19th-Century Creamery Turned AAA Four Diamond Inn

Typically, cow statues don't evoke romanticism. But Unbridling Beatrix—a colorful cow statue with scenes from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet painted on it from neck to hoof—is no ordinary cow. As a showpiece from Chicago's Cows on Parade exhibit, Beatrix enchanted the owners of Geneva’s Herrington Inn & Spa, a former 19th-century riverfront dairy creamery transformed into a boutique hotel that exudes Old World romanticism and has won AAA's Four-Diamond award for the past 19 years. Beatrix happened to embody the property's past and present, an ideal match to serve as hotel mascot inside the inn's lobby. Up the lobby's grand staircase, each of the inn's rustic guest rooms contains a private fireplace, marble-accented bathrooms, and balconies that overlook the Fox River. In river premier rooms, heated floors and marble fireplaces keep autumn chills at bay. Each night in your room, enjoy fresh cookies, milk, and a lullaby reading from the concierge after the complimentary turndown service. At the inn's bar, Herrington's resident sommeliers have crafted an expansive wine list that ranges from Argentinean reds to Columbia Valley whites; the list earned the restaurant an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2011. On request, the executive chef of the inn's Atwater's Restaurant creates a private, customized fine-dining experience on a waterfront gazebo for up to eight guests. Meanwhile, the staff at the Spa at The Herrington performs exfoliating facials, relaxing massages, and energizing body treatments.

Geneva: Small-Town Shopping and Art on the Outskirts of Chicagoland

Nestled in the heart of the verdant Fox River Valley, idyllic Geneva lies about 36 miles west of Chicago's Loop area, but its laid-back rural vibe seems a world away from the city. Along the river is the Fox River Trail, a hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing path that connects a string of scenic riverfront towns. Around the corner from the Herrington, historical buildings and tree-lined streets define downtown Geneva; its 200 specialty shops include artisanal jewelers, chic women's clothing stores, and boutique eateries. Pop into Graham’s for renowned handcrafted chocolates and ice cream. The 68-foot Fabyan Windmill, built by German immigrants in the 1850s and recently restored with timber from the Netherlands, lies along the river to the south of town. On the first Friday of every month, Geneva's residents take a self-guided art walk through nine area galleries, which open their doors to serve refreshments, host live performances, and show off their portraits of mustachioed news anchors. Down the street, the Geneva History Center delves into the city's past as an agricultural hub as the Kane County seat.

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