Turn Date Night into a Full Day in the Heritage Corridor

Why does date night have to be just a night?  In the Heritage Corridor, there are many ways to stretch date night into an entire day!  

Here are just a few ideas you can recreate:

Travel to Utica, IL and begin your day with a little wine in your cup at August Hill Winery. Explore their tasting bar where you can enjoy wine tasting, browse their different flavors and style, and also shop and take home the ones you love most.

Once you’ve stirred up an appetite you can take a short drive down to Thyme Craft Kitchen in Peru, IL for the perfect dinner to leave you full and satisfied. Giving you a true farm to table experience, you'll be able to enjoy every fresh ingredient from any meal you order. 

Or you can try a meal that’ll make you feel like you’re right in New Orleans at Cajun Connection. On their menu you’ll find jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish, and even alligator. Trust me, you’re in for a real treat!

Then once you’re good and full, you can fall into a warm and cozy bed at the Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock. Book their Whirlpool Suite, the perfect romantic getaway. It features a two-person whirlpool tub and all the of their signature amenities, plus a king size bed and fireplace.

Lockport is a great place to experience the outdoors and fine dining. You can start off the day with a nice walk along the I&M Canal trail. This is a great idea if you’re looking to be outside with the fresh smell of nature and a lovely view of the water.

Once you’ve had a nice little stroll, you can regain some energy by trying some of the tastiest treats in town at Hollingworth Candies. All of their toffees and chocolate candies are handcraft with love. Who said you shouldn’t have dessert before your dinner?

Then once you’re ready to have a delicious meal, head on over to The Public Landing located inside the historic Gaylord Building. While you’re there, you can also explore the museum and Gallery Seven Art Gallery in the same building.

Or find yourself at the Lock & Mule by Tangled Roots Brewing Co. which is a must when in the Lockport area. This unique restaurant will have your taste buds dancing with its delicious menu for you to enjoy. Don’t forget to try some of their beer to top off the experience!

There are a couple of gems just near Joliet and worth all your time! 

Syl’s Chophouse in Rockdale is the perfect place to enjoy a romance dinner. Just a short drive from the Hollywood Casino in Joliet, this full-service steakhouse has been serving it’s community since 1946 and have delicious quality food with a diverse menu.

Just a little down the road in Crest Hill lies Merichka’s where you can indulge in fine dining without breaking the bank. They are also known for their World Famous “Poorboys.”

If you’re looking for something more classic, then you can never go wrong with a steak house. Get dressed up and reserve a dinner for 2 at Al’s Steak House. This is one of the oldest established upscale dinning restaurants in the area with some of the best charbroiled steaks.

Then once you’ve gotten full enough, kick back and relax at one of our many Joliet hotels in the area:

• Best Western Joliet Inn & Suites
• Hampton Inn Joliet I-55
• Hampton Inn Joliet I-80
• Comfort Inn North
• Quality Inn & Suites
• Best Western Plus - Joliet
• Wingate by Wyndham Joliet
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Joliet Plainfield

No matter where you decide to explore for your next date in the Heritage Corridor, it will always be an adventure well worth it.