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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 15/05/2026

Chicken Coops are NOT for goats. Try telling that to Binx, who desperately wants to be a chicken.

Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 14/05/2026

Let's do a little #throwbackthursday and #before&after. The Fox Glen cottage in 2010 and 2026. A lot has changed, but it still has the great bones it always had.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 13/05/2026

It's the time of year when you never know what kind of bird is going to stop by and visit. This Heron stayed just along enough to do a little fishing.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 12/05/2026

It's #TouristTuesday, and it's time to plan to attend the 2026 Galena Pride Picnic. Jim describes it as Pride in a Hallmark Movie. And, we still have some space available to stay with us. Saturday, June 13, 2026, noon-5pm at Grant Park.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 11/05/2026

Sometimes, a classic all-white wedding cake is just what is called for. Whatever your style, we will help make your dreams come true. You bring the dress, We do the rest.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 10/05/2026

You may not be with us anymore, but we will always love you! Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there who helped make us who we are today.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 09/05/2026

Celebrating all things Spring this weekend, including this Rhubarb Custard Coffee Cake. Is there anything more springy than freshly picked Rhubarb from the garden?

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 07/05/2026

Let's do a little #throwbackThursday in the Somerset Cottage. The Somerset is our largest cottage with a separate bedroom. It looks just a little different from when it was first built, circa 2004. #GalenaIL #GalenaIllinois #Galena #GalenaCountry #EnjoyIllinois #Midwest #MidwestExploring

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 06/05/2026

This is your reminder that our Cording Event Barn is not just for breakfast. We love to cater events from 12 to 40. Whether it is a casual lunch, appetizer spread, or full-on dinner buffet, we can do it. Oh, did we mention dessert? Catering Menu at hawkvalleyretreat.com/cording-even...

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 03/05/2026

Mother's Day is just one week away! This is your reminder to book a last-minute stay with us or buy Mom a gift certificate for a stay at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages. Book a stay or buy a gift certificate at hawkvalleyretreat.com

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 02/05/2026

Our pies are all ready for today's Pie Auction for the Galena History Museum. Jim made a Dutch Apple and Walnut, and John did Strawberry Rhubarb. We love baking for a good cause.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 01/05/2026

We have been wanting to put in a cattle panel arbor in our vegetable garden for several years, but we had no way to transport a 16-foot panel. Thanks to a good friend who came to our rescue, we are now ready to plant some cucumbers and maybe some pole beans, and perhaps some squash. #FarmToTable

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 30/04/2026

After a few setbacks, we are so excited for our Hillside Cottage bathroom upgrade. A new, larger tile shower and a new vanity give the cottage a much more sophisticated feel. Hillside is our dog-friendly cottage, and you and your dog will love your stay. #DogFriendlyHotel #GalenaIL

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 29/04/2026

It’s the perfect time to come see our spring flowers.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 29/04/2026

It’s the perfect time to come see our spring flowers.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 28/04/2026

It's #touristtuesday, so let's take a sightseeing tour of Galena. Whether it is a trolley tour, foodie tour, ghost tour, or another fun tour, our blog post from a couple of years ago still has lots of great ideas for your next visit. hawkvalleyretreat.com/2024/08/15/g...

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 27/04/2026

6 years ago, we planted apple trees. Between the deer, lawn tractors, and late spring freezes, we have never had an apple. Finally, the one remaining of the apple trees we planted has blossoms on it. Fingers crossed that we get apples this year. #RelaxRestoreExplore #BreakfastInTheBarn #GalenaIL

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 26/04/2026

The Baltimore Orioles are back! Prepare the grape jelly!

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 26/04/2026

Nothing says "welcome to Hawk Valley" like our sauce magnolia and crabapple trees that are in full bloom by the front office entrance. And, they smell divine as well.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 25/04/2026

Happy National Zucchini Bread Day! Ok, let's be honest, the picture is of our Zucchini Coffee cake, but cake is basically just sweeter bread, right? . . #nationalzucchinibreadday #BreakfastInTheBarn #RelaxRestoreExplore #GalenaIL #GalenaIllinois #Galena #GalenaCountry #EnjoyIllinois #Midwest

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 24/04/2026

The Gazebo is open for the season! Everything has been powerwashed, and the screens are up. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while relaxing in comfort. #RelaxRestoreExplore #BreakfastInTheBarn #GalenaIL #GalenaIllinois #Galena #GalenaCountry #EnjoyIllinois #Midwest #MidwestExploring

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 22/04/2026

We are just a couple of weeks away from our first #springwedding of the year. Hopefully, the weather will be as nice as it was for last year's first spring wedding. #EventBarn #WeddingBarn #GalenaIL #GalenaIllinois #Galena #GalenaCountry #EnjoyIllinois #Midwest #MidwestExploring #MidwestMoment

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 20/04/2026

Back in January of 2025, these flowering plum trees were badly damaged in a blizzard. We cleaned them up the best we could and let nature take its course. We have been rewarded with so many blossoms. We are so glad we didn't them all down. #Springtime #Springgetaway #RelaxRestoreExplore

