At the first sign of a few extra pounds, many hit the bike path, buy a gym membership, or strap on the rollerblades. But if this is a little extreme, you can join other Chicagoans at the Heartland Spa.

While less than a two-hour drive away, the Heartland Spa could easily be tucked away in the Swiss Alps or Napa Valley. Instead its situated on thirty-one acres of lush Gilman, Illinois countryside. Here the Hearland Spa stays true to its Midwestern ideals, by offering equal parts of clean living and indulgence.

On your way to Gilman, antique buffs may wish to stop off in Crete, Illinois (to do this, take I-94 out of Chicago to Highway 1). This extremely-southern Chicago suburb is far enough off the beaten path that its antique shops aren't picked over, and the prices aren't sky-high. You may wish to start at Marketplace Antiques (550 West Exchange; 708-672-5556). Its dozen-ish dealers have filled it to the rafters with china and glass primitives, quilts, and jewelry. If you decide to visit Crete on the way to the Heartland, stay on Highway 1 on your way out of Crete to the Heartland Spa in Gilman.

The Heartland Spa itself is a beautiful country estate with every conceivable amenity and a large, knowledgeable staff. One of its greatest attributes is its ability to balance health without hysteria, luxury without snobbery, and just enough gain without too much pain. This is a spa for 'real' people; you won't be embarrassed for not having a washboard stomach or tree-trunk thighes. You'll check your stress at the door - mellowness is the overiding theme here. The rooms are comfortable and pleasant, and you won't run into phones or tv's to break the mood. Everything from sweat-suits to bathrobes are provided, and you simply drop your laundry on your doormat; it'll be taken away and replaced lickety-split.

The Heartland Spa offers a two-for-one package, priced at $378 ($430 on the weekend) per night for two people. One massage is included, but other services are extra. Single rates: $340 per person per night ($378 on the weekends). Weeklong stays are also available, for those with the luxury of time and money and the affliction of too much stress (and weight) in thier lives.

During your stay you can participate as much or as little as you'd like in the scheduled programs, or simply traipse around the surrounding pastoral farmland. If you like to sleep in, no one will be pounding on your door. If not, conditioning classes, weight training, water exercises, aerobics, yoga, educational programs, and more are available. Finally, the food at the Heartland is (of course) of the healthy variety, but done so well that you won't miss the calories.

On your way back to Chicago, you may want to keep up your new, healthy lifestyle with a canoe trip on the Kankakee River (considered by some to be the finest canoeing river in Illinois). If so, Reed's Canoe will outfit you completely, whether you're taking a two-hour or two-day trip. Reed's is open from April to October; (815) 933-9036. If canoeing isn't up your alley, stop off at the Kankakee State Park and check out its beautiful bike and walking trails (815-933-9036). The state park also offers camping, picnicking, fishing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and more.

Lose some of those extra pounds and stress with a trip to the Heartland, and you'll return to Chicagoland a completely new (and happier) person. Enjoy!

Directions

Head south straight out of the Loop on I-57. Gilman is only 20 miles past Kankakee, about halfway between Chicago and Champaign. The drive should take you between one-and-a-half to two hours, depending on how hard it is to get out of Chicago.

Heartland Spa
1237 East 1600 North Road
Gilman, IL
(800) 545-4853