Hotels near the Mississippi River in Dubuque Iowa
Here are some of the best accommodations in Dubuque, Iowa:

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
This hotel is located at 350 Bell Street Dubuque, IA 52001. It is a 3-star accommodation that starts at $136 per night. Each room at this hotel has a 27 inch TV, wireless Internet, mini refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave as well as a hair dryer, 2-line speaker phone with voice mail and data port. They also have irons with ironing boards, game consoles, pay-per-view movies, room service and a fitness center. Their accommodations include a King room, Double room, Junior King Suite, Junior Double Suite, Turret Suite, Harbor View Site, Captains Fireplace Suite, Single and Double rooms.

Holiday Inn Dubuque
This pet-friendly hotel is located at 450 Main Street Dubuque, IA 52001. Nightly rates start at $114. It is a 3-star accommodation with a total of 193 rooms in its 5 floors. They renovated last 2004.

Amenities and facilities include a business center, free parking, fitness center with new equipments like treadmills, stationary bikes, stair steppers, benches, dumbells and a scale. The hotel also feature room service, a swimming pool, spa with whirlpool, daily and weekly housekeeping as well as dry cleaning services, an indoor pool, news stand and game rooms. For business travelers, the hotel has a business center equipped with PCs, fax machines, printers, secretarial services and wireless Internet access.

Canfield Hotel
This hotel is located at 36 West 4th Street Dubuque, IA 52001. It is a budget-friendly hotel that offers guests with amenities like complimentary breakfast, parking, Internet access, telephone, alarm clock and comfortable beddings.

Julien Inn
This hotel is located at 200 Main Street Dubuque, IA 52001. The nightly rate at this hotel starts at $89. It is situated along downtown Dubuque by Second and Main streets.

Julien Inn has a total of 135 guest rooms. It also has a huge banquet area and an onsite restaurant, Alta Glocke. Other amenities and facilities include an alarm clock, Internet access, soft beddings, private bath, hair dryer and telephone among others.

The hotel also has a long and interesting history. Julien Inn was first known as Waples House. It is recognized for its extravagant furnishings and fine dining. When the hotel’s name was changed to Julien Inn, they enlarged and refurbished it.

Prominent figures that supposedly stayed in this hotel includes Abraham Lincoln, Al Capone (believed to be the owner of this hotel during his time) and Sylvester Stallone. After Al Capone, Louis Pfohl purchased and remodeled the hotel. Then, ownership changed and it is now Fisher Companies who owns the hotel.

Again, further renovation is on the way for Julien Inn, with the intention of bringing back the original appearance and renovating its exteriors. It is still ongoing but after this, it will now be called Hotel Hulien Dubuque.

For more information on Mississippi River Facts and Mississippi River Bridges. Please visit our website.

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Originally Des Moines was a fort created in 1843 by the military to look after the rights of the Sak and Fox tribal communities. It has changed tremendously since those beginnings and is now the largest city in Iowa and has gained a reputation for being the epicenter of the insurance industry. However, Des Moines has a lot more to offer visitors than just agriculture and insurance industries. If you decide to make Des Moines a vacation, stop then there are some places & things to do that may be of interest.

A first stop may be a visit to the Iowa State Capitol building. It was built in the late 1800’s, between 1871 and 1886, and architecturally showcases the best of 19th century design. Beautiful 23 karat gold leaf covers the magnificent dome and gives it a glow, especially when the sun is out. Daily tours are offered for this impressive structure so be sure to take advantage and add this to your travel itinerary.

Another popular attraction is the Des Moines Botanical Center. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly and is located by the Des Moines River. It’s a lovely place to visit, relax and discover nature’s beauty. Be sure to contact the Center to discover the perfect time for visiting and set aside enough time to stroll through these 14 acres.

Des Moines is also a place for animal lovers. The Blank Park Zoo has thousands of animal species to view and offers fun for children and adults alike. Their mission now includes conservation and education about animals and their habitats. The entire family can enjoy the animals and learn a little as well.

