Nearby country inns provide romantic getaways

Not everybody can afford the money or the time for a wintergetaway to Hawaii, the Caribbean or some other romantic tropicaldestination. An alternative, both cheaper and closer, is a weekendescape to one of the Midwest's cozy country inns, where a cracklingfireplace is likely to spark loving thoughts in even the chilliestsoul.

What follows is a sampler of romantic hideaways within weekendrange of the Chicago area, selected from the revised 1989 edition ofRecommended Country Inns: The Midwest, by Bob Puhala (Globe Pequot,$10.95). In the book itself, you'll find dozens more possibilities.

Puhala, who also writes Weekend Grand Tour each Sunday for theChicago Sun-Times Travel section, lists each of these propertiesunder "Romantic Inns" in his guidebook's index. Most have a limitednumber of rooms, so advance reservations are a good idea even in thedepth of winter. Some have age restrictions on children. Thedescriptive comments are taken from the guide: Aldrich Guest House, 900 Third St., Galena, Ill. 61036(815-777-3323). (Closed during January.) Rooms: Five, three withprivate bath. Weekend rates: $65 to $80 with full breakfast. "Iespecially like the parlor's tall, wide windows that wash the room insunny daylight. There's a baby grand piano in the corner." French Country Inn, Wisconsin 50, Route 4, Box 690, Lake Geneva,Wis. 53147 (414-245-5220). Rooms: 21, all with private bath.Weekend rates: $105 to $125 with full breakfast. "Located in annexesjust steps from the main building, the guest rooms are gracefullydone in country French styles, with brass beds, high-back chairs andballoon drapes. All have their own gas fireplaces and privatebalconies overlooking Como Lake." Mansion Hill Inn, 424 N. Pinckney St., Madison, Wis. 53703(608-255-3999). Rooms: 11, all with private bath. Rates: $100 to$250 with continental breakfast. "All the rooms are exquisitelyfurnished in beautiful antiques. Afternoon tea is `veddy English,'served by tuxedo-clad butlers." Tall Oaks Inn, Box 6, Stanton and Crescent roads, Grand Beach, NewBuffalo, Mich. 49094 (616-469-0097). Rooms: 11, all with privatebath. Weekend rates: $95 to $140 with full breakfast. "Guest commonrooms are uncommonly elegant." Victorian Villa Guest House, 601 N. Broadway St., Union City, Mich.49094 (517-741-7383). Rooms: Eight, some with shared bath. Rates:$75 to $85 with full breakfast and afternoon tea. "Two tower suitesare decorated in country Victorian and separated by a small sittingroom. I like the rough-hewn country feel, with iron-rail beds,exposed brick walls, and round tower windows." White Lace Inn, 16 N. Fifth Ave., Sturgeon Bay, Wis. 54235(414-743-1105). Rooms: 15, all with private bath. Rates: $60 to$130 with continental breakfast. "The White Lace Inn resembles a . .. Victorian-era park, with three handsome buildings connected by a .. . pathway that winds through landscaped grounds." Wickwood Inn, 510 Butler St., Saugatuck, Mich. 49453 (616-857-1097).Rooms: 11, all with private bath. Rates: $85 to $120 through Jan. 1,then $70 to $115 through April, with continental breakfast andafternoon hors d'oeuvres. "Staying at the Wickwood Inn is almost liketaking a mini-European vacation. That's because it was inspired by avisit to the grand Duke's Hotel in London."