A weekend away without traveling far? Count us in! Your Girl's Weekend could be closer than you realize. Here are the BEST things to do to get away with your gal pals for a weekend in NE Iowa.
Best Brunch Spots:
1. Convergence CiderWorks, 302 Washington St, Decorah, IA 52101
Crepes, ciders, quiches, OH MY! Convergence CiderWorks is new to Decorah + oh so good. With a cozy, industrial atmosphere, outdoor patio, cider flights, + delicious food (all day long), this is spot you won't want to miss!
2. Magpie Coffeehouse, 202 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
With home-y vibes + quirky decor, Magpie Coffeehouse in Decorah is a cozy coffee shop to grab brunch! With a menu full of breakfast burritos, sandwiches, + sweets, you and your girls can have a delicious start to your morning adventures.
3. Aztec Parlor, 15 W Main St, Waukon, IA 52172
Want a relaxing, laid back brunch? We have you covered! Located in the heart of Downtown Main Street, Waukon, IA, Aztec Parlor is a walk-in, drive up coffee parlor. Serving freshly brewed specialty coffees, teas, smoothies + food. Check out the boho vibes + delicious pastries at this adorable coffee shop!
Best Places to Stay:
1. Magnolia Cabin, 236 Old Spruce Dr, Decorah, IA 52101
The Magnolia Cabin is a stunning place to stay in Decorah, with gorgeous views of the Driftless Valley! With a fun rustic vibe, fire pit, AND a hot tub, this spot is hard to beat!
2. Hotel Winneshiek, 104 E Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
Hotel Winneshiek is timeless + rich in history! Situated in the heart of Decorah, this hotel is surrounded by shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and beautiful bluff views. Featuring a stunning bar with delicious cocktails and small plates, you can wrap up your night minutes from your door.
3. Lavender Fields Inn, 103 W North St, Calmar, IA 52132
Hello cozy! The Lavender Fields Inn gives us all the warm farmhouse vibes. Featuring a common room with a grand fireplace, adorable wrap around porch, spacious rooms, + beautiful landscaped yard with fire pit, this bed & breakfast is a must stay!
Best Dinner Spots:
La Rana, 120 Washington St, Decorah, IA 52101
Iowa's hidden gem! La Rana is a fabulous little bistro in the heart of Decorah, Iowa. With intimate bistro vibes, this restaurant is one in a million. Make sure to book reservations for dinner + drinks, this spot books up fast!
2. Mabe's Pizza, 110 E Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
Given all the hype it deserves, Mabe's Pizza is a classic, can't go wrong spot in Decorah. With crusts + sauce made from scratch, Mabe's has been in business for over 70 years, for good reason! Grab some wine and pair with their fabulous pizza!
3. Rubaiyat, 117 West Water Street, Decorah, IA
With a warm ambiance, delicious food, + excellent cocktails, Rubaiyat is a must try! They skillfully prepare every ingredient- driven dishes that reveal their commitment to using the highest quality products, in season, and locally available! Bring your best dress + grab your girls, and book reservations for a table at Rubaiyat.
Best Dive Bars:
The Haymarket, 201 Washington St, Decorah, IA 52101
Live music, good beer, + friendly locals. The Haymarket is just about as dive-y as dive bars get! End your night with some bar food, good conversation, and lots of music!
2. Pulpit Rock Brewery, 207 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101
Not exactly a dive bar, but definitely a must end for your night! Built out of an old dairy facility and originally situated next to a laundromat, Pulpit Rock Brewing opened its bay doors during the summer of '15. This modest brewery embraces the opportunity to produce + serve exciting and innovative beers. With a vibrant night life filled with live music, games, + open concept patio, Pulpit Rock is a place not to sleep on.
3. The Zipper, 1225 IA-150, Calmar, IA 52132
When we say The Zipper is a dive bar, we mean it. Hard to find online, The Zipper is truly a hidden gem. A true town-y bar with cold beer, bar food, + a family like atmosphere, The Zipper is a great stop while staying in Decorah!
Best Things To Do Daytime:
Seed Savers, 3074 N Winn Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Talk about stunning views! Seed Savers Exchange conserves biodiversity by maintaining a collection of over 20,000 different varieties of heirloom and open-pollinated plant varieties with the ability to regenerate themselves year after year. Cool, right? Not to mention, there are endless paths to hike, beautiful stops to picnic, and a shop to buy your own gardening tools and seeds. You can truly spend hours at this stunning spot!
2. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, 520 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
Come visit this beautiful museum smack dab in the downtown Decorah! You'll enjoy the spectacular exhibits and extensive programs that highlight American Indian art, culture, history, cuisine, sports, and many other Native American arts and culture aspects. Take a class, or just walk around, either way you will enjoy this gorgeous museum!
3. Gracie's Boutique + Broker Leather, 101 E Water St, Decorah, IA 52101
Gracie’s Boutique + Broker Leather are must visit boutiques in downtown Decorah! They buy in small quantities that are unique from the masses while bringing you the latest styles of dresses, denim, leather goods, + more. Truly a one stop shop! Not to mention, with numerous shops surrounding the store, you will find your day filled with all kinds of shopping.
Best Things To At Night:
Toppling Goliath, 1600 Prosperity Rd, Decorah, IA 52101
Toppling Goliath, named 2021 US Beer Open Grand National Champions, was founded in 2009! It has become world-renowned for its award-winning IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. Their spacious, two-story taproom is perfect for large groups and features a large pet-friendly patio! The taproom has a full kitchen serving, pizza, burgers, specialty sandwiches, salads, and more. In addition to their own beer, the taproom serves guest offerings of cider and wine. Perfect for a girls night filled with good beer, + good conversation.
2. Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, 1966 337th St Decorah, IA 52101
With 22 acres of vineyards + two acres of rhubarb for guests to tour as well as a patio for enjoying the scenery, flowers, birds + a glass of wine. Inside the winery is a beautiful wood furnished tasting room, complete with a majestic oak bar! The gift shop is the perfect place to pick up wine accessories for you + your gals!
3. RockFilter Distillery, 113 Maple Drive - Spring Grove, MN 55974
The RockFilter distillery and cocktail room is located in lovely Spring Grove, Minnesota. It's a two-and-a-half hour scenic drive south of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Located in the historic Spring Grove Creamery building. Schedule a whiskey tour for you + your girlfriends, and enjoy all the RockFilter Distillery has to offer!
... have we convinced you yet? (; The options are truly endless for a girls weekend away in NE Iowa. Come brunch, shop, sip, + enjoy the beautiful spots in Decorah this summer! We promise you won't be disappointed.
For more spots to hit, check out https://www.traveliowa.com/regions/northeast/3/.
Thanks for reading!
xoxo,
Mikay