Savor Your Time Together
What's better than a romantic, relaxing St. Louis area getaway with that special someone by your side, glass of wine in hand and scenic views that carry your worries a million miles away?
Enjoy our romantic bed & breakfast inns, sip age perfected local wines, and stroll historic streets. There is plenty to make this Valentine's Day the sweetest yet.
Taste of Time
This Valentine's Day you have nothing but time on your hands when you’re sitting beside the Mississippi River sipping a glass of the local award-winning wines produced along the Mississippi River bluffs. Grapes and fruits in their prime are hand-crafted into the perfect blends, aged to perfection and pleasing to the most experienced palate.
Sure, you’re looking for a great bottle of wine, and we’re confident you’ll find a favorite with seven wineries located in and around Grafton and even more outside this riverfront community. But, it’s the expansive bluff-top river views of places like Aerie’s Winery or the cozy fireside seating with a river view at the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus The Vineyards that will beckon you to sip a little longer. Don't miss Bella Vista Winery in Maryville, located near the famed American Bottoms, and a shining star among Illinois wineries. Bella Vista offers exceptional prairie views and a great dining experience to pair with your glass of wine.
Touring Around Town
Great Rivers & Routes Road Trips
Make this Valentine's Day extra special with a road trip around southwest Illinois. Drink in the spectacular natural views along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway between Alton and Grafton. Or experiencing the whimsy and nostalgia of Route 66 with a stop at The Pink Elephant Antique Mall and dinner at the historic Ariston Cafe.
Visit Historic Towns
There is nothing quite as romantic as strolling the streets of some of our historic river communities found along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. Experience early Americana as you step into Elsah, “the village where time stood still.” The beauty of Alton’s architecture is something to be appreciated as you take a self-guided Historic Homes Driving Tour. Visit the historic Grafton riverfront, and then get the views from 300 feet high with a ride on the Grafton Skytour.
Valentine's Day Specials
There are oodles of Valentine's specials available at local resorts and restaurants. Get your tickets now for Old Herald Brewery & Distillery's Valentine's Day Dinner (there are two days to choose from!) or make it an overnight at Aerie's Resort. With your Aerie's package you can enjoy an overnight stay, a four course meal for two and a bottle of the private label Aerie's wine.
Get Cozy
Rekindle the romance with a getaway to one of the many bed & breakfast inns in the region. Overlooking the confluence of the Illinois & Mississippi rivers, the Tara Point Inn & Cottages offers magnificent views and a relaxing retreat for a memorable stay. Even better -- Tara Point has a winter deal: stay one night Sunday through Thursday and get the second night free. (Some restrictions apply.)
You could sneak away to the quaint village of Elsah and the Green Tree Inn for a quiet escape. Or, be pampered in the elegant and luxurious surroundings of the Beall Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn. Located on Alton’s Millionaire’s Row, the Beall Mansion has been recognized by Midwest Living as one of the top B&Bs in the Midwest.