Another busy year has come and gone here at our Galena bed and breakfast, or nearly so with New Years’ Eve just a few weeks away. 2024 went by quickly, probably because it was so full of exciting events, beautiful weather, food, fun, and most of all, our wonderful guests.

The longer we’re here in Galena, the more work we put into Hawk Valley Retreat, the more gratified we become. It is a true pleasure to share our home with our guests and we are honored to host so many elopements and weddings. The new wedding arbor we added this spring was central to many outdoor weddings. Other new additions around the inn include Roku Smart TVs in all our rooms and cottages.

The Hawk Valley Retreat farm was abuzz with activity, as well. Quite literally, in fact, with a new bee hive  to increase our supply of pollinators and fresh honey for our homemade breakfasts and treats. Yum! The garden and grounds exploded with life this year, providing a rich bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a rainbow of colorful blossoms.

Our menagerie of animal friends also expanded  in 2024 with the addition of 3 new geese: Reddington, Anastasia Beaverhausen, and Dr. Helen. Not content to stop there, we successfully incubated a few of their eggs. A little while later, Horton and Maisey were also welcomed to the flock. So exciting! Unfortunately, 2024 also saw the loss of one of our sweetest goats. Sundance crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in November.

2024 was a year to look to the skies at our Galena bed and breakfast. We saw an almost full solar eclipse in April, northern lights in October, and – of course – lots of hot air balloon sightings. This is Galena, after all! Our Cording Event Barn saw two more performances by Women of Courage and Commitment this year, April and August.

Other 2024 highlights include marching in the Halloween Parade and receiving a 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award. We also received a historic plaque from Galena’s Living History Alliance. As it turns out, our Galena bed and breakfast was originally farmed in 1836!

Best of all, 2024 saw lots of happy guests – the reason we’re here. We so appreciate all the kind comments an only hope we’ll see you all again!

2024 At Our Galena Bed and Breakfast

Jonathan Diores – 5/5

“The owners here are masters of attention to detail. And it really makes all the difference. We got the mini-moon package and they made our trip absolutely perfect. Everything was planned out thoughtfully ahead of time so when we arrived, all we needed to do was relax and enjoy. Dinner on our first night was incredible and breakfasts arrived to our door each morning like clockwork. The cabins are perfectly spaced so you truly feel secluded and can savor the quietness of the nature around you. Contacting the owners with any questions or requests was a quick text message and a quicker reply. My wife and I were both so grateful for our time there and all the care that went into making our trip special. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great get-away.“

James Blevins – 5/5
“Only giving it 5 stars because 6 was not an option. This place is incredible. The hosts go above and beyond, and really showcase their talents! I cannot say enough good things about our stay. If you’re headed to Galena, this is a worthy stop!
P.s. the breakfast was worth the trip alone! Don’t skip it!“

Samantha Singer – 5/5
“My husband planned this trip as a total surprise for me, and I have to say I was absolutely blown away. We save up every year to do something special just the two of us and this was worth every penny. First, let me start by saying the room was immaculately clean. it had all of the creature comforts you expect from a hotel or BNB. Next, we need to talk about the food. Their food is so delicious! It was home cooked, creative, and seasonally fresh. When we travel elsewhere and abroad, we are always looking for awesome breakfast. The breakfast they served was one of the nicest freshest meals that we had the entire stay. We even went into town and ate at some of the places that are highly reviewed and our favorite food was the breakfast that we had at Hawk Valley. They also gave us an incredible recommendation for a beautiful restaurant where we could celebrate our anniversary and that recommendation was 10 out of 10- these hosts know their stuff. One regret we have is skipping out on the other meals that they offer to their guest so definitely check out their extended menu because I am telling you these hosts can cook! Next, we need to talk about the animals. They were so stinking cute. I still cannot get over it. The animals they have on their property are adorable and they’re so fun to watch when they come out in the morning to get their breakfast. Honestly, there is so much to do on the property if you are into nature, hikes, and relaxation then you don’t need to leave and go into town if you don’t want to. Finally, I just have to make a quick note about the beautiful October scenery, and the nighttime stars. We stayed mid October, so all of the leaves are starting to turn and the drives through Galena are stunning. If you are lucky enough to get a clear night, there is a kaleidoscope of stars in the sky. John and Jim are such gracious and knowledgeable hosts. They really take pride in the property and the history of the property. They really put a lot of work into making sure that this is a serene and beautiful place where people can enjoy nature. Thank you so much for your hospitality and care. We really needed a retreat from the craziness of corporate life and computers and you more than delivered!“

Nat – 5/5
“My husband and I got eloped here and stayed in one of the cottages this weekend and I booked 100% of this part of our trip. After seeing reviews beforehand I was confident it would be a great experience but my husband hadn’t looked into the place much. As soon as we got there he was talking about how it was the cleanest place we have ever stayed at which I agreed. We felt extremely welcome and comfortable the whole time. John and Jim have an incredible eye for detail and we didn’t have much individualized detail to offer them for our ceremony but they still had a lot of purple in the decor cause I mentioned that it’s my favorite color. The cake and flowers were absolutely gorgeous and breakfast was delicious. Words can’t even describe how amazing this experience was for us. The day after we got married they had a beautiful framed photo for us, how they did that overnight I have no idea…Beautifully decorated indoors and outdoors. Beautifully landscaped area. Amazing food , perfectly clean. John even was the one to officiate our ceremony. Mentioning all of this because these two do EVERYTHING. They don’t have any employees at all they just work their asses off. For two people to be able to accomplish this is just…. Amazing… we will for sure be back someday! Like I said the experience was better than I can even put into words.“

Glenn Lancaster – 5/5
“Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages is an exceptional place to relax and regroup. The cottages are all very private with easy access to the other features of the retreat, including a walking path, an attractive dining venue, a small lake, and even a barn with resident animals. The cottages are spacious, well kept, and very comfortable. Breakfast is included and is a highlight of the visit as every day features an innovative and excellently prepared start to the day. John and Jim are excellent hosts, great to know, and we’re always available to provide for our needs.“

Hawk Valley Retreat Holiday Package and Gift Certificates

Spend the holidays at our Galena bed and breakfast and enjoy the benefits of our popular Holiday Package! This seasonal special includes:

• A hot Slow-Cooker or Loaf and Ladle meal waiting for you on arrival
• Breakfast both mornings in the decorated Cording Event Barn
• A Hawk Valley Retreat Christmas Ornament
• A dozen homemade Christmas Cookies to take home with you.

All for only $95, plus the price of two nights in one of our rooms decorated for Christmas. The Holiday Package is available now through January 4th, 2025. Book your holiday stay at Hawk Valley Retreat today!

You can also give the gift of a Galena getaway at Hawk Valley Retreat! How? Why, with our gift certificates, of course! Hawk Valley Retreat gift certificates make an excellent gift.

They have no set amount, can be used for almost anything at the inn, and are good for up to 5 years. Better yet, they are easy to purchase. Just fill out this form! Whow wouldn’t want to find a Galena getaway under their tree, Christmas morning?

Happy Holidays from Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages!