GALENA - It's a sure sign that winter is almost here when the Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena hosts its annual open house and swap meet. The event is Nov. 2.

But, Galena offers two other reasons to visit that weekend:

• Enjoy a late Halloween treat on Nov. 1 by attending the 30th Annual Galena Halloween Parade, the largest and spookiest parade in the tri-state area. The fun features floats, costumes, prizes and treats. Call (815) 777-9050 or visit www.galenachamber.com.

• The Fall Eagle Fest Nov. 1-2 at the Galena Convention Center includes a live "Birds of Prey" show, environmental displays and booths, nature photography and art show, farmers market, bake sale and more. Call (815) 594-2306 or visit ww.eaglenature.com.

Chestnut Mountain Resort is located eight miles south of Galena on Blackjack Road. The resort covers 22 acres of rolling terrain. The lodge is located on a high bluff over the Mississippi River. The alpine resort consists of a chalet built in 1959 - the Edelweiss section was built in 1971 and the skier services building was built in 1997. A total of 100 guest rooms are available.

Ski season extends from Thanksgiving to St. Patrick's Day. Chestnut Mountain Resort has 19 slopes and a seven-acre terrain park. The longest run is 3,500 feet featuring a 475-foot drop.

Downtown Galena features antique shops, museums, art galleries, gift shops and fine restaurants.

If that's not enough, here's a list

of other attractions happening that weekend. Call (800) 397-1320 or visit www.chestnutmtn.com for details:

• Hanover Farmer's Market, 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 1, with vendors selling locally grown produce and

baked goods. Location is the Hanover Park District, downtown along Jefferson Street in Hanover; (815) 591-2365;

• Kraft Cheese Exhibit, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 1, features artifacts and information about the original Kraft Cheese plant and artifacts from the Chicago Great Western Railroad. Admission is a donation. Located at Stockton Heritage Museum; (815) 947-9144;

• Two fall art shows, one displaying recent work of Galena artist Janet Checker at Stone House Pottery & Gallery and the other exhibiting paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and other fine art pieces by members of the Galena Artists' Guild at its gallery;

• Tours of the Ryan Mansion, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The Victorian structure was built in 1876. Cost is $10; (815) 281-0408.

• Wine tasting at Jamie's Wines of the World and Massbach Ridge Winery and Galena Cellars;

• Historic Tours of the Old Stockade, 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 1;

• Dinner by carriage light on Nov. 1, taking you through historic streets to dinner for two at a gourmet restaurant. Cost is $85-$115. Meet at the historic Post Office. (815) 275-9470. Or simply take a carriage ride.

• The All About A Ghost Tour, 8 p.m. Nov. 1. Take a walk while hearing authentic stories about Galena's ghostly past and present. Cost is $10; (815) 777-9252.

And, if that's not enough, Dubuque, Iowa, is just 40 minutes away.