If your taste runs to outdoor activities then consider Walnut Woods State Park. It is a 260 acre land preserved forest that meets at the Racoon River in Des Moines. You can do any number of activities, from river rafting to hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding and all sorts of other outdoor fun. The enjoyment is limitless and the best part is the preserves are open all year long.

If you’re interested in history then the Jordan House is a must visit. This house was known as a stop on the famous Underground Railroad. The owner of the house, James Jordan, was an abolitionist who took this issue to heart by helping slaves escape to freedom. Today his house is a museum and a place to learn about America’s past.

Another historical house to visit is the Wallace House. It is the former home of agricultural secretary Henry Wallace. It is an historical landmark and does offer tours.

If you really have an interest in historical houses, you should add the Mathias Ham House to your itinerary. It is one of the oldest houses in the state and built by the architect for the state capitol, John F. Rague. It is located in Dubuque, Iowa, but its close enough to make a nice day trip. It does have a log cabin located next to the mansion that might be of particular interest.

If you have the time, take a walk through the Iowa State University campus. It has a reputation as a pristine campus and it is filled with numerous historical buildings. It might be an enjoyable way to spend part of your vacation.

Baseball is a great past time and Iowa does have a Minor league team that plays in the area. They’re called the Iowa Cubs and are actually affiliated with the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Stop by and see a game, you never know which one of these players will eventually be sent up to the major leagues. It’s a way to see baseball stars before they were stars, or a way to just have a good time at a game.

Finally, if you simply want to relax and play a good game of golf then take a look at Willow Creek Golf course. It has 36 holes and is considered to be one of the best golf courses in Des Moines. Go out to the driving range, swing a few clubs, and just enjoy vacationing in Iowa.

C.L. Hendricks has been a Jill-of-all-trades and become an expert in some. She has also traveled extensively and now writes about travel destinations around the world for Vacation Things to Do and How to Get a Passport

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CL_Hendricks

Over the next 15 months, we made several long car trips to and from western Iowa to Chicago.  I remember always wanting to see the Mississippi River from the big window of our station wagon.

All these years later, the Mississippi River still holds a grip on me, but for an altogether different reason.  Now, historic river towns beckon with their architecture, scenery, and sense of place.  And so it was as we traveled west on I-80, destination eastern Iowa wine country and one of our favorite weekend destinations – Dubuque, Iowa.

Iowa Wine

Iowa has a long history of grape growing and wine making, much like other midwestern states.  The soil here is fertile and conducive to growing all sorts of crops, including grapes.  In particular, the river valleys in Iowa’s western and eastern regions are perfect for vineyards.

When Prohibition arrived in 1920, Iowa farmers turned to other pursuits and the wine industry here lay dormant until the late 1980’s.  Now, some 20 years later, the Iowa wine industry is in the midst of an exciting upswing.  Wineries number almost 60, and Iowa’s five wine trails are introducing travelers and wine lovers to some terrific wine.

Since Interstate 80 cuts directly through central Iowa, exploring any of Iowa’s wine trails is an ideal destination or scenic detour for anyone traveling cross country.

Of Presidents And Wine

Let’s start our exploration of the Eastern Iowa Wine Trail in the small town of West Branch, adjacent to I-80 and about 45 minutes west of the Quad Cities and the Mississippi River.

If West Branch sounds even vaguely familiar to you, congratulations, you’re an historian!  West Branch is the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, our 31st president, and houses the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

This was our first stop, and it’s highly recommended.  Far from a stuffy and dusty old museum, the Hoover Presidential Library not only chronicles Hoover’s presidency, it features fascinating exhibits pertaining to all the presidents.  In reality, it’s a learning center devoted to American history and specifically presidential history.  We’ve visited several times over the years, and each time is more fascinating than the last.

Our first winery stop is along the Herbert Hoover Highway, about 4 miles from the Presidential Library.  It’s Wallace Winery, about as scenic a setting as you’ll find.  With a century old barn and a post and beam tasting room, you’ll want to linger.  We felt the white wines starred here, especially the Traminette, made from the gewurztraminer grape – a great buy at $13.

