The holiday spirit is among us, and I can’t think of a better place that brings the warm and fuzzies of the season than the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois. My family has spent many a Thanksgiving holiday there, as well as my sister’s wedding this past August. Every year we went around Thanksgiving, the lodge and surrounding area was already decked out with their Christmas decor that you felt closer to December than turkey time. So, in honor of the festivities that are edging closer and closer, I thought it would be fun to feature this venue that I hold so close to my heart. In addition, Megan, the event planner for my sister’s wedding, was so fabulous and definitely worth hearing from.
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| Photo courtesy of Unposed Photography |
If you ever need a weekend getaway from the city (for those of you in the Chicago area), I highly suggest Eagle Ridge for a nearby retreat!
I reached out to Megan to answer a few questions about the resort….
1. What is your main job at Eagle
Ridge?
My official title is Catering Sales
Manager. My job is to plan and oversee Weddings and Special Events
such as Vow Renewals, Family Reunions, Bachelor and Bachelorette
parties just to name a few. My unofficial title is Swiss Army Knife…
I have worked in most positions in the Restaurant and Hospitality
Industry and am more than happy to fill in wherever needed.
2. How long has Eagle Ridge been
around?
As one of the Midwest’s most unique
full-service golf and spa resorts, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
offers an array of exciting experiences, as well as the perfect
destination to take advantage of its pristine beauty and relaxing
getaway opportunities. The resort is a natural backdrop to the
picturesque setting of the 6,800-acre Galena Territory – a
recreational and residential development built by the Branigar
Organization in the early 1970’s. It’s abundant wildlife,
rolling hills, peaceful lake and dramatic vistas were the perfect
setting for a world-class resort and its close proximity to the
historic town of Galena instantly made the area popular with
vacationers.
Accommodations at Eagle Ridge range
from 80 beautifully appointed rooms at the main lodge – or simply
‘the Inn’, to roughly 200 spacious, individually private-owned
one-to-six+ bedroom villas and distinctive homes each enhanced
by modern amenities and luxurious features. This unique lodging
arrangement not only offers guests the traditional luxury hotel room
experience, but it also presents a more private alternative in our
inventory of free standing homes which lend themselves beautifully to
families, group getaways, wedding parties, executive retreats and
even group meeting venues.
3. Toot your own horn….what is
the venue’s specialty?
Eagle
Ridge goes above and beyond to accommodate our Guests and make them
feel welcome. We pay a great deal of attention to the details and do
our best personalize each stay and make it a memorable one.
4. What would be your dream event
creation?
A Celebrity Wedding. (Preferably
Jennifer Aniston’s, I’m a big fan!)
5. Wedding trend you love and one
you’d like to see disappear?
The trends that I love are seeing the
personalized things/trends that Brides do. Some favs include
different colored Bridal Gowns, going with black and gold linens
instead of the traditional white, not having programs and doing a
chalkboard or sign instead just to name a few. I don’t think that
there is a trend that I would like to see disappear…. I think that
every Bride is different and I love different trends/styles for each
of them based on their personalities and tastes.
6. Craziest request you’ve had??
Umm, honestly, I don’t think I can
say that I’ve ever had any request too crazy. I’ll be sure to let
you know when I do though. lol
7. What is something uncommon you
wish your clients knew about Eagle Ridge?
We have had celebrity’s stay here.
When the movie field of dreams was filmed the cast stayed at Eagle Ridge.
Also, our Chef creates a completely
edible Gingerbread house every winter. I have attached a fun fact
sheet about that as well.
8. Favorite thing to do outside the
territory?
I love
nature, which Galena is great for! But besides kayaking and taking
our two adorable beagles for long walks out near the nature preserve
just outside of town. My guilty pleasure is Sushi! Date night with
my husband is one of my favorite things to do and we dine at Little
Tokyo in downtown Galena as often as possible. It’s delicious!
9. Anything new and exciting coming
up that we should know about?
The second phase of multiphase
renovations will be taking place soon which will concentrate on all
our guest rooms in the inn and courtyard. We are all very excited
about this!
