Daydreams become reality

I’m going to start by admitting that if you told me five years ago I would be traveling northwest Illinois, staying in a rustic cabin, and eating chocolate in a whirlpool tub by the fireplace — we would all laugh. Only in your daydreams, right? Well, I’m here to tell you that’s exactly what I did during my stay at Hickory Hideaway.

Where is this wonderful place?

Located in Carroll County, which is host to scenic bluffs and breathtaking views, sits Hickory Hideaway Cabins in rural Shannon, Illinois. Hickory Hideaway is the perfect rustic escape. The cozy cabins are nestled among the trees on ten wooded acres just minutes from Lake Carroll. It truly lives up to its name of being a “hideaway” as you are surrounded by nature and trees. It also has countless things to do, both relaxing and recreational. Also, it’s located just two hours from Chicago and one hour from Dubuque, the Quad Cities, and Rockford.

A bonfire is just the start

Each cabin or cottage offers the same amenities that a hotel offers. A bonfire that is situated in the center of the property flickered as I pulled into the tree-lined driveaway. 

Owner, Sherry Vindinich, was eager to greet me at the property and made sure I felt at home right away. She showed me around while walking me to my cabin. Along with the secluded location that’s nestled among the towering hickory trees, there are private decks that overlook the expansive countryside, a bonfire pit, hot tub room, and wifi.  Saving the best for last is the oversized whirlpool tub located in each cabin and cottage. Each cabin has a dual player for DVDs and VHS tapes. While there are some DVDs and VHS tapes in each cabin, a plethora of DVDs and VHS tapes are also available in the office.

Who doesn’t love a nice hot bath?

I’m not ashamed to admit that I love baths and when I mentioned to a friend that I was staying at Hickory Hideaway, they asked right away, “Those are the cabins that have the giant whirlpool tubs in them, right?”  When I entered my cabin, Sherry showed me the hot tub and explained what each switch did. I read on the wood-planked wall, “UNLIMITED HOT WATER SYSTEM.” I stopped Sherry (wide-eyed, mind you) mid-sentence because that couldn’t possibly mean what I just read. She confirmed that, yes, there is UNLIMITED hot water to the whirlpool tubs. No more filling the tub almost to the top and running out of hot water! An added bonus for true bath lovers everywhere is that the tubs also have heaters to keep the water as warm as possible. 

About the owners

After settling in and touring the grounds, Sherry and I sat down around the bonfire with a glass of wine so that I could ask her about Hickory Hideaway. George and Sherry Vindinich are originally from Chicago. The beauty of Lake Carroll drew their family to the opportunity of owning and operating the cabins. “The slower pace and beauty of NW Illinois never gets old,” she explains. They have owned a home in Lake Carroll since 1993. When they decided to downsize and simplify their lives, they decided to uproot and move to northwest Illinois full-time. Having a history of property management in the past, they felt buying the cabins were a good fit for them.

Throughout the years the Vindinich’s have updated and added to all 12 cabins. They love hosting gatherings on the property such as business retreats, family reunions, holiday parties, and getaways. They also offer in-cabin massages and extra special services to spoil you or your special someone.

Cabin and Cottage details 

Hickory Hideaway has multiple cabins and cottages to choose from:

Luxury Cabins
The luxury cabins have a heavenly king-size bed nestled beside a two-person bubbling whirlpool tub and fireplace. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature and enjoying the scenery while waiting for your coffee to brew in the breakfast nook overlooking your own porch. The knotty pine cabins are also equipped with a wet bar, TV, DVD player, and a covered porch with chairs.

Rustic Whirlpool Cottages
Picture this… a fire glowing in the fireplace, easy listening music setting the mood for relaxing in the two-person whirlpool tub, and cuddling up with a good book in the queen-size bed. Whether it is for two or more, the knotty pine cabins with sliding glass doors opening to a deck overlooking the countryside are the perfect escape you have been looking for.

Country Cottages
Imagine your family together at the kitchen table, talking, laughing, and playing cards while cookies bake in the oven. A separate bedroom with a queen-size bed gives you privacy from the TV-room. The sofa-sleeper in the living area provides an additional sleeping area. Renting the adjoining mirror-image unit gives larger groups the opportunity to rent space for eight.

“When you hit the heavenly king-size bed for the night, no need to set an alarm clock for the morning. You will rise out of bed at your leisure, to sounds of light wind blowing through the trees and birds quietly chirping. Rise slowly and enjoy the bright blue sky and beautiful greenery as you make your morning coffee in your breakfast nook.”

So, whether you are looking for a family reunion location, business retreat, need a break from the workweek, a break from the kids, or you just want some alone time with your loved one, Hickory Hideaway is here for you. Take the weight off of your shoulders and kick up your feet at Hickory Hideaway Cabins.

Contact information 

Hickory Hideaway Cabins
24366 Payne Rd.
Shannon, IL  61078
(815) 864-2099

Website: https://www.hickoryhideaway.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HickoryHideaway/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HickoryHideaway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hickoryhideaway/