“The hosts, Jess & Kathie, are so warm and welcoming you'll feel like family. The inn is very charming! We stayed in one of the beautiful suites. The inn is a short walk to the downtown area. We didn't use our car all weekend. The breakfast both days was delicious. You're not going to want to leave... ”
— A O'Rourke
“This was our second stay at the Farmers' Guest House, and it was just as good as the first. We stayed in Pete and Eleanor's Suite our first two nights and Annie Lloyd's Cottage the third night. Both are excellent. Both are tastefully decorated (Pete and Eleanor's is a little more country and old-fashioned feeling). P & E's is right next to the dining room, making it very convenient to get to the complimentary cookies and bread that are always available, and it is very spacious, also with its own private entrance to the outside. The Cottage is private and secluded in a wonderful setting surrounded by trees in the back. It has its own private decks. Both rooms were extremely clean, and you can control the climate in each. Both rooms also have a whirlpool tub, fireplace, two TV's and DVD players (in the bedroom and the sitting room area). The beds are comfortable with lots of pillows. I am pregnant, so a comfortable bed is a must for me, and I did not have a problem sleeping. The inn is very nicely decorated and clean. The breakfasts were fabulous, served from 8:30-9:30. We are late sleepers but did not have a problem getting out of bed in the mornings because we looked forward to the big breakfasts so much! They have an extensive DVD and CD collection for guests to choose from. They also have games and puzzles available. They have a refrigerator in the dining room with complimentary soda and water, as well as an ice maker. Wine and cheese are served each evening in the dining room at 6 p.m., and it's a great time to meet the other guests and talk. The inn is a short walk to downtown and easy to find. The best part about the inn is the owners, Kathie and Jess. They are extremely friendly and hospitable. They will call and make reservations for you, they offer advice on where to eat and what to do, and they are full of stories about the town and their own personal lives. They make you feel like family. We look forward to our next visit!”
— Brooke Weishaupt
“We stayed at the Farmers Guest House in Galena, Illinois for four nights in early April, 2009 in the Pete and Eleanor's Room. The Pete and Eleanor's Room is a two room suite right next to the dining room with a whirlpool tub and king size bed in the main room, and a pullout queen size bed and fireplace in the other room. Each room had a TV and DVD player. Our kids used the pullout bed, which had a thick, queen-sized mattress with a pillow top that was as comfortable as any mattress on a regular bed. The entire inn was tastefully decorated, creating a rustic, cozy atmosphere to match the feel of the town. The inn had plenty of room to visit with other guests, or to hide and read a book in one of the sitting rooms. When we arrived, Kathie and Jess welcomed us like family. Throughout our stay, they seemingly anticipated our every need. They were very knowledgeable about the area and had brochures for all the highlights. The cookie jars were stocked, and the refrigerator had sodas and bottled water at all hours. Every evening at 6:00 they served wine and cheese with crackers - a pure delight! The breakfasts were sumptuous - we were so well fed that we never ate lunch throughout our stay (not even the kids). When it was time to go, we felt like we were leaving friends in Kathie and Jess, who were hospitable and kind, yet unobtrusive. They made our stay a pure pleasure. Galena was to be a one-time trip for us, but now we'd like to go back just to stay at the Farmers Guest House. We've also recommended Farmers Guest House to all of our friends. It definitely exceeded all of our expectations.”
— Stuart Meyer
“My husband and I desparately needed to get away from the stress of everyday life and had heard from friends that Galena was great. I spent weeks of researching bed and breakfasts in the area and even called to speak with Kathy. It was definitely worth my time and effort because we such a great time that we extended our stay. We stayed in the Annie Lloyd's cottage which gave us a great amount of privacy yet we still could meet new people and sample Jess' breakfast delight of the day. The bed was wonderfully soft, the in-suite whirlpool was relaxing, the in-suite fireplace cozy and the "in-room" couples massages were phenomenal and economical. To boot the staff treated you like family. Kathy and Jess you rock........... and we will definitely be back!!!!!”
— angela hurlock
“Neat old place, fantastic breakfasts.”
