshing and grounding. Whether you’re exploring a new town, sharing late-night snacks, or laughing until your sides hurt, a girls’ trip reminds you how life-giving friendship can be. You come home with a full heart, inside jokes that last forever, and memories that feel like little treasures tucked away for the days when you need them most.  

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A Weekend in Pawhuska: Exploring the World of the Pioneer Woman

Hello! Thanks so much for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday. This is where I share a little of what’s been on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I’m thinking about a fun little getaway Eric and I took to Pawhuska, Oklahoma to soak in all things Pioneer Woman.

Visiting Ree Drummond’s Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma had been on my bucket list for years. The eight-room Boarding House books up quickly, and every time I looked, reservations were already gone. Then one fall day, while I was down a rabbit hole searching for Thanksgiving weekend getaways, I spotted an unexpected opening at the Boarding House. I grabbed it immediately, and just like that, the trip planning began. We were only able to book one night—Sunday—but I figured one night was better than none. We planned to stay elsewhere for a few nights before checking in, and it all came together perfectly.

Eric and I were up early the Friday after Thanksgiving and hit the road for our six-and-a-half-hour drive. I knew being away all weekend would put me a little behind on Christmas decorating, but it was a trade-off I was more than happy to make. Spending the entire weekend together—plus taking Monday off—and kicking off the holiday season in the charming town of Pawhuska sounded absolutely perfect.

We rolled into town late Friday afternoon and checked into our bed and bath just a short distance from downtown. We had snagged dinner reservations at P-Town Pizza and were excited to finally see in person a spot we’d only ever watched on TV. The pizza did not disappoint—it was amazing!

Saturday morning, we couldn’t wait to have breakfast at the Mercantile restaurant. Shortly after we ordered, fresh biscuits and jam were brought to the table ahead of our meals. Honestly, I could have stopped right there—the biscuits alone were absolutely delicious.  But when the food arrived, it was so delicious I continued to eat!

After we filled our bellies, we took a leisurely stroll through the Mercantile shop, soaking in all the fun wares on display. We also picked up our “ticket” to visit the ranch where The Pioneer Woman is filmed. The shop was absolutely adorable!

Visiting the ranch was something I was especially excited about! We made our way there using the directions we were given at the Mercantile, and once we arrived, we were free to wander and explore every nook and cranny. I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy standing in the very spot where Ree Drummond cooks her masterpieces.  If you visit Pawhuska, going to the ranch should be high on your list of things to do!

After wrapping up our time at the ranch, we headed back into town and popped in and out of several adorable shops along the streets. Since it was a bit chilly, we decided a return trip to the Mercantile—this time to the bakery for hot chocolate—was in order.

With some time to spare before dinner, we visited the National Osage Museum, located just a short distance from the main street area. It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in town.

For dinner, we found ourselves back at the Mercantile restaurant once again. Afterward, we headed back to our rental to relax and get ready for the next day, when we’d finally check in to The Boarding House.

On Sunday, we planned to visit a cousin of mine who lives in the area—someone I hadn’t seen in decades. I was so grateful for the chance to reconnect, and spending time with her and her husband was truly one of the highlights of the trip. She even made a homemade pecan pie that Eric and I are still dreaming about!

Later that afternoon, we checked into The Boarding House and settled into the Boudoir Room—and I have to say, it was absolutely fantastic. 

Since most of the restaurants in town are closed on Sundays, we had preordered room service for dinner. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave the room! The bed and pillows were heavenly, and for anyone who loves a bath, the soaking tub was perfect for hours of relaxation.

The amenities alone made the stay completely worth it. Shortly after we arrived, we attended a complimentary happy hour, and later, around 8:00 pm, fresh cookies were delivered to our room. When we checked in, we submitted our personalized morning coffee order, which was delivered at the requested time along with a muffin and scone—a perfect start to the next day!

On Monday morning, we woke up to falling snow—it looked absolutely magical with all the Christmas lights twinkling. By the time we headed home, the roads were clear for most of the drive, only getting tricky as we neared our town. But we made it safely, bringing home a weekend full of wonderful memories!

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Day 3 in Yosemite: Memories for a Lifetime

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  This is a time when I talk about something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm wrapping up my recaps of our trip to Yosemite!  If you missed the other recaps, you can find them here ~

Memories from Sequoia National Park 

Where to Stay When Visiting Sequoia National Park

A Day Among Giants: King’s Canyon Adventure

Day 1 in Yosemite:  Awe at Every Turn

Day 2 in Yosemite:  A Breathtaking Adventure

Our final day at Yosemite started with a bit of excitement.  We were getting ready to leave our rental and noticed the water line to the washer had burst.  There was water everywhere!  Thank goodness it happened right before we left instead of right after, because the whole place would have been flooded!  We swept water out the front door until the caretaker arrived and took over.  

