Saturday & Sunday, June 12 & 13, 2004

Do you enjoy beautiful countryside? This unique tour is for you!

The Grant Wood Scenic Byway in Eastern Iowa allows us to experience the world of one of America’s most notable artists. Grant Wood painted the people and the landscape of the state that he loved. One of his most famous paintings is American Gothic depicting a stoic farmer next to his daughter with a pitchfork in hand. As we roll through the countryside throughout the afternoon with our step-on-guide, you’ll recognize the objects of Wood’s inspiration – rolling hills, locally quarried limestone structures, stunning pictorial scenes, church spires and hamlets. We’ll be stopping at the Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery where we’ll enjoy sampling wines. We’ll also be stopping in the picturesque historic river town of Bellevue. Our included coffee break will be at Potter’s Mill, built in 1843 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Local craftsmen have restored it to its original appearance. Inside the structure the atmosphere of the old mill has been carefully preserved. Bring your camera!

After making the loop on the scenic byway we’ll end up in Maquoketa, a small town filled with main street charm, antique treasures, art galleries, historic homes and friendly folk. We’ll have time to freshen up at the local Super 8, our overnight accommodation, before having our included dinner at the Decker House, a restored historic hotel with a combination of oak, cherry, butternut & walnut woodwork and trim which provide some outstanding examples of woodworking skills. After dinner you may enjoy strolling through Maquoketa and looking at the other historic homes and buildings listed on the National Register before getting a good night’s rest.

Day 2: After breakfast on own, we’ll depart for Anamosa, Grant Wood’s home, and home of the original Grant Wood Art Festival, honoring its native son. His artwork depicts the genuine human character of the Midwest. “A true art expression,” he wrote, “must grow up from the soil itself.”

The Grant Wood Art Festival is now held annually near Anamosa in the countryside setting of Stone City. Attracted to the natural beauty of the terrain, Grant Wood chose this area for his art colony during the summers of 1932 – 33. The same atmosphere is created annually as juried artists and entertainers gather in the scenic valley of Stone City for the Festival. During the time of Grant Wood’s artist colony, some students and instructors bunked dorm style in donated ice wagons. These horse-drawn wagons were obsolete as delivery vehicles, but worked well for the art students. Replicas of the colorful ice wagons used as housing and remaining limestone landmarks serve as an authentic background for the exhibits of the many Midwest artists who will be showing and selling at the Festival. Enjoy lunch on your own from one of the food stands as you browse through the festival. Be sure to hop on one of their guided bus tours, included in your ticket, to see the display of American Gothic caricatures at the Blacksmith Shop and the three story stone barn, built to house the many quarry horses, but currently housing the exhibit of Grant Wood original art and memorabilia.

After leaving the Festival we’ll be stopping in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for a guided tour of many of Grant Wood’s original paintings at the Museum of Art and also to see The Veterans of All Wars Memorial Window made of stained glass and designed by Wood for the Veterans’ Memorial Building. The window was actually constructed in Germany and installed in the new structure in 1928. We’ll stop for a bite to eat en route home. Join us on this first in a series of Scenic Byway Tours designed to let you sit back, relax and leave the driving to us!

For the morning of departure – bring along your coffee/soft drink with a screw-on top and a snack, if you wish.

Boarding Points/Departure Times:
Mankato 5:35am/5:40am, Lake Crystal 5:55am/6:05 ,
Madelia 6:20am/6:25am, Truman 6:40am/6:50am,
Fairmont 7:10am/7:15am, Blue Earth 7:35am/7:45am

Cost: Quad $145  Triple $149  Double $165  Single $199

Deadline: May 28, 2004

Grant Wood Scenic Byway & Festival Reservation Form
Saturday & Sunday, June 12 & 13, 2004 
Cost: Quad $145, Triple $149, Double $165, Single $199
Deadline: May 28, 2004   Walking Ability: 2

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Please make Reservations and Payment to your Local CE Office or Travel Club.

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