— Laurie N
“Stayed at the Inn from Nov. 21-24, 2008. We had an absolutely wonderful time. Kathie, Jess, and Charles made us feel so welcomed and pampered us each day. The accommodations were just great, and the breakfasts each morning were absolutely delicious. Unlimited cookie jars, soda, and water were a tasty treat. The wine and cheese in the evening were a great way to meet fellow guests and also unwind after a day shopping and walking in charming Galena. We received great recommendations for dining and reservations were also made if we needed them. Would definitely stay again. Would also highly recommend to family and friends. Thanks so much to Kathie, Jess, and Charles. Happy Holidays. SD and KD”
— Sheila Doran
“The smell of freshly-baked cookies met us at the door almost the same time Kathie did. She, Jess and Charles are wonderful hosts and make you feel at home and like you're a member of the family almost instantly.
We stayed in one of the romantic suites with a fireplace and whirlpool tub. It was bliss!
The 6pm wine-and-cheese gathering at the dining room table is a great way to get to know your fellow lodgers, if you and they are so inclined. We met some wonderful people who we hope will be lifelong friends.
Galena is a charming town that seems untouched by time....it gives you a great perspective if you're looking to get away from a busy, fast-paced life. You can really take a breather and get away from it all.
Wonderful breakfasts almost make you not want to go out and explore the town but make yourself get out and about. The Eggnog Tarragon Caramel french toast is as decadent as it sounds.....absolutely DELICIOUS. The breads that Charles makes are a wonderful accompaniment to the breakfast entree.
The inn and all the guest rooms are decorated for the upcoming Christmas holidays and they are beautiful. Kathie and Jess have personally decorated the inn and have done a beautiful job.
If you haven't tried a B&B before, we strongly encourage you to do so....start with the Farmers' Guest House. You'll be glad you did.”
— Janaan M
“What more can be said after reading the other reviews but DITTO! My sister and I wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else when in the Galena area. Our experience with other B&B's has been dreadfully disappointing after the attention Jess, Kathie and Charles provide. Come and visit them!”
— sharon miller
“We love this place and Kathie and Jess. We come here at least once a year for about 8 years now. Kathie and Jess make it feel like home. I am a Scrapbooker and I come here once a year for a weekend getaway to Scrap.”
— Brenda Lick
“Farmers' Guest House is the cutest B&B I've ever visited. The proprietors Jess & Kathie are lovely and they've created a beautiful spot relaxation and romance. We were greeted with a wine and cheese happy hour and then walked to the nearby downtown for a delicious dinner at 11th and Main.
The next day we went snowboarding and then recovered with a soak in the jacuzzi tub and an in-room couples massage. It was heavenly.
I was sad to say goodbye to Jess, Kathie and their little piece of paradise. We can't wait to visit again.”
— Myra Mazzei
“What else can I say? The Camelot Suite was absolutely wonderful. The decor is beautiful and my wife LOVED the miniature shoe collection.....very romantic touch. The front parlor adds a nice touch and the dressing table is gorgeous and also useful. The bath is compact yet very sufficient and the spacious whirlpool is very comfortable for two. Lastly, the bed is one of a kind; a wrought steel sleigh bed that is magnificent with an unbelievably comfortable mattress. Four windows in the main bedroom and two more in the parlor let plenty of natural light in, yet the custom wood blinds adjust for privacy too. And this is just the Camelot Suite!
The rest of the B&B is tastefully decorated consistent with the period the structure was built. All the common spaces are very inviting and they just beg to be used. Several are stocked with goodies which we found to be a real treat. Jess and Kathie are very attentive hosts and were quick to help with anything we needed. The 6:00 pm wine and cheese tasting was fun and gave us an opportunity to learn some of the B&B's history from Kathie. The breakfast was wonderful and plentiful; no going hungry at the Farmers Guest House. My only regret was that we could not stay longer!
If you want to pamper and impress that special someone in your life with a quiet, romantic, and intimate getaway to a small town richly steeped in history, you cannot go wrong staying here. The Farmers Guest House truly is a hidden jewel and we can hardly wait to go back and visit again soon!
