Spend a Day in Galesburg for Less Than $20
This adventure takes you on a short walk-through downtown Galesburg. Starting with a cup of coffee, make your way through the historic architecture of the buildings downtown, and then wander through the Galesburg Antiques Mall. Lastly, travel back in time to Coney Island to have a hot dog in Galesburg’s oldest restaurant.
Stop 1: Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee
My husband and I always start our day off with a fresh cup of coffee. Start this adventure the same way – at Innkeeper’s Coffee. Innkeeper’s is a sleek and modern café, serving coffee, pastries, breakfast, and lunch. The feel of Innkeeper’s is like the feel of strolling into a café in New York City. I ordered the cold brew with peanut butter, and it was delectable. There is a huge pastry selection, I dare you to try to leave without one!
Pro Tip: Innkeepers also has a coffee subscription service, so you can get Innkeeper’s sent right to your door. Check it out on their website.
Stop 2: Galesburg
Think of this not as a stop, but as an experience of walking through the historic town of Galesburg. One thing I always enjoy is adventuring by foot instead of any other form of transportation because I feel that is the best way to immerse yourself in your surroundings. When I was walking through Galesburg, it reminded me of many other sizable towns that I’ve been to and made me excited to compare. There is a plethora of historic buildings to take photos of, as well as murals and paintings. In talking about the art of Galesburg, I also want to mention the Orpheum Theatre located in downtown Galesburg. The show that was playing the weekend we visited was Disney’s Newsies Jr. This was performed by the students at The Performing Arts Academy of Galesburg. Although we did not get to see a show, we did catch a glimpse of the cast lining up outside before showtime in their newsie costumes!
Pro Tip: Bring your camera!
Stop 3: The Galesburg Antiques Mall
If thrifting and antiquing are your hobbies, I highly recommend stopping at the Galesburg Antiques Mall when you go to Galesburg. The Antiques Mall has been open for 25 years. The building is room after room of antiques, so be prepared to spend at least an hour exploring it all. They have everything from dishware, chinaware, glassware, furniture, collectible toys, comic books, baseball cards, and clothing (just to name a few of the items). We played a game where we each found one thing in the shop we’d want to purchase. Mine was a vintage pink Pyrex, and my husband chose a vintage whiskey decanter.
Stop 4: Coney Island
Don’t go to Galesburg without stopping at Coney Island. It is the oldest restaurant in Galesburg and recently turned 100 in 2021. This restaurant fits the theme for this adventure with its retro dining area. You will feel like you have time traveled to the days of soda fountain shops. Of course, we ordered the Coney Island Hot Dog. You also cannot beat the prices, and it is a great stop for a good meal on a budget.
Pro Tip: They also serve delicious tamales!
