A meaningful evening can spring from scheduling time to enjoy one of life's everyday pleasures together. Many couples know that the best time to do that is at sunset, when the sky glows pastel as the sun sinks into the horizon, forcing us to simply enjoy the scenery and the company of our significant other.
At Tara Point Inn & Cottages in Grafton, Illinois, life seems to move at a slower pace, thanks to the breathtaking views that surround the property. Nestled on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the mighty Mississippi and Illinois rivers, Tara Point comprises a main house (featuring the Delta Suite and two Riverside Rooms) and eight cottages, each with its own porch and private window seats offering picture-perfect views of the rivers. The amenities at Tara Point are certainly top-notch — the cottages are large suites that include kitchenettes, king-sized beds and fireplaces — but there's no doubt that the sumptuous vistas are the crown jewel of the estate.
A visit into Grafton also offers superb nature watching (bald eagles winter here) and plenty of ways to spend quality time together, including pedaling along the 20-mile Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail, or going horseback riding in Pere Marquette State Park. The crunch of autumn leaves underfoot, or the sight of a serene, snowy landscape, only add to the restful ambiance.