B & E
Minneapolis, MN”
— B Bishop
“We highly recommend the Farmer's Guest House. The owners, Jess and Kathie, made everyone feel welcome. The common area provided opportunity for guests to enjoy conversations while having a deliciious breakfast or at the wine and cheese reception in the evening. Our room was in the back of the building and we had easy access to the yard where we could sit under a shade tree, relax and read a good book.
The B&B is located within easy walking distance to shops and other points of interest.
Ken & Donna”
— Ken Bradshaw
“I have enjoyed taking myself and my boyfriend here three times now. They always make our trip special and unique. We find that the service is beyond outstanding. They are incredibly hospitable and make your stay feel like you just came home. They provide delicious breakfasts and cookies 24/7 as well as have a wine hour which is more of a chance to meet interesting and wonderful people that come to visit this artistic community.”
— Benjamin Bentler
“Each year my husband & I celebrate our anniversary at a different bed & breakfast. The Farmers' Guest House was one of the best. The hosts very welcoming, the room decorated nicely, the food excellent. What more could you ask for? I would highly recommend this B&B. Lon & Cara”
— Lonny Tesdahl
“We enjoyed another comfy stay at Farmers' Guest House. Kathie and Jess make us feel welcome and warm, like the decor of the inn and the rooms. I couldn't imagine staying anywhere else in Galena now that we have been here. It has everything we need.”
— Judy H
“I just recently spent a wonderful weekend at the Farmer's Guest House for a scrapbooking retreat. I have never felt so at home. The innkeepers treat you as though you were family and the food was stupendous. I can't wait to go back with my husband!”
— Michelle D
“My husband and I have stayed at many B&B's over the years, and this was by far the best experience we have ever had.
The room was gorgeous and perfectly appointed, and the owners, Jess and Kathie, were so welcoming and created an environment of fun and fellowship. Shortly after we arrived, they provided wine and cheese for all of the guests. When Kathi found out that we wanted to dine at a restaurant that recommends reservations, she immediately called the restaurant and we had a table when we arrived.
This will be our B&B of choice when staying in the Galena area. Highly recommend!!”
— Angella Derington
“We were pleasantly surprised as we walked into Pete and Eleanor's Room at the Farmers' Guest House. It was country without clutter. It was a clean and spacious suite with a corner whirlpool and its own private entrance. We were also pleased that it was within walking distance from the many merchants and restaurants in Galena. The owners were very hospitable and friendly. We enjoyed their conversation along with the wine and cheese in the evening as well as the wonderful breakfast in the morning. There were beverages and cookies available throughout the day. It far exceeded our expectations. The only place we would stay in Galena.”
— Karen Schairer
“This was our first visit to a B & B and we were very pleasantly surprised. The guest house was very clean, comfortable and beautifully furnished. The Innkeepers, Kathie, jess and Charlie, were very friendly and knowledgeable of the Galena area and shared many amusing stories of the area. Upon arrival Kathie took us around the home pointing out where to find soda, water and cookies that are available at all hours, plus the many entertainment pass-times available to the guests. Breakfast was a five star experience, excellent food and service. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit to enjoy the hot-tub out in the gardens. We will be going back with friends and family in the future. Janice & Terry”
— Janice L
“We love staying at bed and breakfasts and find them all to have their unique qualities. Farmer’s House is one of the best.
Jess and Kathie make this b&b delightful. They are so warm and friendly and made us feel right at home. We were in Pete & Eleanor’s Room which was an immaculate, huge suite with a fireplace, sofa, TV, etc., king-size bed, Jacuzzi, wonderful linens, and skylights. We are early risers, so we enjoyed the light coming into the room. Kathie is a unique decorator, and her love of family and friends is present in all rooms.
My husband loved the filled cookie jars, and there were also complementary waters, pop, and snacks available at all times. Wine and cheese in the early evening was a treat. We also enjoyed the 5-minute walk to town without having to traverse the Galena hills.
