Illinois Guide and Deals

Beall Mansion, a registered historic landmark finished in 1903, ushers sweethearts into lodgings furnished with hand-woven oriental rugs, period antiques, and crystal chandeliers dangling from 11.5¬-foot ceilings. Visitors, who can check in as early as 2 p.m., can explore the statuary’s marble and bronze artwork before heading up the stairs to spacious rooms resplendent with wood pieces carved and gnawed by artisans. Italian marble floors unfurl around private baths, and whirlpools simmer enough water for two. After drying off inside his-and-hers embroidered robes, duos can crabwalk down to the always-open chocolate buffet to sate cravings with at least 21 options, from pomegranate seeds smothered in dark chocolate to milk-chocolate-covered pretzels. For daytime amusement, an outing to the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus begins with a 20-minute trip along the scenic route of the Meeting of the Great Rivers, who mostly sit around and compare trout. Sampled vinos await sipping on spacious patios or in a glass enclosure, and sippers may linger for lunch or dinner (not included in this Groupon).

Since opening its doors in 1998, Language Stars has introduced more than 25,000 children to foreign languages with small-group classes and full-immersion activities. Through a selective process, Language Stars recruits ambitious teachers from more than 20 countries who share a common goal of revolutionizing how and when American children learn foreign languages. Kids can fly solo or team up with a parent in long-term classes. Absorbent little minds soak up Spanish, Mandarin, French, German, or Italian with the help of FunImmersion’s games, songs, and art projects that help kids finally understand their foreign-exchange imaginary friends.

The ASE-certified technicians at Auto Plus understand that an unexpected car malfunction can put a damper on a client's day. To ease car-created stresses, technicians begin services with upfront pricing and a free inspection for any auto brought in. The company's free shuttle service ferries clients to and from the repair center while their cars are busy with the technicians, and free loaner cars await drivers whose carriages need multiday extended work. Additionally, the shop carries a range of tires, holds Saturday hours for busy clients, offers local towing services, and translates favorite quotes into engine noises free of charge.

Despite a long list of beautifying hair services and soothing massages, the most important sense at C'zar Salon-Spa is not sight or touch, but smell. Stemming from natural Aveda products, aromas drift throughout the space, tinting the air with rosemary, peppermint, and lavender scents that evoke pastoral scenes pulled straight out of the organic farms on which many of their ingredients grew. The Stress-Fix line of lotions—whose fragrances help to reduce anxiety—cloaks hands and feet in sage during specialty mani-pedis, and customized blends of essential oils augment Elemental Nature massages and facials.

Plants play a role in even the most detailed procedures at C'zar Salon-Spa. Flowers contribute extracts to the salon's cosmetics, and Nufree hair-removal formulas provide a botanical alternative to wax that's more gentle than tweezing with a venus flytrap. Although they don't incorporate leafy greens, wellness treatments such as acupuncture and cupping strive to round out makeovers by goading the body’s healing processes. For special events, the staff can accommodate groups inside the calming venue or transport their perfumed practices to a specified location.

Since 1971, Car-X Auto Service has repaired, tuned, and rejuvenated auto-wagons with an array of alleviating automotive services. Pour your car a refreshing five-quart glass of oil change, revolve your ride's rubbers with a tire rotation, and switch blades with windshield-wiper replacements. The courteous and auto-savvy Car-X mechanics will also check to see if your car battery is charged and healthy. Finally they'll give a thorough safety inspection to ensure your brakes and seat belts are in tip-top condition and that there are no Latvian yodeling quartets living in your trunk.

Drawing on half a century of automotive service, the family owned and operated Midas helps drivers to prolong vehicle vigor with factory-recommended maintenance services. Mechanics pop car hoods to perform oil changes with standard and temperature-durable synthetic solutions, taking time to inspect belts, hoses, fluids, and the air conditioner's resident penguin. Armed with efficient catalytic converters built to US EPA standards, the staff helps to shrink harmful emissions during muffler and exhaust-system checks. Trained technicians augment brake services with lifetime guarantees and curate healthy, evenly worn tires with rotations or replacements from Goodyear, Michelin, Firestone, and Bridgestone.