Whew! It has been a whirlwind summer so far and with each of us going in a million directions at once, it has been a challenge to find some time together that we can label “romantic.” Oh, we’ve had fun at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, Country Jam and some Eau Claire Express games, etc. While they do stir some romantic memories of years ago when we first attended things like that as a couple, we were looking for something that didn’t involve literally thousands of people.

Tim and Jane here. Winter is a great time to find romantic things to do in and around Eau Claire. It’s perfect weather to steal away for a quiet night eating out or better yet, staying in one of our fine hotels in a whirlpool room with someone you love. 

Every now and then the hectic pace we keep in our lives prevents us from really taking the time to stay in touch with our spouse or partner. Holiday time can do that to you, too.  It’s no different for us and luckily we found ourselves with a bit of a break just before it all hit this year. 

Hi! Thanks for reading our thoughts on romance in the Chippewa Valley. This month, Jane and I thought we’d take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and restart our walking program. 

It has been too long to remember since we’ve gone on a picnic, but Tim and I planned one for a recent sunny Saturday afternoon. We dusted off a picnic basket that we had received as a wedding gift and made a trip to the IFD Warehouse Store on the north side of Eau Claire.

Peaceful.

We really could use a dozen other words to describe our visit to the Barn Again Lodge.  Relaxing.  Solitude.  Quiet. Remote.  But peaceful seems to sum it up best.  Tucked away in a hidden valley just south of Mondovi, The Barn Again Lodge and Honeymoon Bungalow is truly a place of peace. 

Good Morrow!

When Jane and I went looking for a romantic time recently, decided to do something that we hadn’t done in a long time.  Attend a Renaissance Faire.  In the past, every few years we would visit Shakopee’s extensive faire and while we don’t consider ourselves “Rennies”, we do get a kick out of visiting. We had never attended the Chippewa Falls event before, so when we heard that they were back up and running this year after a brief hiatus, we made a point of getting out there.

Hi… Jane here.

Well, Tim and I managed to find time for romance this week. It seems like we haven’t seen much of each other lately with me running here and him heading there. So, we set everything aside for a day and spent some wonderful time away right here in Eau Claire at the Fanny Hill Victorian Inn.

Date Night Update:  Well, we just had our date night at The State for the romantic piano experience that is Jim Brickman.  It was everything that we hoped for and more.  We were so excited to see Jim in person after having listened to his music all these years! It sounds even better when you can actually watch the guy playing live. And he had two wonderful vocalists with him to fill out the show.

Well, March IS romantic.  First there’s my birthday. What’s not to love about that! Then we decided to make memories by attending a couple of events at the State Theatre in Eau Claire. It’s a beautifully restored old theatre and just sitting and being surrounded by the art deco atmosphere takes you back to a day when life was simpler.  And since it was the place where Jane and I had our first date, it’s always a bit romantic when we walk through the doors.

Hi Travelers!

If you're looking to do something unique, quiet and romantic in the Chippewa Valley, read on.  Jane and I recently took a wonderful evening ride through old forests on a horse drawn sleigh.  How romantic is that!  The folks at Cabin Ridge Rides have a very special treat in store for you when you book a trail ride on their property.

Hi again… It’s been a bit since we last wrote. Our busy lives sometimes get in the way of the fun we want to have and that’s even more reason to make the time to get away to stay in touch with someone you love. Jane and I recently were able to do just that without leaving the area. Eau Claire and its surrounds have so many interesting getaways – you just have to look and give them a try.

Hi travelers…  Tim here again with another in our series of Romance in the Valley. 

Hi, it’s Jane. 

Welcome to our blog on romantic things to do in the Eau Claire area. Tim and I have always enjoyed attending stage plays. Years ago, shortly before we were married, one of the first plays we saw together was “I Do, I Do”.

Hi again….

This month Jane and I decided to do something “light” so we headed off to a local movie theatre and we went to a movie.  And yes, she got to pick it AND it wasn’t one I’d normally opt in to see.  But, hey, that’s what romance is all about - doing something you know the other person wants to do, (even if you would rather watch a movie with explosions. Sigh).

Hi again. It’s Jane.  Tim and I have been so busy lately that it’s been hard to get away for some “us” time.  But the other day we made a commitment to punch a hole in our calendars just for us.  So we grabbed the bikes and headed out on Eau Claire’s wonderful bike and walking trails. It was a beautiful evening and we were able to talk and catch up while we were riding. Then he surprised me by heading over to Porter’s restaurant in the Ramada Inn downtown for dinner. 

Hi. Tim here. 

This week I was looking for something to take Jane to for our “date night” and then I remembered that it was our anniversary of our very first date. Way back then we went downtown for a movie and drinks after.  Now, the State Theatre no longer shows movies, but we decided to walk through downtown Eau Claire anyway. We were impressed by all the stores popping up along Barstow Street and ducked in to Cadeaux to see what was there.  What a great store! They have everything from wines and cheeses to home decorating items to ready-made gift baskets. Lots of very unique items.  We left with a bottle of River Bend Vineyard wine, some gourmet cookies, a handful of amazing caramels and something nice to complete a romantic evening.

My name is Jane and I’m thrilled to be one of the resources for romantic escapes that can be found in the Eau Claire area. My husband Tim and I love to go out and find new and exciting things to do in the area.