Also be sure to try and buy the Iowa Barn White.  This friendly, easy to enjoy white table wine is a tribute to a vanishing part of our national landscape, the old wooden barn.  In fact, Wallace Winery donates a portion of profits from the sale of these wines to the Iowa Barn Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic heritage barns.

From Wallace Winery, travel north on beautiful Iowa Route 1 toward the town of Anamosa.  On the way, you’ll drive right through the antiquing town of Mt. Vernon.  Stop, stroll around, and enjoy small town Iowa hospitality.

In Anamosa, you’ll find Daly Creek Winery on north Ford Street.  Located in a former creamery building, one of the first things you’ll notice is the Iowa red cedar tasting bar.  Adjacent is Daly Creek’s 50 seat bistro, and although we didn’t eat here, the menu is inviting.

On to Daly Creek’s wines.  Being a big fan of the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”, my first pour was Penetentiary Red, a Cabernet Franc that’s full bodied and full flavored.  Remembering our college art appreciation classes, we also enjoyed Daly Creek’s white table wine, Gothic White.  This wine is named after Anamosa, Iowa’s most famous resident, painter Grant Wood, most known for his classic painting “American Gothic”.

After grabbing a few bottles to take home, we headed east from Anamosa on Iowa Route 64.  It’s about 25 minutes to Baldwin, a small village that’s home to our next winery, Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery.

We were particularly pleased to visit here, as we’ve tried Tabor Home’s wines before.  Since 1997, Tabor Home has been adding to their wine offerings and racking up wine awards.  These are true Iowa wines, with most bottlings created from grapes grown in Tabor Home’s vineyard.

Introducing Dubuque

From Tabor Home, it’s a short 40 mile drive north on Iowa 51 to our overnight destination, historic Dubuque, nestled along the Mississippi River at the confluence of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Dubuque is a perfect long weekend destination that can be combined with its Illinois historic counterpart, Galena, just 20 miles away.  Dubuque has been described as a river town, a history town, and a college town.  Of course, it’s all three!

Dubuque:  The Particulars

In Dubuque, everything starts with the river.  Along the banks of the Mississippi, you’ll find a nationally noted aquarium, a 19th century restored brewery building, a redeveloped riverwalk, nightlife, boat rides, and entertainment options.  Just blocks away, there’s the historic downtown district with unique shops and live jazz at night.  Further west, it’s the college district, with its own style and vibe.

Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city, celebrating 175 years in 2008, and it has long been a vibrant river city. Dubuque is particularly distinctive because of its steep hills and river bluffs – geographic features that many people don’t expect to find in Iowa. With 62,000 residents, it’s large enough to be diverse and small enough for easy navigation.

There are a number of “must sees” in Dubuque.  A good place to start is the Mississippi River Aquarium.  Here you’ll enjoy dynamic exhibits, including an up close and personal visit with a few river creatures like catfish and alligators.  Plan to spend a few hours.  At $10.50 per adult admission, this is one of the best bargains in the Midwest.

From here, you can take a boat ride on the river, or stroll the riverwalk.  We did the latter on our first day, up to the renovated Dubuque Star Brewery building, now housing a new winery, Stone Cliff Winery.

When you visit, you’ll taste wines made from grapes grown in Stone Cliff’s vineyard just west of Dubuque.  Our favorites were the Cabernet Sauvignon, a silver medal winner at the Indiana State Fair wine competition, and the Riesling, a semi sweet fruity gem of a wine.  Open in the Dubuque Star facility since May 2007, Stone Cliff is the newest Dubuque attraction along the riverfront.

Enjoying More Wineries

You’ll find this area’s next winery just 15 miles west of Dubuque.  It’s Park Farm Winery and Vineyard, surrounded by Iowa’s beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, trees, and terraced fields.

Park Farm Winery and Vineyard leans heavily on Iowa grown grapes and crops, with grape varieties like LaCrosse, Niagara, Marechol Foch, and Vidal to name a few.  It’s a warm and welcoming site, with a stunning new outdoor deck added to the chateau which houses the tasting room and gift shop.  The deck itself overlooks a lush valley, and it’s a visit you won’t want to rush.

