Destination: Galena

The slogan for Galena, Ill., is "a place you'll always want to return to and you'll never want to leave," a fitting description for this small-town charmer.

Located on the banks of the Galena River, the former home of Ulysses S. Grant boasts rolling hills, scenic roads, historic charm and a quaint, old-fashioned Main Street.

Consistently voted by Midwest Living as "Best Main Street in the Midwest," Galena's Main Street is complete with art galleries, antique stores and boutique shops. There are plenty of food options downtown, from family friendly dining at Almost Paradise Bar & Grill to Benjamin's, a historic pub, to casual fine dining at the Flying Horse, to Fried Green Tomatoes, located in a building that dates back to 1833.

Golf more your thing? Galena offers 10 beautiful golf courses within a 20-mile radius. Start with Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, 63 holes of award-winning golf, including the General, ranked in 2010 as one of the Best Resort Courses in America by GolfWeek. You'll also not want to miss Galena Golf Club.

For visitors who prefer nature, Galena provides plenty of hiking along the countryside and kayaking along the river. In winter, enjoy downhill skiing and snowboarding at nearby Chestnut Mountain Resort. The average temperature in Galena is 57 degrees, with the summer months a comfortable 80-degree average, so it's perfect year-round.