The Hawkeye State, Iowa, holds much more beauty than a lot of travelers give it credit for. There are ten different travel areas for tourists to explore when they come to this state, from the Northwest area (where you can follow the path of historic explorers Louis and Clark) to the Southeast area that boasts of containing the world’s “crookedest” street. Lovers will also find much to do here, such as solitary hiking and just holing up in a room and enjoying each other’s company – romantic destinations in Iowa are enjoyable for everyone!

Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is located in Wilton, Iowa, just 30 or so minutes from Davenport and Iowa City, Iowa. This bed and breakfast offers all of the hospitality of a Midwest inn, with the Mississippi River just a small ways outside your door! Located in eastern Iowa, the Pines on the Prairie Bed and Breakfast is convenient to both the Wildcat Den and Palisades Kepler State Parks, which makes it an ideal spot to stay for your outdoor themed trip. This 1910 home, decorated in the “Arts and Crafts” style, is great for seclusion – you are never forced to spend time around other guests unless you want to.

This b & b has just two rooms, which means you will get a level of service that you might not find in larger inns or hotels. The Prairie Room is perfect for couples, with a comfortable queen size bed and its own shower. The Pine Loft is larger (it can accommodate up to six people), but it also includes a claw foot tub as well as other amenities that complete this spacious room. Lovely green plants and a library’s worth of books make this nook of a room one of the most perfect places for romantic destinations in Iowa.

Potter’s Mill bed and breakfast is lodged in Iowa’s oldest grist mill (from 1843). This beautiful inn and restaurant is also a great place to have your next romantic retreat. Located in Bellvue, Iowa, Potter’s Mill offers guests five rooms to choose from, with different themes and motifs in each. Gourmet breakfasts are also included. The atmosphere in this inn is like no other, with the mill theme including exposed beams and other subtle hints to the building’s original purpose. The Potter’s Mill’s restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner.

Spending some quality time with the one you love in picturesque Iowa can be just the thing for any special occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or an anniversary, you can be sure romantic destinations in Iowa will be just the thing.

Richard Rspad is with Resort Spa Destinations – reviews and articles on romantic getaways.

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If you’d like to experience Des Moines and Central Iowa for yourself, take a page from my travel journal and discover the charms of this place that’s both steeped in Americana and uniquely cosmopolitan.

Friday night:
Rolling down the windows and opening the sunroof of my Buick Lucerne, I hit the road!

My first stop… First Fridays Artwalk in Fairfeld. This monthly Central Iowa event draws crowds from all over the Midwest – and with dozens of galleries representing many untold artists, plus musicians playing gigs throughout downtown – it’s the perfect place to start the weekend.

After the evening wound down, I hopped back in my Buick and headed to Ottumwa (on the way to Des Moines), where I stopped for the night at a charming bed and breakfast.

Saturday: After wandering around downtown and grabbing a bite to eat at the world-famous Canteen in the Alley restaurant (where Richard Nixon and a host of other celebrities and politicians have noshed on delicious loose-meat sandwiches), I drove my Buick down the meandering roads from Ottumwa to Des Moines.

Once in the city, I couldn’t pass up the chance to do a little more gallery hopping in Central Iowa. So I spent the afternoon bouncing from one amazing place to the next. Some stops on my list included:

• The Des Moines Art Center

• Gortz Haus Gallery

• Hoyt Sherman Place

• Kavanaugh Art Gallery

• Olson-Larsen Galleries

After a day of exploring the best arts scene in the state, I had finally had my fill (and a few stunning purchases I was able to fit into the trunk of my Buick). So I checked into my room at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, then headed down to the Forty Three for a cocktail and some fantastic French brasserie fare.

Fuled up and ready to go, the night was spent chatting with friends new and old at Star Bar, and listening to the best Blues in the city until the early morning hours at Blues on Grand.

Sunday: A few strong cups of coffee and a truly superb chocolate croissant at Gateway Market later, I bade Des Moines and the rest of Central Iowa farewell and hit the highway once again.

Even if art isn’t your thing, Central Iowa (and Des Moines in particular) are worth your time. There’s so much happening – from clubs to sports, art to music – in Iowa, there really is something for everyone.

About the Author: Kate Madigan is a master baker who grew up in the heart of Des Moines and currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her college professor husband. And while her beloved bakery keeps her in The Twin Cities most weekends, her Buick Lucerne gives her the freedom to travel to her favorite places throughout Central Iowa. For more information about the Buick Lucerne, visit http://www.iowabuick.com.

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