Homegrown & Handmade in Western Iowa
From Itineraries Midwest Spring Issue 2009
10 – 11:30 am
Visit Neola artist Russell Christensen who is working on his Eagles of Honor project. Christensen has a vision of showing thankfulness and pride by creating a Veteran’s Monument in every community, in stunning bronze with each eagle being unique to the community. Each monument is a testament that Pottawattamie County is strong and united.
11:30 – 1:00 pm
Make a delicious stop At Sweet Gatherings in Neola. Visitors will enjoy wonderful homemade soups, sandwiches, pastries and pie in a beautiful environment at reasonable prices. It is also the home of “Gosh Darn Goodies” Handmade Gourmet Candies. They specialize in candies made with homemade caramel, such as gourmet apples; turtles, chocolate covered caramels and dreamsticks, and have many more candies to choose from. Gift baskets can be purchased for that special someone and even shipped if you wish.
1 – 3:00 pm
Enjoy the Loess Hills when visiting Sawmill Hollow in Missouri Valley. Sawmill Hollow is committed to delivering wholesome organic aronia berries and the finest Aronia Berry Products. They are also known for their Annual Aronia Festival, Log Cabin Lodge, Wine House for tastings, and wrap around lake.
3 – 4:30 pm
Now on to Honey Creek Creamery, and learn about the care and maintenance of dairy goats and see a working farmstead in the Loess Hills. You will get a first-hand view of a goat cheese processing facility, milk parlor and an active goat herd. They will demonstrate how to milk a goat and allow willing participants to try their hand at milking. Cheese samples will be offered and a variety of fresh cheeses will also be
available for purchase.
*Additional attractions are available for substitution or a multi-day tour – including Thomsen’s Corner (wool farm), Prairie Fired Pottery, Blooms Organic and several others.
For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, please contact your tour operator or Chrissy Caniglia at Council Bluffs CVB, 800-228-6878 x 109 or
email ccaniglia@councilbluffsiowa.com.
