Who doesn’t love a surprise? Show your partner how much fun you can be with a surprise getaway to Aurora, Illinois.
Plan to get to town in time for dinner on day 1. Choose from one of two celebrated restaurants on Stolp Island in the heart of Aurora.
Now that you’ve bonded over a delicious meal, you’re just a quick walk to one of two hot spots that will entertain you tonight.
Oh, what a night! Hopefully you and your partner have rested up for the next leg of your adventure. Enjoy free breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a big day ahead.
Your first stop will be Scentcerely Yours just north of Aurora in Geneva. For starters, you’ll have fun browsing (and smelling) your way through more than 100 fragrances. You’ll have the help of a coach to pick two or three scents and create your own candle, lotion, body mist or oil for a reed diffuser. (Reservations are needed for this experience, so plan ahead!)
If you made a candle, you’ll need to give it 90 minutes to cure. Fortunately, you’re in a great spot to grab lunch and do some shopping (we recommend heading south on 3rd Street). You can either pop back in after 90 minutes, or let the staff know where you’re having lunch, and they’ll deliver it to you. Perhaps the best place to take your sweetheart this afternoon is Graham’s Fine Chocolates and Ice Cream, where all of their sweets are made fresh on-site.
Your next stop is to head back south toward Aurora to Batavia. If you’ve got time before dinner and you’re still toe-tapping from last night, feed your craving for music with a visit to Kiss the Sky, an old-school record store with a vinyl collection that could keep you rummaging for hours. If you’re looking for a more low-key place to rest your weary legs and wet your whistles, grab a drink at Bar Evolution on Batavia’s storied South River Street.
Ready to eat? At the north corner of River Street is Mirus, serving up globally inspired small plates that make eating a true adventure. Choose the Tasting Menu and let the chef send you course after course of delectable bites you won’t soon forget.
Your final stop is just across the street: The Comedy Vault. This little venue attracts big talent to the former historic bank building (the bar is in the old vault!), so you’re sure to share some laughs with the one you love. What better way to cap off a perfect weekend?
Start planning your trip to the Chicago, Naperville and Aurora area... book your perfect hotel stay today with Hampton Inn & Suites Aurora!
The hotel offers elegantly decorated, comfortable accommodations to suit every visitor’s need. For a romantic getaway for two, consider the King Suite with bar sink and under-counter refrigerator, or choose the Kids Suite for the family, complete with bunkbeds and a Playstation 4! The indoor pool, whirlpool and kiddie pool will please everyone, as will the delicious breakfast “on the house.” No time to sit for breakfast? No problem – the friendly front desk staff has you covered with “on-the-run” breakfast bags to take with you.
For those who are traveling to and from “the other big city” in Illinois, the hotel is conveniently located close to I-88 with easy access to Chicago.
