If you're headed down Highway 20 East and venture just a few miles off the main artery, you'll be acquainted with a paradise you might have never known existed in the already beatific community that is Galena.

The Le Fevre Inn & Resort (pronounced like "fever") is a gorgeous resort nestled on 10 acres of idyllic countryside. Still, it's merely minutes from downtown Galena, making it ideal for easy access to shops while still being removed from the bustle.

A map to Le Fevre Inn (with Dubuque as the starting point). Photo Credit: Google Maps
Directions to Le Fevre Inn (with Dubuque as the starting point). Photo Credit: Google Maps
loading...

My mother and father vacationed here more than a half dozen times from 2012 to 2021. This year, however, it was my turn to experience Le Fevre. In the past, I was admittedly listening with only one ear when my father would wax poetic about the views, the sunset, and the romantic nature of the resort. It's the kind of thing that doesn't resonate unless you see some great photos or are there to experience them for yourself.

The sunset overlooking the horizon, as seen from the Le Fevre Inn balcony. Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
The sunset overlooking the horizon, as seen from the Le Fevre Inn balcony. Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
loading...

Make no mistake, the rooms are phenomenal. Le Fevre offers eight traditional rooms, complete with wood-burning fireplaces; a spacious Galena View Suite; two bedroom cottages and a three-bedroom apartment. Dad and I took the Suite — quite possibly the nicest hotel at which I ever stayed.

But it's the views that sell Le Fevre. The back-patio and adjacent swimming pool are perched on a large hill that overlooks the west. On a day like the Fourth of July, you can see firework displays from nearby Dubuque, Bellevue, Hazel Green, WI, and of course, Galena.

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
loading...

At dusk, the sun begins to set on the horizon before it disappears over the hills like a flicker — as evasive as it is beautiful.

Sunday was the only night my company and I could view the sunset due to the clear skies. However, it wasn't a loss. Even on otherwise dreary, overcast nights, Le Fevre Inn offers beauty in seeing the clouds wash over the acres of gorgeous land.

A wall-cloud rolls in over the resort. Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
A wall-cloud rolls in over the resort. Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
loading...

For hours on Tuesday, we watched ominous clouds make their presence known over Galena and the larger Tri-State area. In the above picture, you'll also note the quaint lake, pavilion, and paddleboats that exist on the property as an added bonus for vacationers.

If you look closely, you can see rain wash over Bellevue and Dubuque in the distance. Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
If you look closely, you can see rain wash over Bellevue and Dubuque in the distance. Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
loading...

Like a true Midwesterner, my father loves watching the cows graze in the pasture. They do provide for some added entertainment, especially when they're gathered underneath a tree during a storm.

Another view of the storms rolling in, this time from our suite balcony. Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Another view of the storms rolling in, this time from our suite balcony. Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
loading...

Normally, rain would deter the fun of a vacation. Unless of course you have these views to complement your stay.

In advance of my vacation, I inquired about Le Fevre Inn with some of my coworkers, many of whom hadn't heard of it nor experienced it. It's understandable; people don't tend to look into resort nor hotel properties near their homes.

But given the expensiveness of traveling these days, Le Fevre Inn just might be an affordable option for you and yours. It's tailormade for a romantic getaway, but its amenities can be enjoyed by anyone of any age.

Added bonus: the unbelievable shower inside the resort, which is about as big as my apartment! Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Added bonus: the unbelievable shower inside the resort, which is about as big as my apartment! Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
loading...

I probably should've taken more pictures of the suite itself, but I couldn't resist not snapping one of this shower — which is about as big as my apartment!

Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
Photo Credit: Steve Pulaski
loading...

Lastly, a special thanks to Ramona, the General Manager of Le Fevre Inn, Alfredo, Tammy, and the tireless staff and grounds crew, who keep this property looking magnificent year-round.

For more information on booking a stay at Le Fevre Inn, visit their website here.

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Iowa

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Iowa using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

More From AM 1490 WDBQ