Tag: midwest weekend getaway

Day Trips

Plan a Visit to West Central Iowa: 3 Day Itinerary

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Plan a Visit to West Central Iowa: 3 Day Itinerary

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!)

Day 1: Elk Horn

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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Girl's Trips

A Stay at The Black Hawk Hotel – an Escape in Cedar Falls, Iowa

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A Stay at The Black Hawk Hotel – an Escape in Cedar Falls, Iowa

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!

This post contains affiliate links for your ease! More details can be found on the Disclosure page.

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Iowa

5 Reasons to Visit Dyersville, Iowa

— Katy Flint14 Comments
5 Reasons to Visit Dyersville, Iowa

“Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa”. We all know that line from “Field of Drams”, right?! But, after a visit to Dyersville, Iowa. We know it’s really true! We always enjoy finding great treasures in Iowa and love sharing about them too!

Traveling doesn’t always have to be week long vacations and with our busy lives we have come to enjoy day trips and weekend getaways. Dyersville, Iowa is perfect for both of those!

*Thank you to Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce for inviting us and hosting our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own! For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

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Weekend Getaways

Great Winter Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

— Katy FlintLeave a comment
Great Winter Weekend Getaways in the Midwest

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!

Check out the Best Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa!
winter weekend getaways
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Iowa

Spend the Weekend In Vacation Okoboji!

— Katy Flint2 Comments
Spend the Weekend In Vacation Okoboji!

If you’re from Iowa, you know Lake Okoboji! So, when I learned I got to spend the weekend visiting, I was super excited. Then, I learned about all the things to do in Vacation Okoboji that aren’t on the lake. So, it doesn’t matter what time of year you can travel to this lake destination, you’ll have plenty to do and stay busy. Whether you’re looking for land or water, Okoboji is a great place to spend a weekend getaway in Iowa! Plus, you’ll find amazingly delicious food, which you know is so important to me!

Vacation Okoboji
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Iowa

4 “Must Do” Things in Dubuque, IA

— Katy Flint4 Comments
4 “Must Do” Things in Dubuque, IA

Did you know that Dubuque, Iowa is “where Iowa started”? It’s true, back in 1785, Julien Dubuque landed here and established a colony. Ever since then it’s grown and bloomed into an important part of Iowa’s tourism and commerce systems. Whether you’re looking to spend a day or a weekend here, there is lots to do. To help you navigate it all, I’ve put together our 4 things that are the “must do’s” while visiting this river town!

1. Stay at the Hotel Julien Dubuque

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Midwest Travel

Unique Midwest Hotels, Lodges, and Bed & Breakfasts

— Katy Flint8 Comments
Unique Midwest Hotels, Lodges, and Bed & Breakfasts

While many people consider the Midwest to be fly-over country, the Midwest Travel Bloggers can prove you differently. Midwest hotels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts are some of the most unique in the country. Several bloggers have joined me to put the best of the most unique into one post for your reference! Enjoy reading about these stays that have been organized by state for your convenience.

Turn your stay at a unique hotel by making it a Weekend Getaway in the Midwest! Snag our guide HERE!

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Girl's Trips

Grab Your Girlfriends & Visit Pella, IA: 5 Ways to Have a Great Trip

— Katy Flint13 Comments
Grab Your Girlfriends & Visit Pella, IA: 5 Ways to Have a Great Trip

Nothing benefits a woman’s mental health like a good girlfriends trip! Because of this having a girlfriends trip to Pella, Iowa, should be at the top of your list!  A Visit to Pella, Iowa is proof that you don’t have to head to the big city to have lots of options for things to do!  They have a vibrant downtown area and boast loads of locally owned businesses serving up the very best food, merchandise, and service! 

Visit Pella

While portions of our trip were hosted by Visit Pella, Iowa and other establishments, all thoughts and opinions of this post are 100% accurate and my own. For more information, please see the Disclosure Tab.

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Iowa

Plan a Day Trip to Fort Dodge, Iowa

— Katy Flint20 Comments

When you’re looking for a day trip that includes art, history, fun, and food, plan your visit to Fort Dodge, Iowa.  You’ll be surprised at the great finds in this community in Central Iowa!   

Fort Dodge

Thank you to the Fort Dodge Conventions & Visitors Bureau for hosting parts of our trip! Although this occurred, all thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own. Please see the disclosure tab for more information!

Day Trip Plans – Getting There

When you’re ready to head to Fort Dodge, you’ll find it conveniently located in West Central Iowa! It is also easily accessible thanks to being located right off Highway 20, which is a 4-lane road that intersects both Interstate 35 and the Avenue of the Saints (US Highway 218).

If you’re traveling by car…

  • Des Moines, IA – 99 miles, 1 hour 30 minute drive time
    • Minneapolis, MN – 219 miles, 3 hours 10 minutes drive time
      • Kansas City, MO – 266 miles, 3 hours 50 minutes drive time
        • Chicago, IL – 367 miles, 5 hours 50 minutes drive time

There are so many options of great things to do once you arrive in Fort Dodge that it might be difficult to narrow it down. For your convenience I’ve grouped our ideas into historical, creative, and foods! I’m sure you’ll find something on this list that appeases to you and your trip buddies!

Head East and Spend the Day in Dyersville, Iowa
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