("Things to do, Places to go, People to see")

Bentonsport:   www.bentonsport.com

Shopping:  Most shops open daily:  10am to 5pm, April - Oct. and weekends only in Nov. and Dec.

Forever Sweet Creations is a new store in the old Post Office building.  They offer sandwiches, salads, ice cold drinks, and home made fudge.  Open Weekends  from 11am to 4pm. 

The Greef General Store is where you can find antiques, crafts, and delicious homemade fudge!  (319) 592-3579  www.greefstore.com  Closed Mondays.

Iron & Lace features Queen Anne's Lace pottery and hand-forged artistic ironwork by our own artists-in-residence, Bill and Betty Printy.    (319) 592-3222             www.ironandlace.com

                                                             Bill and Betty at work.

The Quilt Shop has fabric and quilting supplies and quilts for sale.  Ask about sewing classes.

Take a virtual Town Tour

Things to see:

Indian Artifact Museum: Home to an extensive collection of Native American Indian artifacts including an  impressive display of arrowheads (open by chance or appointment).

Old Presbyterian Church Building:  Visit this historic building on the hill north of the village.  Open daily 10am to 5pm, May - Nov.  The building is available to rent for weddings, programs, services, etc.  Call Betty Printy at 319-592-3222 for more information.

Historic Bridge:  Built in 1882 for horse and buggy traffic, this bridge is the oldest and longest iron truss bridge still in use across the Des Moines River.  Open to foot and bicycle traffic.                 (Photo by Steve Stimmel)

Rose Garden:  Set within the rock walls of the old Mill foundations, this garden is complete with walkways, benches, water garden, and a variety of perennial plants.  A great place for a picnic or wedding, or just sit and read in the peace and quiet.

The Stone House: What used to be called the Mormon House, is now restored and has a name change. (due to the Grant we received to restore the building, it can't be affiliated with any certain religion.)  The building has A/C and heating, a kitchen, and two bathrooms.  It seats 80 people comfortably.  The building can be rented for Wedding Receptions, meals, gatherings, meetings, classes, etc.  Call Betty Printy at 319-592-3222 to reserve the building.

Things to do:

Have a picnic in the park.  *    Hike the Nature Trail north of town.  *  Take the Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bentonsport.  *   Hunt, fish, and watch the eagles during the winter season. * Enjoy the sunrise and sunset on the river.  (Photo by Steve Stimmel)

*Take a class with the Villages Folk School -  www.villagesfolkschool.com    Many different arts and crafts taught in various areas throughout the county.  In Bentonsport, Bill teaches blacksmithing, Betty teaches pottery and weaving, and Joy teaches quilting and container candle making.  Take one of Joy's classes and stay the night at the Mason House Inn and receive a 5% discount off your room rate.  Mention this discount when making your reservation.

Bonaparte:  www.bonaparte-iowa.com

Shop for crafts and antiques.  Tour the Historic Bonaparte Pottery Archeological Site (www.bonaparte-pottery.com)  Stop for tea at the Burns Gallery and Tea Room.

Restaurants:

1.  Bonaparte's Retreat in the old grist mill (319) 592-3339  Open daily for lunch from 11am to 1pm.  Open every day except Sundays for supper from 5pm to 8pm.  (Open Sundays for lunch, 11 - 1, but not open Sunday evenings.)

2.  Jet Stop - convenience store with gas, pop, sandwiches, pizza, eat in or take out. (319) 592-3281

Keosauqua:  www.keosauqua.com

Hiking, fishing, swimming at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park and Lake Sugema

Swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts at Riverview Country Club (319) 293-3200

Restaurants:

1.  Riverbend Pizza - pizza, steak, salad, sandwiches (319) 293-9900

2.  Cup and Cakes - (319) 293-8200

3. Misty's Malt Shop- Open Sundays.  Hamburgers, BBQ sandwiches, ice cream  OPEN SUNDAYS

4. First Street Grill - pizza, steak, salad, sandwiches, pasta, OPEN SUNDAYS

Hawkeye Canoe Rental: rent a canoe for fun on the river (319) 293-3550

Van Buren County Fair - July

Whispering Pines Winery  - Owned and operated by Steve & Becki Tucker, 18356 222nd Street, Keosauqua    www.whisperingpinewinery.biz

Crane Winery - A new, small family owned business in a small town setting.  (641) 936-4355  Open Fridays 5pm to 10pm, Sat. & Sunday 11am to 5pm   11420 Main St., Hwy 16, Selma.

Stone Fox Winery - Newly opened, located in Birmingham.  Open weekends.  210 E. Cedar, Birmingham  (319) 498-4331

Cantril:  http://cantril-iowa.com

Dutchman's Store: bulk food items, fabric, shoes & boots, homemade items, fresh produce and other grocery items.  (Run by Mennonites for the Amish.  Not open Sundays.)

The Nook: A quaint little cafe across the street from the Dutchman's Store.  Open for breakfast and lunch. 

Walk the lovely Waubonsie Park trails.

Visit the 4-story round barn at Wickfield Farm (open by appointment).  Built in 1918.  (319) 293-3129

Milton Creamery - Delicious cheeses and cheese curds, made on premises.  202 East Hwy 2, Milton  (641) 656-4094   miltoncreamery@emypeople.net

Farmington:  http://farmingtoniowa.com

Shimek State Forest is the largest of Iowa's three state forests with 9,000 acres.  Four large ponds are stocked with fish.  Electric trolling motors allowed.  Public hunting in season.  Winter sports and equestrian trails.  Indian Lake Park is located SW of Farmington on Hwy. 81.  The park is 177 acres, including a 44-acre lake with great fishing.  There is a 2-mile multi-purpose trail around the lake.  Boat rentals and swimming available.  Farmington's Strawberry Festival is the 2nd weekend in June.  Crafts, flea market items, and lots of free ice cream with strawberry topping!

Bridge Cafe & Supper Club - Open Tues - Sat.  Homemade pies, entree menu, Sunday noon buffet.  (319) 878-4000

H & K Pony Express - Salad, sandwiches, tacos, ice cream.  Closes at 3pm on Mon, Tues, Thurs.   OPEN EVERY DAY INCLUDING SUNDAYS 

Mt. Pleasant:  Don't miss the Old Threshers Reunion held annually in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.  Always 5 days ending on Labor Day.   Only 45 minutes north of Bentonsport on Hwy. 218. www.oldthreshers.org . Spend the day there, and have a pleasant nights rest here!

Nauvoo:  Visit the historic town and shops.  See the rebuilt Mormon Temple. Golf in Nauvoo at the Great River Road Golf Club (800-233-0060). www.golfnauvoo.com