Another area winery gave us the opportunity to travel north on Iowa Route 52, more or less along the river.  Eagles Landing Vineyard and Winery is located in Marquette, Iowa, just across the river from Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin.

Eagles Landing is not only a winery, but a bed and breakfast as well.  Located directly on the banks of the Mississippi, this is a bird watchers paradise.  The name stems from numerous bald eagles who winter in this area, perching high in the trees or swooping onto the river for a meal.

There’s a separate tasting room in downtown Marquette offering 18 varieties of Eagles Landing wine.  Try the Frog Hollow Foch, a dry red finished in oak, with grapes grown in Eagle Landing’s Iowa vineyard.  There’s some great fruit wines here too.  You can also enjoy the Iowa Pearl, a semi dry white with a nose of apricot and a nice clean, fruity finish.

After exploring downtown Marquette and neighboring Prairie Du Chien (both well worth a stop to stroll around), we headed back to Dubuque.  We should mention there is one additional winery on this wine trail – it’s Winneshick Wildberry Winery in Decorah, about 1/2 hour away from Marquette.  We heard very good things about their fruit wines, so if you’re in the area, do stop in.

This part of Iowa is a scenic, relaxing place to visit, and Dubuque is perfectly located in the middle of the Iowa Wine Trail, making it an ideal overnight stop.  If your plans call for I-80 travel, or if you live in the upper Midwest, be sure to carve out some time for the wineries of eastern Iowa.

Wine Trails USA is the internet’s only site devoted to exploring U.S. wine trails and other wine travel destinations. For the complete travelogue on this and other U.S. wine regions, you’re invited to subscribe to our free twice monthly wine trails ezine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman

There are also birding experts available to answer any and all questions. Prairie du Chien is located along the banks of the Upper Mississippi River. The area is home to the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles in the lower 48 states. They are believed to host more bald eagles than any other refuge in the states, except Alaska. There are 100 active bald eagle nests with approximately 79 eaglets were produced. This is a huge difference from years past as in 1972 there was only one known eagle nest in the whole Upper Mississippi River Refuge.

The birthplace of John Wayne is located in Winterset, Iowa in Madison County. Stay warm while visiting this cute little home and learning about one of America’s favorite movie stars. John Wayne was a legendary actor and just the mention of his name brings to mind an old cowboy with courage and, of course, True Grit. The home is a modest four-bedroom home that has been restored to its original 1907 appearance. There are hundreds of rare photographs as well as personal letters on display from Lucille Ball, Maureen O’Hara, Kirk Douglas, Bob Hope, Gene Autry, Ronald Reagan and George Burns. You can also see movie artifacts such as the eye patch he wore in True Grit, the hat worn in Rio Lobo and the suitcase used in Stagecoach. Ronald Reagan noted that the birthplace was a tribute to a good friend and great American. The home is open seven days a week except on holidays. Guided tours are also available.

If there’s snow on the ground you can’t miss out on the great skiing and winter activities. There are several ski resorts and ski areas to take advantage of during the winter months in Iowa. Great ski areas can be found in Boone, Crescent, Des Moines, Dubuque and Montezuma.

Rob Vrabel is the co-owner of http://iowa.2havefun.com/, the largest directory of fun things to do in Iowa. Visit this great directory at http://www.2havefun.com

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Davenport has two major universities, namely the Palmer College of Chiropractic and Saint Ambrose University. These schools are the home of wellness technique and chiropractic. Numerous famous annual music festivals occur in this region, including the Mississippi Valley Fair, the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival and the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival that is dedicated to their native Bix Beiderbecke.

Davenport has a humid continental climate and the summer is known for their temperate hot days. Winter season in the region features high winds and a freezing temperature. Expect snowfall from the months of November to January. The average snowfall in Davenport is 30.7 inches per month. The month of January is, on average, the coldest month while the month of July is the warmest in Davenport. The highest temperature traced in Davenport is about 101 degrees Fahrenheit on the month of July.