We entered from the north again and were met with no traffic at all.  Since we got a little bit later start because of the water, we feared we would be confronted with the long line of traffic we had read about.  Luckily, that wasn't the case!  

Our plan for the day was simple—relax and explore a few of the well-known spots we hadn’t yet seen. Our stop at Bridalveil Meadows turned out to be absolutely stunning! The water levels weren’t as high as they would be in spring, but there was still plenty flowing to make the view picture-perfect.

We even had time to be a little goofy!

Our next stop was the Yosemite Valley Chapel, a charming 145-year-old landmark that still hosts worship services, weddings, and community gatherings for Yosemite’s residents. It’s nestled among majestic cliffs and peaceful meadows, with a stunning view of Yosemite Falls in the distance.

We wandered through the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and watched the informative film playing in the theater. Nearby, we explored the Ansel Adams Gallery and the Indian Village of Ahwahnee. It was wonderful to slow down and truly take in the beauty and history of the area.

Later in the afternoon, we set out for Glacier Point. At first, we weren’t sure if the drive would be worth it, but I’m so glad we went! The view of Half Dome from there was absolutely breathtaking!

From this incredible vantage point, you can see not only the majestic Half Dome but also Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, and Nevada Falls—all in one sweeping view. The scenery was absolutely mesmerizing, and everywhere we turned seemed like the perfect backdrop for a photo. We couldn’t resist stopping several times to capture the moment and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty surrounding us.

As we made our way out of the park, we were treated to the most breathtaking sunset imaginable. The sky was painted in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and gold, casting a warm glow over the mountains and trees. We couldn’t help but pull over, step out of the car, and simply stand there in awe. It was one of those moments where time seemed to slow down—peaceful, quiet, and absolutely beautiful.

The next morning, we packed up and made our way to the airport, hearts full and cameras loaded with memories. As our trip came to an end, we couldn’t help but reflect on all the laughter, adventures, and breathtaking sights we had shared. It was the kind of experience that stays with you—a time spent with great friends, surrounded by incredible beauty, and filled with moments we’ll treasure for years to come.

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Day 2 in Yosemite: A Breathtaking Adventure

Hello!  Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  This is a time when I talk about something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm recapping our second day at Yosemite!

In case you haven’t seen the earlier parts of our trip, here are the links to get you caught up!

Memories from Sequoia National Park 

Where to Stay When Visiting Sequoia National Park

A Day Among Giants: King’s Canyon Adventure

Day 1 in Yosemite:  Awe at Every Turn

For our second day in Yosemite, we decided to enter through the north entrance. Staying about halfway between the north and south gates definitely had its perks! The drive in was absolutely breathtaking — we followed a scenic, rocky valley that looked like something straight out of a postcard.

Once inside the park, we didn't get very far at all before we pulled over to take in the beauty.  Waterfalls and babbling brooks are my jam and there was one immediately upon entering the park. 

We were in no hurry, so we decided to sit down and enjoy the views!

Our first major hike of the day was to Vernal Falls Bridge.  This mile-ish hike isn't as easy as some, but the sights along the way were stunning.

We weren’t sure if we’d get to see any water in the falls since our visit was so late in the season. You really had to look closely, but once we reached our destination, we spotted a gentle stream of water trickling down the side of the mountain!

Coming back down the mountain turned into a bit of an adventure for a few one of us who took the road less traveled!

Later in the afternoon, we swung by the Ahwahnee Hotel which is located inside the park.  The Ahwahnee Hotel is one of Yosemite’s most iconic spots — and for good reason. Nestled in the heart of the valley, it’s surrounded by towering cliffs and breathtaking views in every direction. The historic hotel feels grand yet cozy, with its stone fireplaces, rich wood beams, and timeless charm. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth stopping in to wander the lobby, grab a drink, or just soak in the beauty and history of the place.

We packed a picnic and headed to the meadow beneath El Capitan to watch the sunset. We found the perfect little spot, spread out our tablecloth, and settled in for the show. As the sun dipped lower, the light kept shifting across the face of the mountain — it was absolutely mesmerizing. I know it sounds cliché, but pictures just don’t do it justice!

It was another absolutely perfect day exploring with our friends! There’s just something about sharing experiences like this that makes them even more special. It’s true what they say — good friends really do make life brighter, better, and a whole lot more fun!

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