Breakfasts were delightful. We always like visiting with the innkeepers and other guests. Everyone was so nice. The first morning the entrée was eggs with salsa and the following morning we had the Swedish pancake. Both were served with fruit in yogurt, coffee cake, muffins, juice, coffee, etc. Very satisfying.
Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we can return to The Farmer’s Guest House.”
— Judy H
“This was my first B&B experience and it couldn't be better! We spend just one night but were immediatly feeling like at home, Kathie was the best host you can imagine and the place is lovely ; the breakfast was really good too. I highly recommend this B&B !
A visitor from France”
— Jérôme Liénard
“I have to say this B&B is one of my favorites to date. Aside from the building itself being a perfect representation of Galena's history, the rooms were great (decorated but not overly so), the amenities were ample for all your get-away intentions, and the food was excellent! Most importantly I found the hosts to be a perfect measure of friendly and helpful. It is easy to see why many people return and consider themselves part of the Farmer's Guest House family. This is especially noted when you see the extensive collection of "extended family" (aka guest) photos that line the walls. A nice personal touch.”
— Tony Butterworth
“Farmers' Guest House has become our favorite B&B! The innkeepers are very nice and cater to your needs whether it be making dinner recommendations and reservations or giving you activity ideas. We enjoyed the complimentary wine and cheese every night, the bottomless cookie jars, the dvd collection, and the breakfasts! Very cute B&B, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, and an easy walk into the town of Galena. We've already recommended it to all our friends and family!! We will definitely return soon!”
— Kristen Strom
“Only few words are necessary:
Kathie, Jess, and Charlie,
Thank you for welcoming us to your wonderful home. We look forward to our next visit.
Sincerely,
Kyle & Melinda”
— Kyle Hendrickson
“My family and I spent 3 nights in the cottage of the Farmer's Guest House in Galena, Illinois. The B&B was wonderful and exceeded our expectations. The host Jess & Kathie were charming and exceptional hosts. The location was perfect for us, a little ways away from the hubbub of the shops downtown, but within easy walking and driving distance to all the sites. The guests were all very friendly and engaging. We especially enjoyed the opportunity to visit with our hosts and the other guests at the wine and cheese tasting every evening. The breakfasts were excellent - not overwhelming but very tasty. We do not hesitate to give this B&B our highest recommendation.”
— Jim Neal
“I had a wonderful stay at the Farmer's Guest House in Galena, Illinois. Jess, the owner and manager of this quaint Bread and Breakfast, was present every day and evening, and made sure my husband and I were comfortable. We lacked nothing. Breakfast was included as well as wine and cheese in the late afternoon. I had never stayed in a room so clean and well-kept. Excellent service and the most comfortable surroundings ever! Free movies, free CD's, free water and beverages at any hour, and a walking distance to Galena's Main Street where quaint shops and restaurants are located. I didn't expect such fabulous service and accommodations. We stayed in the small room, but they had bigger rooms and an entire guest house that I found out about after I got there.”
— Yolanda Nieves
“We found this guest house by pure luck and loved it so much we decided to stay for two nights instead of one. It's run by a lovely couple but the real star is Kathie who is so friendly and warm and makes you feel very welcome. The guest house is chintzy and quirky in a really lovely way. Each room is slightly different but with stripped floor boards, flowery wallpaper and gorgeous throws and cushions it's difficult to decide which one to have. The guest house is in easy walking distance of the town with access to canoe trips, bars, restaurants and shops. We loved it and would happily return any day.”
— Caroline Hounsell
“We absolutely LOVE the Farmer's Guest House! We couldn't imagine staying anywhere else in Galena!”
— sherita luckett
“We truly loved our stay at Farmers' Guest House! My parents, fiance and I all agreed that we'd stay here again, without exploring other hotel/B&B options in Galena.
The B&B is cute, comfortable and welcoming. Jess, Kathie and Charlie are so personable and warm, and really went out of their way to ensure that we were all comfortable and enjoying our stay.
The breakfasts are great, and there is wine and cheese served every evening, which is a nice perk!