Downtown Davenport has numerous points of interest such as Putnam Museum, River Music Experience, Figge Art Museum, the Davenport Skybridge, IMAX Theater and the Davenport Public Library and Modern Woodmen Park that is home of the Centennial Bridge and the Quad City River Bandits baseball team.

Davenport has about 27 parks that have 2,200 acres of land. The major park is Credit Island which has a 420-acre park all in southwest Davenport, situated beside the Mississippi River. The Fejervary Park contains a children’s zoo and a pool, where in, about 20,000 guests come here every year.

The Jungle Park is located beside the Duck Creek Parkway and has softball and baseball fields. This is along with a basketball court and sand volleyball sections. The Vander Veer Botanical Park welcomes about 25,000 guests with their continuous floral shows. The conservatory and rose garden are especially well known as the best wedding sites.

Davenport offers several river-related activities. Celebration Belle has a river cruise from one and a half hours of sightseeing cruise to all day three-meal cruises up to Dubuque, Iowa. Channel Cat Boat offers rides across the river and has three shops in Illinois and two stops in Iowa as well as connected bike paths for each state, having a riverfront.

There are many hotels located in the Davenport Iowa. One of which is the Quality Inn Maingate West. This hotel is one and a half mile away from Disney World’s main gate. Visitors of the Disney World’s could buy their Disney Park tickets in the lobby in order to avoid long ticket lines. The entire family can enjoy a kitchenette suite that features refrigerators and small stoves. Everyone can enjoy standard amenities like coffee makers, colored cable television and in-room electronic safes.

Baymont Inn Davenport Hotel is one and a half mile away from the Wackey’s Water Park. It is also two miles away from the North Park Mall and 15 miles away from the Quadcities Airport. The hotel has laundry facilities and an indoor pool with a spa tub, complementary deluxe breakfast and free newspaper in the hotel lobby. The hotel’s guestrooms provide voice mail, coffee makers, free local calls and satellite television amenities. Baymont Inn Davenport Hotel is situated at #400 Jason Way CT Davenport Iowa.

For more information on Cheap Davenport Hotels [http://www.davenport-hotels.net/davenport-cheap-davenport-hotels.php] and Pet Friendly Hotels in Davenport [http://www.davenport-hotels.net/davenport-pet-friendly-hotels-in-davenport.php], please visit our website.

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Over the next 15 months, we made several long car trips to and from western Iowa to Chicago.  I remember always wanting to see the Mississippi River from the big window of our station wagon.

All these years later, the Mississippi River still holds a grip on me, but for an altogether different reason.  Now, historic river towns beckon with their architecture, scenery, and sense of place.  And so it was as we traveled west on I-80, destination eastern Iowa wine country and one of our favorite weekend destinations – Dubuque, Iowa.

Iowa Wine

Iowa has a long history of grape growing and wine making, much like other midwestern states.  The soil here is fertile and conducive to growing all sorts of crops, including grapes.  In particular, the river valleys in Iowa’s western and eastern regions are perfect for vineyards.

When Prohibition arrived in 1920, Iowa farmers turned to other pursuits and the wine industry here lay dormant until the late 1980’s.  Now, some 20 years later, the Iowa wine industry is in the midst of an exciting upswing.  Wineries number almost 60, and Iowa’s five wine trails are introducing travelers and wine lovers to some terrific wine.

Since Interstate 80 cuts directly through central Iowa, exploring any of Iowa’s wine trails is an ideal destination or scenic detour for anyone traveling cross country.

Of Presidents And Wine

Let’s start our exploration of the Eastern Iowa Wine Trail in the small town of West Branch, adjacent to I-80 and about 45 minutes west of the Quad Cities and the Mississippi River.

If West Branch sounds even vaguely familiar to you, congratulations, you’re an historian!  West Branch is the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, our 31st president, and houses the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

This was our first stop, and it’s highly recommended.  Far from a stuffy and dusty old museum, the Hoover Presidential Library not only chronicles Hoover’s presidency, it features fascinating exhibits pertaining to all the presidents.  In reality, it’s a learning center devoted to American history and specifically presidential history.  We’ve visited several times over the years, and each time is more fascinating than the last.

