Hi travelers… Tim here again with another in our series of Romance in the Valley.
Both my wife Jane and I like to take walks (I actually like them once I’m ON them…not so much the thought of dropping what I’m doing and making the time and effort to GO on them) so this month we found ourselves seeking – and finding – some beautiful fall colors on and along the very nice biking and recreation trail system that Eau Claire offers. Lots of work and planning has gone into our trail system and it is a perfect way to get out alone and quietly with someone you care about. One of our goals is to bike every mile of it in a day, but that may have to wait until spring.
Following our walk, I took Jane out to eat and to the theatre. Now, anyone who knows me, is aware that I’m probably the least fan of seafood that there is, which is why I thought it would be perfectly romantic to give Jane her favorite meal, seafood. It had been quite awhile since we’d visited Red Lobster but I knew she would find exactly what she loves there. Apparently there are a lot of seafood fans, because the lobby was packed with eagerly waiting diners. We ended up in a secluded booth for two and had a terrific meal. Red Lobster has added a line of wood-fire grilled specials and Jane was tempted by them all. It was fun to watch her trying to decide what to eat…just like a kid in the old candy store. She ended up ordering the Ultimate Feast, which had Maine Lobster, steamed Snow Crab legs and two kinds of shrimp selections. She surprised me that scallops weren’t in her choice, since they’re her favorites. But I think the crab legs did it. I opted for a land-lubber staple, the Chicken Caesar salad and some delicious creamy potato and bacon soup. For me, the romance is giving her something that I know she likes, especially when I would choose something different if it were just me. When we couldn’t eat any more, it was off to the theatre!
Eau Claire has a very talented pool of local actors and singers and the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild’s production of Chicago reaffirmed that. First of all, the State Theatre is the place that Jane and I had our very first date (to see the movie, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back) Long ago, I know, but we are so glad the building is still there. Hundreds and hundreds of people over the years have contributed time and money to restoring the grand hall and theatre space to its original splendor. And what better way to be transported back in time than to see the musical, Chicago. It’s already set in a vaudeville era and it played perfectly at The State. The show involved LOTS of dancing and, of course, singing, and the local cast pulled it off without a hitch. The set was true to the Broadway version and the show featured wonderful songs and several show-stealing treats and surprises. It was very well done by the Theatre Guild’s talented directors, stage folks and performers. We highly recommend any of their performances (they still have a terrific line up to go) for a romantic time away. And if you’re lucky enough to attend in the place where you had your first date, well, that’s just a fond memory bonus!
Enjoy your time in Eau Claire, find romance where you can and with someone you truly love.
Until next time, I’m Tim and she’s Jane!