The location is perfect - within short walking distance to all of the main attractions in Galena. And, the hotel has free parking. Our rooms were beautifully decorated, comfortable and quiet.
We loved this B&B so much, that one night we all ditched our evening plans and watched a movie together in the common room. It truly felt like a home away from home. I would 100% recommend this B&B to anyone, and I know that we'll be back.”
— Dana WOod
“This B&B was a wonderful get-away. It is located in easy walking distance to shopping and restaurants. It was quiet, cozy and friendly. We enjoyed the patio out back in the afternoon.
The wine and cheese in the evening was a nice touch. We would definitely stay there again.”
— JoAnn Merfeld
“This was the first time we stayed at a Bed and Breakfast and we really enjoyed ourselves. It was very relaxing and our hosts Jess and Kathie took care of everything we needed and served a fantastic breakfast!”
— Janet Radloff
“We stayed in the Annie Lloyds cottage, located behind the main house. Its very private and quiet, with a large porch and excellent views. We were offered complimentary beverages in the main house, along with movies and music we could take up to the cottage. Jess and Kathie brought us up a delicious breakfast, they were extremely accomidating. VERY nice people, we will definitely go back. They also took our picture before we left, and then emailed it to us and said thank you for coming. Very sweet.”
— Amy Langland
“We stayed in the Annie Lloyd Cottage. It was fantastic! Kathie, Jess, and Charles were so great. They have thought of absolutely everything! The breakfasts were delicious and filling. The never-ending cookie jars, wine and cheese in the evenings, and available cold beverages were thoughtful touches as well. Everything about our stay at Farmers was just perfect. We cannot wait to visit them again!”
— Michelle Kiefer-Cox
“We stayed here for my birthday and mother's day as a surprise from my husband and what a great pick! The owners are lovely people and provided a clean and beautiful establishment and room. With home cooked breakfast and coffee daily, wine and cheese at night, this was a great value. Within walking distance to tourist sites, shopping and great food, this will be a regular destination for my husband and I.”
— Mary Jorgensen
“Loved it and definitely will be back.
Warm and cozy Inn with great host and hostess.”
— Vickie Agnitsch
“this is the second year my two teenage
granddaughters and myself have stayed
at Farmers. We loved it again this
summer and hope to be able to return
again next year.
we stayed in the cottage and it was
great. breakfast was awesome as were
Jess and Kathie”
— sandy SAGEN
“This was a nice and quiet place. We felt comfortable and would wake to the slight hint of breakfast being made. It's like being at Grandmas house. Jess and Kathie are so caring and answer any question you could possibly have. The other guests were very pleasant too. We will be back again this year because we had such a nice stay. We stayed in the DePaul room and it over looks this little walk way and a little seating area with a beautiful backdrop of trees and old stone walls. Thank You sooooo much Jess and Kathie! We loved staying at your wonderful place. - Robert and Jacqueline Mueller 8-12-11/8-14-11”
— Jacqueline Mueller
“We had just got married and went on to the Farmers Guest House to enjoy our honeymoon. The welcome we received was just like we were at home with our family. The food was super and we really enjoyed the conversation with the other guests along with Jess, Kathie and Charles. We have already made plans to return. If you haven't stayed in a B&B try this one out! You won't be disappointed!”
— Paul Ott
“We loved everything about Farmers Guest House. Great location in Galena and innkeepers who went far above and beyond to make our stay a very memorable one.”
— Jeri B
“Love the Inn and the Innkeepers.
Cannot wait until my next visit.”
— Lori A
“We stayed in the Annie Lloyd Cottage behind the inn. Kathie and Jess have made the entire inn a warm, inviting experience. A delicious breakfast each morning. Kathie is very knowledgeable about Galena and has great answers to your questions. They were just finishing up decorating for Christmas and it really put us in the holiday spirit. It would be an excellent place to stay for couples or even a group. Town is a short walk so the location is very convienent. Thank you Kathie, Jess, and Charles!”
— Margaret Grojean
“What a great time as always. Kathy and Jess do such a great job of making us feel like family. A very relaxing and fun weekend. And be prepared to be spoiled.”
— N M
