Galena Bakehouse Is A Bakery In Small-Town Illinois That Greets Everyone With Warm Welcomes… And Warm Empanadas
Galena Bakehouse, a charming bakery in Galena, Illinois, was founded by a couple who moved from New York City to embrace small-town life and has become a beloved community hub.
Pardon the pun, but bakeries are a dime a (baker's) dozen; a mainstay in pretty much every small town and big city across the U.S. Even if you eschew the bakery behemoths for the little, locally-owned bakeshops, you'll still find lots of options for coffee and a tasty treat wherever you travel or find yourself.
Galena, Illinois, is certainly no exception. This picturesque and historic small town in the Northwestern corner of Illinois is about as charming as it gets. Home to a small-but-mighty population of 3,200, Galena is the kind of place folks go to settle down and raise a family; a sleepy little locale with a bustling business district and oodles of small-town pride. And bakeries. Yes indeed, Galena might be small, but it's teeming with bakeries -- on Main Street alone, there are several. None, however, are quite as delightfully delicious and impossibly charming as Galena Bakehouse.
Galena Bakehouse opened in September 2021 and has quickly become a beloved community cornerstone. It's no surprise, though, as the bakehouse is owned and operated by two of the most delightful and inspired proprietors, a duo that came to Galena from the hustle and bustle of New York City to give "small town life a try." And we're so glad they did.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
There's something undeniably delightful and intriguing about living in a small town. It's the kind of thing romanticized by Hallmark movies and juicy beach reads. It's the kind of life many of us daydream about -- and it's wholly wonderfully real in Galena, Illinois.
This small town is known for its scenic splendor, historic relevance, and bustling business district. It's a portrait of small-town USA that Midwest natives-turned-Manhattan-transplants Geoff Karnish and Alex Arroyo craved. "We are both originally from the Midwest," they explain. Geoff is from Wisconsin, and Alex is from Ohio; in their 20s, they moved to Manhattan, each spending many years busily building corporate careers in the city.
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But after several years -- over a decade, for Alex -- living in the city, enough was enough. Over the fast-paced and frenetic NYC corporate scene, the couple moved to Galena, Illinois, with the idea of becoming innkeepers.
"This career change moved us from Manhattan to the small picturesque town of Galena where we managed the historic Inn at Felt Manor for two years," they explain.
It was during the pandemic shutdown, however, when folks were feeding sourdough starters and ordering curbside *everything*, that the couple baked up the idea for Galena Bakehouse: a grab-and-go, fast casual bakery with handcrafted fresh food and local coffee.
"After two years of innkeeping and analyzing the town, we thought this was exactly what Galena needed," they explain.
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The pair rolled up their sleeves and got to work, renovating an antique store in a historic 1850s storefront on Galena's picture-perfect Main Street. The history of the building was an added bonus for the duo: it's been a granary, a meat butcher, an automotive garage, a dog groomer, and an antique store in its 175-year life!
Building secured, it was time to get baking. As the couple explains, Geoff learned a love for baking at a young age. In New York, Geoff was working for a luxury restaurant group as their event manager and was previously a baker for a farm-to-table restaurant on the Upper West Side.
Alex, meanwhile, worked for a luxury real estate developer and manager. After a few years on the real estate side, he created an events and partnership program for each of the buildings in the portfolio. He was previously an Arts Programmer... not a baker. But he had a great partner.
In fact, being able to work side by side was a big perk for Alex and Geoff, whose previous careers in NYC had them working long hours on opposite sides of the city.
"We felt like we rarely got to see each other. Now, we're surrounded by this gorgeous historic town and get to work together on every project. It's a dream that we never thought was possible!" they say.
This strong foundation and the joy and enthusiasm they have for each other and their town infuses every aspect of the shop. More than merely a bakery, Galena Bakehouse is a place that welcomes everyone with the kind of food that feeds both heart and soul.
The bakehouse has brought Latino flair to Galena, Illinois, too. "Alex's family is from Puerto Rico, so we developed a variety of baked empanadas including traditional flavors such as beef picadillo, as well as local breakfast favorites like our egg, sausage, and cheddar empanada," the couple explains.
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Of course, the bakehouse's pastries, sweets, and macarons also win over the "coffee and donut" crowd, and it's these customers and their rave reviews that have cemented the bakery's place in town.
"Pride is ingrained in the culture of Galena Bakehouse," they explain. The couple created Galena's first-ever pride event, in fact: the Galena Pride Picnic.
"Our pride logo is incorporated into the merchandise all year round because it's pride every day at our house," they say. The couple adds that the pride festival is now sponsored by the Galena Public Library each year, which expanded the inclusivity of its education programs as well.
"It has been such a dream to bring this showcase of love to this small town and to have them welcome all of it," say Alex and Geoff. If this isn't peak small-town living, I'm not sure what is.
Many thanks to Alex and Geoff for sharing the story of their delightful Illinois bakery. Learn more about Galena Bakehouse at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Of course, Galena Bakehouse is just one of the many amazing small businesses in Illinois; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Only In Illinois article. And be sure to follow Only In Illinois on Facebook and Instagram to learn about this region of the Land of Lincoln’s most incredible places, attractions, and events.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
There’s nothing like being on a road trip with the people you love and stopping by an out-of-the-way country store, picking up a bit of fudge, and simply melting from the deliciousness of it. You can experience this for yourself at this little roadside country store in Illinois with some of the most amazing fudge you’ll ever try called Chocolate Factory, Inc.
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The tiny town of Golconda, Illinois, right next to Dixon Springs State Park, is just a wee blip on the map, but the flavor is massive at this wonderful country store that sells some of the most delectable confections in the state.
When you step inside, you’ll know you’re at the right place for some sweet treats of many varieties. This little place gets quite creative with its designs and flavors.
Well, now we’ve done it. We went and brought you to the salivation station. A case of several delightful flavors of luscious fudge just waiting for you to adopt them.
Do you like Almond Joy or Mounds candy bars? If so, then you’ll utterly love Coconut Joy! Chocolate and coconut-flavored fudge topped with freshly roasted almonds. Yum!
When it’s pumpkin spice season, you’ll have to pick up some Pumpkin Latte fudge. Now you just have to decide if you’ll buy just a bite, or if you’ll be taking home the entire tray.
Chocolate Factory, Inc offers trays of multiple sizes comprised of its wonderful fudge varieties and several other scrumptious treats like peanut clusters and chocolate-covered pretzels. Various seasonal trays are on offer for every holiday.
Be honest with yourself, will any of this even make it home? Will you pick at it as you drive, trying not to get it all over the steering wheel? Will you just pull over and gorge yourself? We wouldn’t blame you one bit.
Chocolate Factory, Inc makes everything by hand and is just a short drive from Garden of the Gods, Trail of Tears, and the Lake Glendale Recreation Area. While you’re in the area, make sure to take some time to explore Dixon Springs State Park. Do you have a favorite spot in Illinois? Let us know about it in the comments!
