Outdoor fun, historic stops, locally owned shops, a brewery, and more makes Charles City, Iowa, a great destination for a day date! We love weekend getaways and vacations as much as the next couple, but sometimes life happens and those kinds of trips just aren’t possible, which means its time to plan a day date. Thankfully, Charles City, Iowa, is a great place to have a day date full of activity with your special someone. And, lucky for you, we have just the itinerary for you!
Thank you to Charles City Chamber of Commerce for hosting our day date in Charles City. All thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For full details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
Stop 1: Aroma’s Coffee
- 214 N. Main St.
Every good road trip starts with delicious coffee and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Aroma’s Coffee. While they offer all the traditional coffee shop drinks, they are also roasting their own coffee beans that you can purchase. They also offer a small variety of baked goods and smoothies if coffee isn’t your thing. It’s a definite must stop during your visit.
Stop 2: Downtown Shops
Charles City has a historic downtown area that is being revitalized. Historic buildings are being renovated, murals have been painted on the buildings, and small businesses are popping up. Book lovers will love Prologue Books & Wine; women will enjoy perusing clothing shops like Cardigan, Saxony, and Darbe & Co. The Rustic Corner offers a large variety of home décor and gifts.
The Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in Southeast Iowa
Stop 3: Floyd County Historical Society Museum
- 500 Gilbert St.
The Floyd County Museum is a great spot to learn about the heritage of Charles City and Floyd County, but also important industry that began in this area. The Museum features nods to the different communities and schools that were once (or are still) a part of Floyd County, but also gives visitors a great idea of the early life of those living in Iowa. Finally, learn about innovators that impacted the world like Dr. Salsbury, who was a leader in animal medicine. He began his business in Charles City and had a lasting effect on the community. You’ll also learn about the Oliver tractor factory that once made its home in Charles City plus enjoy antique Hart-Parr, Oliver, Minneapolis-Moline, and White tractors.
Stop 4: Dave’s Restaurant
- 809 S Grand Ave.
We love locally owned restaurants with a hometown vibe, delicious food, and fair prices! That is exactly what you’re going to find when you stop at Dave’s Restaurant for lunch during your day date in Charles City! During our visit we refueled with their lunch buffet! For a mere $8.99 (and that includes a drink) you’ll find a salad bar, several salad options, and a large variety of hot foods like mashed potatoes and gravy, broasted chicken, hash browns, scalloped potatoes and ham, and more! The salad bar even features traditional iceberg lettuce along with mixed greens! This wins big points in my book! The food was delicious and the service was great! It’s not fancy, but it’ll fill your belly! We recommend!
Stop 5: Ride the Charley Western Bike Trail
Take your bikes along for some outdoor fun in Charles City and enjoy the Charley Western Bike Trail. This trail is great for beginners as it is just 5 miles long (it makes a loop), is all paved, and flat! It is a fun ride as it traverses an old rail bed, winds through city streets, and follows part of the Cedar River! But, its a great way to see the community and enjoy beautiful weather! Make sure to keep an eye out for the geese & ducks near the river as they are in charge of that area! 😉
Stop 6: Bayou Bend Mini Golf & Batting Cages
If you and your special someone are like T & me, a little friendly competition is always fun! Bayou Bend Mini Golf & Batting Cages is perfect for that friendly competition and a great way to have some fun! This meticulously maintained mini golf course is simple, beautifully maintained, yet challenging at the same time. The owners are super nice and they’ve kept prices very reasonable….only $4 a person ages 3 & up! Batting cages and a few arcade games are also available and you can grab a cold treat for just $1 afterwards. A round of 18 holes is a definite must during your day date in Charles City.
Stop 7: Tellurian Brewing
There’s no better place in Charles City to relax and quench your thirst after bike riding and mini golf than at Tellurian Brewing. They’ve been brewing beer in Charles City since 2018 and take pride in giving back to their community through a variety of special events. They offer a large variety of brews: at least 14 on tap and super relaxed atmosphere that will have you wanting to sit and enjoy it just a little bit longer.
Stop 8: Burrito Mex-Press
For a lighter meal, head to Burrito Mex-Press, which is inside Hot Shots Billiards. This isn’t fancy dining, its simple, but classic food, but it hits the spot on a warm day. Plus, the ability to sit outside on their patio and enjoy the views of the Cedar River while enjoying your street tacos is a plus! It’ll be a good way to end your day date in Charles City.
Other Charles City Goodness
We have become rather partial to Charles City in the last several years. There are so many great things to do in the community! While you’re in town, make sure to walk or bike across the suspension bridge and check out the murals downtown. Also downtown, you’ll find great public art in city park. These small items will round out your great day date in Charles City. And, if you’re looking to spend the whole weekend in Charles City, simply click HERE!
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