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Iowa
From cruises and festivals, the Dubuque area has it all
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There are fewer places prettier in the fall and winter than eastern Iowa. So, why not enjoy the fall foliage while cruising the Mississippi River or attending one of the area's fun fall festivals? Then take in breathtaking snowy white landscapes while hunting for area art galleries, historic sites, parks and other great places.
Fall foliage cruises
The Spirit of Dubuque and the Celebration Belle are providing a different perspective on autumn with four-hour fall foliage tours on the Mississippi River from Dubuque Oct. 7-21. Each cruise includes a delicious meal.
The Miss Dubuque, a modern yacht, is planning a special six-hour cruise between Dubuque and Bellevue Oct. 15.
For dates, times and locations contact: The Spirit of Dubuque and Miss Dubuque at 563-583-8093 or www.dubuqueriverrides.com; and the Celebration Belle, 309-764-1952 or www.celebrationbelle.com.
Fall festivals, driving tours
* Called Dubuque's "best bash before the snow flies," Riverfest includes a flea market, craft fair, children's activities and continuous live outdoor music, Sept. 11-13 at Dubuque's Washington Square, Sixth and Locust streets.
* Take a beautiful, historic driving tour of Clayton County. For a map, visit www.claytoncountyiowa.net, then click on "search" and enter "ports of discovery."
* The Blackhorse Inn at Sherrill, a historic inn built in 1856 and recently restored, is hosting its second annual Oktoberfest, complete with a heated fest tent, plenty to eat and drink and lots of polka music. Take the scenic trip to 529 South Mound Road, Sherrill. (www.blackhorse-inn.com, 563-552-1800)
* Just four miles south of Dubuque, on scenic U.S. 52, you will find Czipar's Orchard Fall Festival Sept. 26-27. You can enjoy lunch and delicious bakery items, wine tasting and a wide variety of children's activities. (563-582-7476)
* Grab a map of the best leaf-watching in Jackson County during the Jackson County Leaves and Limestone Tour, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Oct. 10-11.
* At the Hurstville Interpretive Center, just off U.S. 161 at 18670 63rd St., Maquoketa, learn about the 1800s town of Hurstville, see the displays and enjoy a little nature study. (www.jacksoncountyiowa.com, 563-652-3783)
* Head to the scenic overlook in Balltown. While you are there, savor dessert or a delicious meal at Breitbach's Country Dining. After experiencing two devastating fires within a 10-month period, the beautiful, newly built restaurant is open for business.
* Enjoy luscious scenery at the Park Farm Winery at 15159 Theilen Road, Bankston. The winery has music at its Toast and Jam sessions on Sunday evenings during September and October and will host its annual Nouveau Festival Nov. 21. Go to www.parkfarmwinery.com or call 563-557-3727.
* While out at Park Farm, take Thielen road north to Asbury Road and Asbury Road west to Bankston Park Road and Bankston Park Road north to North Bankston Road. You will see some of Dubuque County's best scenery.
* The 19th Annual Germanfest Sept. 25-26 in scenic Guttenberg is a can't-miss. It will include beer-brewing, wine-making and potato salad contests; entertainment by cloggers, the Guttenberg German Bank, University of Northern Iowa folk dancers and others; a fishing tournament; children's activities; and a tour of Lock and Dam 10. Go to www.guttenbergiowa.net.
Art Galleries and art classes
What better time than winter to enjoy local, regional and even national art than during winter. While you are at it, think of incorporating original art in your home and office decorating projects. You will be surprised to see how reasonably priced original art can be. Also, think about taking an art class and expanding your creative horizons.
* The Dubuque Art Center at 137 Main St., Dubuque, offers numerous classes, plus paint-your-own pottery experiences. Go to www.dbqartcenter.org or call 563-663-0186.
* In the heart of downtown Dubuque, the Dubuque Museum of Art features the work of regionally and nationally known artists. It also offers many art classes for children and adults. Go to www.dbqart.com or call 563-557-1851.
* Matter, "the design store with a cause," recently opened at 137 Main St., in Dubuque. Look for functional art by local artists, such as furniture, lighting, decor, clothing and accessories. Go to www.matterds.com or call 563-663-0186.
* The Off the Wall Art Gallery at 124 N. Riverview in Bellevue, Iowa, showcases work in a variety of media from regional artists. While there, check out Great River Gallery, an affiliated gallery just two doors down. For more information, call 563-872-3388.
* The Old City Hall Gallery at 121 South Olive St. in Maquoketa features the work of nationally renowned painters Rose Frantzen and Charles Morris. While there, ask about their intensive five-day painting workshops. (www.oldcityhallgallery.com or 563-652-3405)
* Outside the Lines Gallery, located at 337 Bluff St. in Dubuque, offers high-quality, handmade art for local and regionally known artists. (www.otlag.com or 563-583-9343)
* Although quilt shops aren't art galleries in the traditional sense, they often display beautiful works by local quilters. And, of course, they offer wonderful fabric.
