Cheers to the Weekend

Sip: Located just outside Glenwood, the stunning Bodega Victoriana Winery stands in a large post-and-beam style barn on a century old farm. Enjoy a glass of local wine while overlooking the breathtaking hills and the nearby pond. Snack on one of the exquisite tapas or charcuterie boards and stop by on a Sunday for the Barn Beats series featuring local musicians.
 

Sip: Enjoy award-winning craft beers served with a big dose of small-town hospitality at Keg Creek Brewing Co. Choose from twenty taps of original small-batch brews or local wine and ciders. Challenge your friends to a board game or Jenga match, or if it’s nice out, play cornhole and sand volleyball.
 

Savor: Stop for traditional American cuisine at the Buck Snort. Treat yourself to a thin or thick crust cheeseburger or chicken bacon ranch pizza or go for the specialty Buck Snort Philly. For dessert, try the fried bread pudding.
 

See: Tour the Mills County Museum to dive into 150 years of Glenwood’s history. The museum showcases a time where houses, farms, railroads and schools were being developed in the area, and as you continue touring, you’ll see the progression in transportation, agriculture and family life.
 

Stay: For a unique camping experience, spend a night in an 1800s-style covered wagon at Best Nest Farm. The wagons are fully equipped with modern conveniences including a full bathroom, air conditioning, heat and kitchen appliances. Explore nearby walking trails, enjoy fishing, kayaking and paddle boating or simply relax in nature.

Sip: Head to Earling and stop by Lonely Oak Distillery, home to fine spirits and even better company. As one of the few on-farm distilleries left in the country, Lonely Oak’s small-batch North Forty vodkas and Steeple Ridge bourbon and whiskey are sure to take your tastebuds on a flavorful journey.
 

Sip: Farmhand Brewing Company may be a nano brewery, but they offer a plethora of Iowa beers, wines and spirits. Grab your drink of choice and relax in the taproom or play a game of indoor cornhole. Plan ahead to catch comedy shows, karaoke and live music.
 

Savor: Stop for lunch in Harlan at Milk & Honey, where the food is made fresh daily. Indulge in a Monte Cristo, cheeseburger or club sandwich made from local Harlan meats, and pair your meal with a handcrafted bakery treat including breads, cupcakes, cookies and cakes.
 

See: Dive into Iowa’s history by exploring the Shelby County Historical Museum’s various interactive exhibits. Walk through the Prairie Trails building to see military exhibits or learn about Shelby County’s Native American history. On your way out, grab a postcard or T-shirt for a souvenir.
 

Stay: Embrace the area’s beautiful scenery by renting a modern camping cabin at Prairie Rose State Park. Each cabin is equipped with heating and restroom facilities to ensure a comfortable stay paired with outdoor adventures. Explore the park by hiking the seven miles of nearby trails, kayaking on Prairie Rose Lake or fishing from the shore.

Sip: Start your Des Moines adventure with a trip to Confluence Brewing Company. Try the beer of the week or stick to the extensive menu of locally crafted IPAs, lagers, stouts and ciders. Keep an eye on the events calendar to catch trivia, bingo, food trucks and live music.
 

Sip: For an experiential distillery experience, visit Foundry Distilling Company, located in the Historic Valley Junction. Register for a distillery tour from the owner, or schedule a VIP tasting to try award-winning vodkas, gins and bourbons. For the whiskey or vodka aficionado, customize a unique-to-you whiskey or vodka through the Private Barrel Club.
 

See: Explore the history of the Salisbury House & Gardens, built in the 1920s by Carl and Edith Weeks. Inspired by the King’s House in Salisbury, England, the historic home contains 16th century woodwork, flintwork and rafters. Guided tours are offered Wednesday-Sunday; pre-purchased tickets are highly recommended.
 

Sip: Visit Jasper Winery, an urban winery that specializes in creating innovative wines from locally grown grapes. Find your new favorite flavor with a wine flight or visit the tasting room to try five complimentary wines. For a souvenir, pick up a few of the unique canned wines, sangrias, mimosas and ciders.
 

