Finding the Best in Midwest Weekend Getaways
I think it’s safe to say that microbreweries and wineries are gaining more popularity. Thankfully, we have some of the best wineries, breweries, and cideries in the Midwest! No need to travel to the metropolitan areas. From Minnesota to Wisconsin, & Iowa we are full of great places to grab a drink, enjoy a brew or wine, and relax! Check them out!
Osage, Iowa, is a town around 3,500 people located in northeast Iowa. It may not be the place that you would typically seek out for your weekend getaway. But, I guarantee that there is plenty of things to do in Osage, Iowa, that will make your travels worth it!
A huge thank you to the Osage Chamber of Commerce for hosting our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please check out the Disclosure Policy tab!
As previously mentioned, Osage is located in northeast Iowa and is situated along 2 state highways making it easily accessible. It’s also relatively close to a couple regional airports. This means you can fly in and road trip there and back, enjoying the Iowa countryside!
If you’re traveling by car…
Everyone has their own reasons for visiting the Iowa State Fair! For some its the livestock, for others its the grandstand shows, but for me, it is definitely, the Iowa State Fair FOOD!
It’s a tradition for T and I to attend the Iowa State Fair at least one day each year! It’s our date day or weekend and something we look forward to sharing with each other! We often do the same things at the fair…see the same things, and even eat the same fair foods, our favorites of course We’re creatures of habit and honestly ok with that!
The Varied Industries Building, Pioneer Hall, and the Shoppers Mart underneath the Grandstand are always a must for us. We also enjoy watching the FFA Parade of Champions and the Governor’s Charity Steer Show.
But, really…the Iowa State Fair is all about the food, right?! So, what do we eat? Well, it’s usually a lot of the classics, but I also try to taste one new item each year. It’s usually new to me, but not necessarily the fair. So, what do we love?!
Grab our Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair!
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I’ve fallen in love with West Central Iowa! It holds some of the very best gems in Iowa. From wineries, rich Danish culture, good eats, and more you’ll be ready to plan a visit to West Central Iowa! And with this 3 day itinerary, it’s easier than ever! Ready to pack and get going? (Make sure to download the checklist at the end!)
On Day 1, start your visit to West Central Iowa in Elk Horn. This Danish community has so much to offer! Of course, the focus and center point of this community is their authentic and historic Windmill, but that is just the beginning!
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The Midwest is full of lots of great day trips & weekend getaways. Iowa alone has a plethora of them! Southeast Iowa is no exception to this rule! Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, we have something for you! Wineries, breweries, museums, good food, and more! Check them out!
*Note – For the purposes of this post, Southeast Iowa is considered anything South of Highway 20 and East of I-35!
Historic hotels have become our favorite stays and a night at the Black Hawk Hotel in Cedar Falls, Iowa, recently was no exception.
We were given a gift certificate for Christmas to the Black Hawk Hotel and I couldn’t wait to use it as this has been on my “must-visit” list for awhile now! We decided to use it on a Friday night for a quick getaway before T started spring fieldwork. The gift certificate we were given was part of a holiday promotion in which we were able to get the best available room, 2 free drinks from the bar, and an early check-in and early check-out time! (Watch their social media channels for different promotions!) Lucky for us, the best available room was a queen spa suite. WIN!
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Looking for places to explore in the Midwest?! We recommend checking out these 14 places to visit in Northeast Iowa! From day trips to weekends, quick stops to long road trips, there is a lot to see and do! We’ve got great places to eat, overnight stays to book, and more! Which one will you plan first?!
Note: For the purposes of this post, Northeast Iowa is defined as North of Highway 20 and East of I-35.
Ready to travel? We’ve gathered up this list of the very best in Midwest Weekend Getaways to help make your planning easier! You’ll find them grouped by state, but I’ve also noted which ones are the best for families, couples, girlfriends getaway, and more! I hope you’re excited to get exploring!
I love coffee and love visiting new coffee shops and they automatically get bonus points if they are locally owned joints! I’ll pass Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts any day of the week for a mom & pop coffee shop! Thankfully, Iowa is loaded with lots of great coffee shops! I’ve collected them all here for your convenience and even categorized them by region! So, schedule a road trip to enjoy them all (not necessarily all at once) and enjoy a hot (or cold) cup of joe!
Rustic Brew – 117 1st St NW, Hampton
Not only is this a locally owned coffee shop that serves delicious lattes, mochas, frappes, and a large variety of flavored chai tea, but it’s also a microbrewery. Start with coffee and a scone, stay for lunch with a great sandwich or their homemade special, and finish your day with a Sloberknocker (yes, that’s a beer).
Grab a Brew at Rustic Brew in Hampton, Iowa
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Winter is knocking at our doorstep here in the Midwest! This also means people traditionally think of this as the time to go away to a warmer place! We are lucky because we have so many options for great Winter Weekend Getaways here in Iowa and other Midwest states!
While the Midwest may not be the ideal vacation spot in the middle of winter for everyone, they do offer several spots that offer great accommodations, things to do, and awesome places to grab a bite to eat!