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 19/04/2026

It's truly looking like spring here at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages. The Violets and the Bleeding Hearts are putting on their annual show. #Springtime #Springgetaway #RelaxRestoreExplore #BreakfastInTheBarn #GalenaIL #GalenaIllinois #Galena #GalenaCountry #EnjoyIllinois #Midwest

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 18/04/2026

Nothing says rise and shine like a homemade breakfast. How about our Lemon-Blueberry German Pancake with some Bacon and Maple Syrup? #BreakfastInTheBarn #RelaxRestoreExplore #GalenaIL #GalenaIllinois #Galena #GalenaCountry #EnjoyIllinois #Midwest #MidwestExploring #MidwestMoment #MidwestIsBest

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 18/04/2026

Would someone please turn off the rain? Luckily, we are ok, but after 3 days of major storms, the property is a little wet, to say the least. Thanks to everyone who reached out asking how we are. Please keep the people of Lena, IL, in your thoughts and prayers as they were hit by a tornado.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 17/04/2026

Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages is a family affair. We love when our kids and grandkids stay and help around the property. Matt and Harper had fun feeding the birds, which can be a full-time job around here. . . . #birdfeeding #galenacountry

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 16/04/2026

We love this photo from 3 years ago of the Cording Event Barn behind the just-flowering Magnolia Tree. This year, the tree is almost done blooming, so I guess that means we are a few weeks ahead of that year. . . . #Springtime #Springgetaway #RelaxRestoreExplore #BreakfastInTheBarn #GalenaIL

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 15/04/2026

Our herb trough has it's Spring look happening with some colorful pansies. We can't wait till it is filled with herbs for us to use in our breakfasts, but until then, we can enjoy the spring beauty. . . . #Springtime #Springgetaway #RelaxRestoreExplore #BreakfastInTheBarn #GalenaIL

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 14/04/2026

It's #TouristTuesday, and we are on Main Street, Galena, at the new Galena Spoon Company. Featuring not only hand-carved spoons but a curated collection of wooden implements and gourmet treats. Definitely worth a visit on your next Galena getaway. . . . #GalenaIllinois #Galena #GalenaCountry

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 13/04/2026

Another project is underway. This time, it is a new tile shower in the Hillside Cottage. We love making every stay just a little bit better. We can't wait to see it finished. . . . #RelaxRestoreExplore #BreakfastInTheBarn #GalenaIL #GalenaIllinois #Galena #GalenaCountry #EnjoyIllinois #Midwest

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 12/04/2026

Another sure sign of Spring at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages. The pond fountain is in! We are happy to report that nobody fell in or even got wet in the process--that may be a first. Now the sound of water permeates our valley. . . . #Springtime #Springgetaway #GalenaIL #GalenaIllinois

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 11/04/2026

We have been slowly rolling out our Spring Breakfast Menu, including our Blueberry Peach Baked French Toast with a Maple Pecan Streusel. Because it is not quite decadent enough on its own, we top it with some freshly made Cinnamon Whipped Cream. #BreakfastInTheBarn #RelaxRestoreExplore #GalenaIL

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 10/04/2026

Our barnyard is a popular place to visit when staying at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages. The goats, chicken, and even the noisy geese love visitors. Be sure to stop and say hi the next time you stay with us. #GoatsofInstagram #goats #chickensofinstigram #geese #RelaxRestoreExplore

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 08/04/2026

Spring is the time for renewal and change. It is also the perfect time for a wedding. Our outdoor wedding arbor is ready for your elopement or intimate wedding. hawkvalleyretreat.com/cording-even...

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 07/04/2026

It's #TouristTuesday, and April, so let's talk about what to do during an April Shower. We recently updated our blog on our favorite things to do in the Galena area, in case it happens to rain during your visit. Check it out at hawkvalleyretreat.com/2026/04/05/r...

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 10/04/2025

Our wedding arbor is bathed in the amazing driftless area sunsets. The perfect place to sit and relax or get married!

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 10/03/2025

We have been loving watching the birds at the feeder lately. This amazing Cardinal has been gracing us with his presence, and we love how he pops with the Wedding Arbor in the background.

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Reposted by Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages

wgmm.bsky.social @wgmm.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

Stopped just outside Galena, IL for the night. We are staying at the Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages. The guys that own it have each spent decades in hospitality. The cooked to order scratch breakfast is the best I’ve had in any B&B anywhere in the world. I couldn’t recommend them more.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages

You are invited to relax, restore and explore our Galena Illinois Bed and Breakfast at Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages, a nature lover's destination.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 24/02/2025

Why is the barn all lit up for Pride in February, you ask? We want to let everyone know that the 2025 Galena Pride Picnic planning is underway. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 14th, for an afternoon celebrating Pride in Grant Park. Our reservation calendar is open, make your plans today.

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Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages @hawkvalleyretreat.com · 24/02/2025

First Post! Excited to be be on Bluesky! Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages is a nature lover's bed and breakfast located just outside of historice Galena, IL. We are on 10 acres of pine forests, meadows, and a pond. Homemade hot breakfast daily in our restored barn.

Ariel view of Hawk Valley Retreat and cottages inlduding barn, outbuildings and pond

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