Our first winery stop is along the Herbert Hoover Highway, about 4 miles from the Presidential Library.  It’s Wallace Winery, about as scenic a setting as you’ll find.  With a century old barn and a post and beam tasting room, you’ll want to linger.  We felt the white wines starred here, especially the Traminette, made from the gewurztraminer grape – a great buy at $13.

Also be sure to try and buy the Iowa Barn White.  This friendly, easy to enjoy white table wine is a tribute to a vanishing part of our national landscape, the old wooden barn.  In fact, Wallace Winery donates a portion of profits from the sale of these wines to the Iowa Barn Foundation, a non profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic heritage barns.

From Wallace Winery, travel north on beautiful Iowa Route 1 toward the town of Anamosa.  On the way, you’ll drive right through the antiquing town of Mt. Vernon.  Stop, stroll around, and enjoy small town Iowa hospitality.

In Anamosa, you’ll find Daly Creek Winery on north Ford Street.  Located in a former creamery building, one of the first things you’ll notice is the Iowa red cedar tasting bar.  Adjacent is Daly Creek’s 50 seat bistro, and although we didn’t eat here, the menu is inviting.

On to Daly Creek’s wines.  Being a big fan of the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”, my first pour was Penetentiary Red, a Cabernet Franc that’s full bodied and full flavored.  Remembering our college art appreciation classes, we also enjoyed Daly Creek’s white table wine, Gothic White.  This wine is named after Anamosa, Iowa’s most famous resident, painter Grant Wood, most known for his classic painting “American Gothic”.

After grabbing a few bottles to take home, we headed east from Anamosa on Iowa Route 64.  It’s about 25 minutes to Baldwin, a small village that’s home to our next winery, Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery.

We were particularly pleased to visit here, as we’ve tried Tabor Home’s wines before.  Since 1997, Tabor Home has been adding to their wine offerings and racking up wine awards.  These are true Iowa wines, with most bottlings created from grapes grown in Tabor Home’s vineyard.

Introducing Dubuque

From Tabor Home, it’s a short 40 mile drive north on Iowa 51 to our overnight destination, historic Dubuque, nestled along the Mississippi River at the confluence of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Dubuque is a perfect long weekend destination that can be combined with its Illinois historic counterpart, Galena, just 20 miles away.  Dubuque has been described as a river town, a history town, and a college town.  Of course, it’s all three!

Dubuque:  The Particulars

In Dubuque, everything starts with the river.  Along the banks of the Mississippi, you’ll find a nationally noted aquarium, a 19th century restored brewery building, a redeveloped riverwalk, nightlife, boat rides, and entertainment options.  Just blocks away, there’s the historic downtown district with unique shops and live jazz at night.  Further west, it’s the college district, with its own style and vibe.

Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city, celebrating 175 years in 2008, and it has long been a vibrant river city. Dubuque is particularly distinctive because of its steep hills and river bluffs – geographic features that many people don’t expect to find in Iowa. With 62,000 residents, it’s large enough to be diverse and small enough for easy navigation.

There are a number of “must sees” in Dubuque.  A good place to start is the Mississippi River Aquarium.  Here you’ll enjoy dynamic exhibits, including an up close and personal visit with a few river creatures like catfish and alligators.  Plan to spend a few hours.  At $10.50 per adult admission, this is one of the best bargains in the Midwest.

From here, you can take a boat ride on the river, or stroll the riverwalk.  We did the latter on our first day, up to the renovated Dubuque Star Brewery building, now housing a new winery, Stone Cliff Winery.

When you visit, you’ll taste wines made from grapes grown in Stone Cliff’s vineyard just west of Dubuque.  Our favorites were the Cabernet Sauvignon, a silver medal winner at the Indiana State Fair wine competition, and the Riesling, a semi sweet fruity gem of a wine.  Open in the Dubuque Star facility since May 2007, Stone Cliff is the newest Dubuque attraction along the riverfront.