Savor: Head to the the Historic East Village for a bite to eat at Zombie Burger, famous for inventive flavors and a post-apocalyptic setting. Try ‘The Walking Ched’ for a burger topped with deep-fried macaroni, or ‘The Cremator’ for a spicy burger with ghost pepper cheese. Stick to the basics with the classic ‘Zombie Burger,’ and any meal pairs perfectly with one of their famous milkshakes.
 

Stay: Settle down for the night in the Surety Hotel. Enjoy a relaxing night in a deluxe room or suite, or connect with friends onsite at Surety Lounge. Before checking out, grab a morning pick-me-up at Surety Coffee Bar then explore the Historic East Village’s eclectic shops and restaurants.

Sip: Head north to Covered Bridges Winery, and enjoy views of the North River Valley while sipping their award winning hand-crafted wine made from Iowa grown grapes.
 

See: Step into history at the John Wayne Birthplace Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated to the famous actor. Discover artifacts and memorabilia from his life, tour his childhood home and watch a documentary about his esteemed career. For a souvenir, visit the onsite gift shop.
 

Savor: Relax and refuel at The Drift, a taproom and eatery located in Winterset’s historic square. Indulge in delicious flatbreads, salads and sandwiches, choose a drink from the extensive beer and wine list, or try specialty cocktails including mules, cosmos and old-fashioneds.
 

Stay: End the day at the Judge Lewis House, the historic home of Winterset settler Judge William Henry Lewis. The home features Carpenter Gothic architecture, a few of Judge Lewis’ writings and many open spaces to relax in.

Sip: Start your Amana trip at Ackerman Winery, the oldest operating winery in Iowa. Try a sample of exotic wines with flavors including dandelion, rhubarb, raspberry and mango. Or, satisfy your sweet tooth with the wine and chocolate pairing flight. Visit on the second Saturday of the month for a tour.
 

Sip: Switch from wines to brews at Millstream Brewing. Sip on a craft beer in the outdoor biergarten or get an insider’s view of the brewing and bottling process inside the taproom. Plan accordingly to catch one of the annual events including Tour de Brew, Craft Beer Bash and Oktoberfest.
 

Savor: Stop in to Ox Yoke Inn for authentic German cuisine curated from recipes passed down through generations. Try the specialty schnitzels, bratwursts or sauerbraten, and don’t forget to taste the famous desserts, including custards, pies and strudels.
 

See: Dive into Amana’s history at the Amana Heritage Museum, featuring three buildings full of exhibits and artifacts including the only intact communal kitchen in the Amanas. Visit the Amana Community Church Museum to learn about the cities’ religious history, or the High Amana General Store to discover trinkets and treasures from the past.
 

Stay: End the day with a stay at Hotel Millwright, a hotel that embodies the rich history of Amana’s textile industry. Enjoy upscale cuisine and Iowa craft beers at The Indigo Room, or opt for bourbon flights and shareables at Electric Thread Social Club, both onsite.

Sip: Embrace the history of Prohibition at Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery, the first licensed distillery following the era. Savor award-winning whiskey, locally crafted wine or specialty cocktails on the patio or take a tour to see the grain-to-glass distilling process up close.
 

Sip: Stop in to Iowa Brewing Company, where there’s always a new craft beer or cider hitting the draft list. For a bite in between drinks, try a snack from a local onsite food truck. Plan ahead to catch live music, comedy nights and other events.
 

Savor: Stop for lunch at Parlor City Pub & Eatery, located in The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia. Enjoy cold drinks, live music and shareables including dips, wings and nachos, or go for a hearty cheesesteak, tenderloin or burger.
 

See: Take a break from tastings and explore the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. The museum holds nearly 8,000 works of art spanning many eras – from Roman antiquity to present day. The museum also features the largest collection of Grant Wood’s artwork.
 

Stay: Finally, retreat to Burnett Cottage, a cozy cottage perfect for the weekend stay. Located in the heart of the NewBo District, the cottage is walking distance from local boutiques, shops and restaurants like Little Bohemia and Aroma Artisan Pizza.