For me, romance calls for a slow, relaxing day with your significant other. We have two great communities that offer many things to see and stop in at for a day on the Fox River Bike Trail. They vary from local shops to restaurants of all different tastes. I’ve chosen two scenarios for a romantic day trip that you both can try. If anything, I hope they will spark ideas for a well planned out, relaxing day trip with the one you adore.

Option 1

Elgin Community: To start your day off, go to Blue Box Cafe for a quick coffee and pastry. Then ride up to the Gail Borden Public Library. It’s a bit of a hike, so relax and grab a book to read in the River Room. On your way to Chooch’s Pizza for lunch, stop at Walton Island and enjoy the shade while you both can talk and watch the river run slowly by. After lunch, swing by Festival Park a little ways down the road and catch some sun or toss around a football. After you’ve strolled around that area of downtown, you’ve worked up quite an appetite so end your day by having dinner at Al’s Cafe.

Blue Box Cafe
176 E. Chicago Street
Elgin, IL

Gail Borden Public Library
270 N. Grove Avenue
Elgin, IL

Walton Island
100 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL

Chooch’s Pizza
64 S. Grove Avenue
Elgin, IL

Festival Park
132 S. Grove Avenue
Elgin, IL

Al’s Cafe
43 Du Page Court
Elgin, IL

Option 2

Dundee Communities: If you want to start your day off early, stop by Piece-A-Cake Bakery or The Measuring Cup for breakfast. Then bike all the way through downtown looking at the various shops like Lady Bug Lane and Romantica. (For the people that aren’t early risers, just start at Lady Bug Lane and bike through town.) Stop and have lunch at The Village Squire – maybe even choose the outdoor dining option if it’s a beautiful day. Then bike down the street and across the bridge to admire the river while you explore more shops. Stop at Sweet Pop Fizz to enjoy a glass of wine or two on the sidewalk, while enjoying some people watching. End your day with dinner at Bandito’s Barney Beach Club.

Piece-A-Cake Bakery
304 N. River Street
East Dundee, IL

The Measuring Cup
217 Barrington Avenue
East Dundee, IL

Lady Bug Lane
518 W. Main Street
West Dundee, IL

Romantica
125 W. Main Street
West Dundee, IL

The Village Squire
125 Washington Street
West Dundee, IL

Sweet Pop Fizz Candy Bar
316 N. River Street
East Dundee, IL

Bandito’s Barney Beach Club
10 N. River Street
East Dundee, IL

Both of my options are suggestions for a full day of exploring our local communities. Do whatever you both feel up to doing. Cut the day in half by visiting a park before you have dinner, or grab coffee and visit the library or local shops. Use the #OnTheFox if you post any pictures of your romantic day trip! Have fun and be safe for your day out.

Do not forget to check our hotel rates for Bike Enthusiasts! 

About the Author: Shalina Wozny I am a communications intern for EACVB. I really like being the “middle man” and finding a way to bridge the gap between people. I like exploring new cities, eating a good bowl of pasta, and having anything sweet for dessert – dessert is a must for me! Fall is my favorite season; the leaves changing color fascinate me. I love having deep, soulful conversations. Follow my posts on this blog to find out more about what I love to do in this area.