Enjoying More Wineries

You’ll find this area’s next winery just 15 miles west of Dubuque.  It’s Park Farm Winery and Vineyard, surrounded by Iowa’s beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, trees, and terraced fields.

Park Farm Winery and Vineyard leans heavily on Iowa grown grapes and crops, with grape varieties like LaCrosse, Niagara, Marechol Foch, and Vidal to name a few.  It’s a warm and welcoming site, with a stunning new outdoor deck added to the chateau which houses the tasting room and gift shop.  The deck itself overlooks a lush valley, and it’s a visit you won’t want to rush.

Another area winery gave us the opportunity to travel north on Iowa Route 52, more or less along the river.  Eagles Landing Vineyard and Winery is located in Marquette, Iowa, just across the river from Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin.

Eagles Landing is not only a winery, but a bed and breakfast as well.  Located directly on the banks of the Mississippi, this is a bird watchers paradise.  The name stems from numerous bald eagles who winter in this area, perching high in the trees or swooping onto the river for a meal.

There’s a separate tasting room in downtown Marquette offering 18 varieties of Eagles Landing wine.  Try the Frog Hollow Foch, a dry red finished in oak, with grapes grown in Eagle Landing’s Iowa vineyard.  There’s some great fruit wines here too.  You can also enjoy the Iowa Pearl, a semi dry white with a nose of apricot and a nice clean, fruity finish.

After exploring downtown Marquette and neighboring Prairie Du Chien (both well worth a stop to stroll around), we headed back to Dubuque.  We should mention there is one additional winery on this wine trail – it’s Winneshick Wildberry Winery in Decorah, about 1/2 hour away from Marquette.  We heard very good things about their fruit wines, so if you’re in the area, do stop in.

This part of Iowa is a scenic, relaxing place to visit, and Dubuque is perfectly located in the middle of the Iowa Wine Trail, making it an ideal overnight stop.  If your plans call for I-80 travel, or if you live in the upper Midwest, be sure to carve out some time for the wineries of eastern Iowa.

Wine Trails USA is the internet’s only site devoted to exploring U.S. wine trails and other wine travel destinations. For the complete travelogue on this and other U.S. wine regions, you’re invited to subscribe to our free twice monthly wine trails ezine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman

Iowa is beautiful in the fall, especially along the Mississippi River. Take a trip on the Great River Road, which runs along the Mississippi River. You will have a wonderful view of the bluffs, the fall foliage, and the Mississippi River. If you do go on this trip, be sure to stop in Dubuque, Iowa, and visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. This museum is wonderful, and if you have children, they will enjoy it. There are a lot of hands-on things for children to do.

While you are on your trip, you can stay at one of the many bed and breakfasts that are available in that area. You will have a wonderful experience, and you will be served an incredible breakfast, usually including eggs, waffles or pancakes, toast, bacon or sausage and many other choices. You will get to eat your breakfast with other people who have stayed there, and this is a great way to get acquainted and see where everyone is from.

I grew up on a farm in northeast Iowa, so I have lived here all of my life. Our farm included 200 acres. We raised pigs, guernsey cows, and chickens. In addition, we had a lot of cats and a dog. We had a big woods on our land, so the deer and other animals would occasionally come close to the barn. Sometimes the deer would drink water with our cows early in the morning. I would not have traded that time in my life for anything. I believe I learned a lot of values from living on the farm.

In addition to rural living, Iowa has three state universities. We have the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa State University in Ames, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Our state has a lot of basketball and football fans, and we are very proud of our athletic teams. In addition, all of our state universities are nationally-known.

We are a very friendly state, and the crime rate is low compared to many places in the nation. Our schools are always ranked high in the national rankings. Iowa is a great place to raise a family.

The winters here are cold, and we get quite a lot of snow sometimes. It gets below zero sometimes in December, January, and February. The summers are sometimes hot with temperatures in the 90’s, but this is usually just in July and August. Our spring and fall seasons are very comfortable with temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s.

I hope you will visit us sometime.

C. Macon
july081996@yahoo.com
http://cmacon.blogspot.com/

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