Tierra Linda is one of these places which transcends any category. If you are looking for the conventional B&B, in which the proprietor checks you in, tells you what time breakfast will be, shows you to your room and doesn't say a word to you until check-out, then Tierra Linda is NOT for you. If you are looking for a destination which is unique, lovely, natural, fun-filled, warm, charming, expansive and filled with the energy of the one-man-show, Armando, then Tierra Linda will not disappoint. Tierra Linda will leave you with something no other place in Galena can offer; time to rediscover yourself, your life, laughter and an appreciation for your time on this Beautiful Earth.

Upon my arrival, at Tierra Linda, I was greeted by two, gorgeous Airedale dogs. Even though it was pouring rain, Armando himself came out to welcome me and help me with my bags. I loved the fact that Tierra Linda was NOT in the middle of Galena. I was looking for peace and quiet. I wanted to enjoy the beautiful landscape around Galena and do the "antique/shopping" thing on my own time. Armando uses an artist's touch in the design of his exterior on the property. All 11 acres, of Tierra Linda, is left to controlled, natural growth and strategically placed, smile-inducing artwork. Armando welcomed me, to his home, with a carafe of wine and a chair placed for viewing the westward view of his land. When you settle in to Tierra Linda, you soon feel as though you have not "checked in" to a B&B but have arrived at the home of a friend you have yet to know.

I was at Tierra Linda from Friday at 4pm until Sunday at 11am. I did go into Galena to do shopping and eat dinner, the first night. The time I spent from Tierra Linda was my least favorite time. In fact, the second night of my stay, I decided to stay "home" with Armando and the newlywed couple who stayed in the El Sol room. (I was in the La Luna room. It was spotless upon my arrival). We had a wonderful night drinking wine, telling stories, eating carry-out Italian and laughing as though we were old friends. It soon occured to me that the experience of my stay would be something special I could hold on to my whole life. I came to Galena to relax from my hectic life as a suburban, Chicago mom. When I chose Tierra Linda as my getaway destination, I received more than relaxation, I received a renewed sense of my love of life.

Armando is a very special person. He truly welcomes you into his home. It truly is his home and not a B&B. In fact, when I would leave, without thinking I would tell Armando, "I'll be HOME about 3pm". Armando cooks a MEAN breakfast. Request the scrambled eggs with cilantro, they are heavenly.

I felt so comfortable and relaxed in Armando's Tierra Linda that I found myself just lying on the living room couch, with the other guests, as though we were all family. Ask Armando to show you the video of the 1971 Jazz Festival where he was a front-row photographer, taking pictures of a quite young Santana, on YouTube. He is filled with stories of his youth in Columbia and Switzerland. Staying at Tierra Linda helped me find "me", again. Any modern mom, with activity-involved kids, should come to Tierra Linda and discover life, beauty, fun, laughter, rest, pampering and killer, home-made salsa, courtesy of Armando. (I received my salsa on Saturday afternoon, as I was meditating down at the little beach he built, next to his man-made pond).

Armando loves his property. It makes his guests take a long-look at the setting sun, dunking behind the hills which frame his pond, and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of life, again.

Come to Tierra Linda. Have a late-night bubble bath in the big, claw tub. Sip a wine while you pet Bingo Bruiser, an aging Airedale who accepts all as his temporary Mom or Dad. Share a beer with guests in the other room. Gaze at the rolling bluffs into Iowa. Swap stories with Armando. Laugh as Armando gives half his gourmet meals to his "Puppies". Feel the clean air on your skin. Gaze at the private sunset you could swear was just created for you, down at the pond. Listen to the distant coyotes as you discover a million stars above your head.

When you say "good-bye" to Armando, you feel like you are leaving home. You feel as though you will miss a good friend and his 3, friendly dogs. You don't, however, feel as though you have "checked-out" from an inn. You leave Tierra Linda with a bigger heart and a rested soul. I will definately return to this very special place.

My husband and I had been planning a trip to Galena for a while; I started looking on the internet, until I found Tierra Linda. From the very beginning I fell in love with it. Even before we arrived at TL, Armando, our host, made us feel part of the family. Once we got there, it was even better.
TL is all about relaxation, don't expect luxury, or maids coming to cater to you; no, TL is a One Man Show: Armando will get up early in the mornig to cook breakfast for us, help us plan the day, have chips and salsa ready for when we get back, an occasional capuccino, and endless treats for my adorable chihuahua, Panchito.
As a matter of fact, I personally believe TL is all about dogs; it's one of very few places where a dog is allowed, and then some: Our Pancho had bacon in the morning, chicken soup in the afternoon, and whatever he couls steel from Da Puppies whenever he could.
Once we left TL, our dog fell asllep, and didn't wake up for two days, that's how much fun he had. Needles to say, we're coming back! For my Bday!!
Thanks Armando!!!!!!

The property of TierraLinda is beautiful. there is a pond and lots of room to walk around and look for wildlife or have a picnic. the area is so green and breathtaking I just wish it was warmer when we were there! The guest rooms are in the farm house. The house could use some updating however, the guest rooms are small and cute, very clean and quiet. The windows in the guest rooms could use shades when the early morning sun comes through! The owner is very accommodating, friendly and knows the Galena area very well. He stays on the property so is always available should you need directions or recommendations.

If you're a caffeine addict who owns your cappucinno machine--or if you regularly get your fix at Starbuck's or Peets-- and are wondering if you'll get the caffeine experience you need at this funky little B&B off the beaten tracks in Galena, IL.... fear not! Your host, Armando, will make you an absolutely delicious latte--with refills--that will satisfy your big city standards. And nothing beats having your morning cuppa while watching the birds and squirrels feed in the beautiful country landscape just out side the dining room window. ahhh.....