Among the Eastern Iowa quilt shops are:
Backstitch, 108 Main St., Elkader, 563-245-2967; The Cotton Cabin Quilt Shop, 374 Bluff St., Dubuque, www.cottoncabinquilts.com, 563-582-0800; JoQuilter Fabrics, 128 S. Riverview, Bellevue, www.joquilter.com, 563-872-3473; Old Stone School Quilts & Tea, 12077 Bell Road, Volga, 563-767-4011; Quilter's Quarters, 3290 150th St., Lamont, www.qulitersquartersonline.com, 563-924-2216; The Quilter's Shoppe, 110 E.; Main St., Manchester, 563-927-8017; and Vintage Threads Quilt Shoppe, 234 First Ave. East, Dyersville, www.vintagethreads.net, 563-875-7330. Most of the shops offer classes, too.
* The Red House, at 470 West Fourth St., in Dubuque's historic Cable Car Square, features fine art from nationally known artists. (www.redhouseiowa.com or 563-585-1116)
* The Warehouse Art Gallery in Dubuque's historic Warehouse District is located at 1079 Elm St. in Dubuque. It features shows by local artists. (563-556-0814)
Parks
* Backbone State Park near Strawberry Point, Iowa, offers 2,000 acres of outstanding beauty, plus trout fishing, camping, climbing and hiking opportunities. (www.delawarecountyia.com)
* The Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, at 3800 Arboretum Drive, contains a formal rose garden, a Japanese garden and scores of hosta varieties, among many other beautiful features. (www.dubuquearboretum.com or call 563-556-22100)
* Built during the Great Depression, Eagle Point Park in Dubuque is both historic and beautiful. Get a great view of Lock and Dam 11. (www.dbq.com/parks, or call 563-589-4263).
* The Mines of Spain Recreation Area consists of forest, prairies and trails, and hosts many special events. While there, enjoy the E.B. Lyons Interpretive Center. Go to www.minesofspain.org or call 563-556-0620.
* Get a birds-eye view of the Mississippi River at Pike's Peak State Park in northern Clayton County. (www.idnr.gov/parks or 563-873-2341)
* One of the largest nature preserves in the Midwest, Swiss Valley Nature Preserve south of Dubuque is great for trout fishers, hikers and cross-country skiers. (www.dubuquecounty.org/Conservation, 563-556-6745)
* At 150-200 feet deep, the Whitewater Canyon Wildlife Area near Filmore provides an interesting geology lesson, plus hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and hunting. (www.dubuquecounty.org/Conservation, 563-556-6745)
Other great places to visit
* The beautiful Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, 104 Third St. S.W., Dyersville, Iowa, was built in 1888 and features two 200-foot tall steeples and 64 stained glass windows. (www.xavierbasillica.com, 563-875-7325)
* Besides offering gambling, the new Diamond Jo Casino in the Port of Dubuque features bowling and big-name entertainment. (www.dubuquetickets.diamondjo.com)
* Mystique, Dubuque's newly expanded casino, at 18555 Greyhound Park Road, offers slots, tables, live poker and greyhound racing. (www.mystiquedbq.com)
* The National Farm Toy Museum, at U.S. 20 and Iowa 136 in Dyersville, features thousands of farm toys and exhibits, including, miniature farm dioramas. (www.nationalfarmtoymuseumcom, 563-875-2727)
* The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium's newest installment is "Lizards on the Loose!' featuring 25 different lizard species and interactive activities, 350 E. Third St. in the Port of Dubuque, (www.mississippirivermuseum.com, 563-557-9545)
Selected Eastern Iowa events
Sept. 12-13: Riverfest, with arts, crafts, children's activities and live music, in Washington Park, 6th and Locust St., Dubuque, 563-583-8535.
Sept. 12-13: Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival, 300-meter sprint races on the Mississippi, www.dubuquedragonboat.org.
Sept. 26: Nationally-know male dancers, the Cippendales, perform at the Grand Opera House, www.thegrandoperahouse.com.
Sept. 26-27: Festival of the Arts and Crafts & Quilt Show, more than 70 booths and nearly 200 quilts, Beckman High School, Dyersville, 563-875-2311.
Nov. 12: The Smothers Brothers, Nov. 12, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Elkader Opera House, 207 N. Main St., Elkader, www.elkaderoperhouse.com, 563-245-2098.
Jan. 17: Bald Eagle Watch on the Mississippi, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Lock and Dam 11 in Dubuque, plus a "Birds of Prey" program at another location. (www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle, 563-556-4372)
Feb. 23: All Iowa Open cheer, dance and drill competition, Five Flags Center, 405 Main St., Dubuque, www.fiveflagscenter.com.