New Year’s Eve is just a few weeks away as I write this and I can hardly believe it. 2025 may have gone fast but the memories it leaves behind are indelible. It was another fantastic year here at our Galena bed and breakfast. A year filled with new friends, fun events, great food, weddings, gardening, and so much more.

2025 saw our 5th anniversary as innkeepers at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages. 5 years? Already? I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun! We still feel so lucky to be here in Galena and to be able to share the area and our home with guests. It’s especially fulfilling to host elopements and intimate weddings here. We’re honored to be able to play a role in the start of so many people’s lives together.

Beyond the many weddings of 2025, Hawk Valley Retreat also hosted a variety of special events. In January,  we hosted “A Night in Tita Rosie’s Kitchen” with the Galena Public Library District. This Filipino-inspired dinner event was so popular, it sold out. The Women of Courage and Commitment returned in both August and November for sessions highlighting Professional First Women. Important historical figures like scientist Marie Curie, investigative journalist Nelli Bly, and aviator Amelia Erhardt.

In January, we took a much needed sun and sand vacation that left us happily recharged and raring to go. Consequently, we began major updates to The Somerset Cottage upon our return. The work continued through March with very satisfying results. We also added a new reclining couch to the Fox Glen Cottage – just in time for the Super Bowl.

2025 Around The Farm

2025 saw some major changes in our goat herd. In March, after both Sundance and Etta passed, we decided we needed to do some goat reshuffling. Heidi went back to live at Parrish Farms, and we got two yearling, Dwarf Nigerian goats: Hocus Pocus and Velma.

The two additions settled into their new surroundings in no time at all. In fact, they settled in so well that, before you knew it, they were pregnant. In June, Hocus Pocus gave birth to little Binx and Velma had twins: Cicero, and Lipschitz. This latter event was attended by Jim, John, and all 14 guests on the property at the time. A truly wonderful experience.

We also added some metal raised garden beds, which upped the production of vegetables for our table. In fact, it was a bit of a banner year, all around, for fruits, vegetables, and flowers around the inn. So beautiful, so delicious!

2025 Kudos

In March, Hawk Valley Retreat was featured in an article for the Telegraph Herald. We were also selected for inclusion in the “Inspired Stays, Local Flavors.” In fact, the first recipe in the book is our Farmhouse Skillet!

In April, we were included in Midwest Living’s “12 Charming Country Inns for a Peaceful Weekend Escape.” June saw us receive a great shout-out in “Galena Country: A Pride-Filled Getaway in the Heart of Illinois” from Pride Journeys.

We were also rated among the top 1% of hotels worldwide in TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award.” Thanks to all our guests whose reviews got us this recognition. We could not have done it without you!

2025 at Our Galena Bed and Breakfast

Janessa Stadel – 5/5
September 2025
“We had our wedding at Hawk Valley on 10.04.2025 and it couldn’t have been a more wonderful day! From checking into our cottage on Friday to breakfast on Sunday morning we felt right at home. We rented the entire property and had friend and family staying as well. They each had high compliments about their stay as well! John and Jim put so much thought into all the little details to make the stay personal. I am gluten intolerant and they accommodated me above and beyond my expectations! I loved the gluten free cookies, muffins, pancakes, lasagna, and chicken parmesan I had over the weekend. They all tasted delicious! As a bride, I truly was able to trust them to do their thing and take care of all the aspects of our wedding day. They make everything run so smoothly! We can’t thank John and Jim enough for creating the most beautiful and relaxing wedding experience for us. We look forward to returning for our anniversary.”

Michael Cook – 5/5
October 2025
“Our stay at the Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages exceeded our expectations. The cottage was clean and comforting. My wife and I felt very well refreshed after staying.
The location is rural and peaceful. Our cottage was clean and very comfortable. I have never slept so well away from home. Very quiet and peaceful environment. We enjoyed an outstanding breakfast and walk around the scenic property every day during our stay. My only regret is I wish we could have stayed longer.”

Susan Knowling – 5/5
October 2025
“This was a perfect place to calm down during these stressful times. The resort is set in rolling hills surrounded by farmland. The view and stargazing added to the beauty. Jim and John took care of every detail, from seasonal decor to small touches in our room that made it perfect. The shared area was comfortable and beautifully appointed. The breakfasts and snacks were truly outstanding and a highlight of our trip. We highly recommend Hawk Valley as the best place to stay in Galena. Thank you Jim and John!”

Terrie Warzecha – 5/5
November 2025
“My husband and I stayed in the Meadows room a couple of weeks ago and absolutely loved this resort! The environment was very welcoming, clean, cozy and comfortable and provided everything we could possibly need. The seasonal decorations were a lovely touch. We truly appreciated the landscaping, flowers, and yard art. Breakfast was outstanding and we loved that homemade cookies were provided at the end of breakfast for a little road snack 😃. We would definitely recommend staying with Jim and John at the Hawk Valley resort.”

Melanie Willstead – 5/5
December 2025
“We stayed in the Meadows room. King size bed, cozy and comfy. So clean!! And even had a Christmas tree decorated in the room!! A much needed mental health get away!! Veteran friendly…a PERFECT place to truly get away from every thing and recharge!! Our first time here and at a retreat/bed and breakfast. The breakfasts we had were cooked fresh for us each morning and with some special modifications. We ordered the Homemade add on dinners, they were delicious and waiting for us at the specified times we asked for!! There were always left overs and they had to go containers waiting for us. We are already planning our next trip here!! Thank you Jim and John for an amazing stay!!”

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 Lodging 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!  The Holiday Package is available now through January 4th, 2026. Book your holiday stay at Hawk Valley Retreat today!

You can also give the gift of a Galena getaway at Hawk Valley Retreat with our gift certificates.

Hawk Valley Retreat gift certificates have no set amount, can be used for almost anything at the inn, and are good for up to 5 years. They’re also very easy to purchase. Just fill out this form!

Happy Holidays from Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages!