Girl Friend Getaways

Getting away with the girls is always a great time at Garden & GalleY. Our central location near Des Moines makes it convenient for girlfriends to meet and relax. We offer Cooking Class week-ends, Spa week-ends, Wine Tastings, Scrapbooking with Girls, Bachelorette parties, Brides-Maid Luncheons, and “create your own getaway packages.”

The Tassel Ridge Winery between Oskaloosa and Pella, Iowa invites you to experience Oktoberfest winery style on Sunday evening, October 12.   This German feast will be paired with the winery’s award winning Oskyfizzante Red, Overture, and Candleglow Red.   The traditional four-course German-style menu includes sauerbraten and other wonderful German dishes ending with apple strudel with Bavarian cream paired with a special mulled wine.

Call 641-672-9463 by Thursday, Oct. 9 for reservations.  It’s only $60 plus tax per person.

After your special dinner, you can continue that enjoyment with a stay at the historic home of a coal baron, the McNeill Stone Mansion B&B in Oskaloosa.  Call 641-673-4348 for reservations or go to www.thestonemansion.com to make reservations on line.  $10 discount on a suite when you show us your menu from the Oktoberfest dinner.

The fall colors are starting to show at Lake Okoboji and it’s not too late to plan a little fall getaway.  Why spend $$$ for gas!  Plan a fall leaf peeping trip to the Iowa Great Lakes and stay at the Okoboji Country Inn.  We are offering a great special at our bed and breakfast the month of October, to celebrate Oktoberfest.  Book two nights at the Okoboji Country Inn during the month of October, Monday through Thursday and the third night is on us.  Enjoy a wine and cheese platter the evening you check in and a delightful breakfast at Annabelle’s Tea Room after a relaxing and restful night.  You can see the changing fall colors right from the front porch of the Okoboji Country Inn, or better yet see more as you walk or ride your bike along the Dickinson County Recreational Trails.  Call us today to book your next fall getaway at the Okoboji Country Inn or visit us on line at www.okobojicountryinn.com    

Barn on the Bluff B&B is located on Highway 13 just 4 miles south of Elkader in Clayton County near Iowa’s Welcome Center.  It is a 100 year old “post and beam” barn that has been renovated to maintain it’s rustic character and turned into a rural getaway for groups of family, friends, quilters, hunters, retreaters and more.

Ranging from three private bedrooms to two dorm-style bedrooms to two lofts, 20+ could sleep quite comfortably.  Barn on the Bluff has however, accommodated a family of 30 on several occasions. Guests have a fully stocked kitchen, dining room with a capacity for 20-30 people, 4 bathrooms, a fireplace, game room, 60’x12’ covered porch, firepit, grills and games and many many more amenities…all of this and a stupendous view.

Barn on the Bluff features unique sleeping arrangements - when you reserve the Barn you get the whole place to yourselves.  Rates begin at $400, please contact innkeepers at 563-245-2820 for rate quotes and to check on availability.

And, don’t forget that Northeast Iowa puts on a marvelous fall color show around early to mid October. Iowa has a link for foliage.
http://www.iowadnr.com/forestry/fallcolor.html

Also, Oct 4-6 is Hawk Watch at Effigy Mounds.

http://www.nps.gov/efmo/planyourvisit/annual-hawkwatch-weekend.htm

Max Bennett, internationally renowned jazz bass player is returning to his home town for the starting of the George Daily Auditorium’s 2008-2009 season on September 20 at 7:30.  Mr. Bennett has performed and recorded with Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell, Barbara Streisand, Peggy Lee, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Stan Kenton, George Harrison, John Williams and more.  He’s even written a special piece to be performed entitled, “Good Times at Osky High”.  Tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for students at www.georgedailyauditorium.com

If you are traveling a distance and need comfortable, quiet lodging, check at the McNeill Stone Mansion B&B. 

Wow, the fall decorating is done. The lodge is full of leaves and berries and the wonderful colors of fall. Nature is not far behind. We are seeing many birds beginning to migrate through our area on their way to their winter homes. What a wonderful time to spend out of doors enjoying the color and crisp air at Timberpine Lodge B & B. Enjoy a campfire complete with marshmellows for roasting while you sip a cup of hot cider. When the outside gets too cool, cozy up in front of your own fireplace while enjoying a romantic movie. Reserve your room now for 10% off when you book for two nights at Timberpine Lodge B & B.

They’ll be picking grapes and watching how the harvest becomes the wonderful award winning wines that Tassel Ridge is known for.  Tours are available as well as tasting on Friday, September 5.  Van and Bonnie will be there from 3pm to 6pm. 

After the tour, you deserve some pampering and you’ll find that with an overnight stay at the nearby southeast Iowa Bed and Breakfast in Oskaloosa, Ia.  This beautiful historic home was built by a coal baron and has been lovingly restored to the elegance of the 1900’s, yet has the convenience of modern day.  What could be better than to enjoy some wine and then settle in for a comfortable night at the McNeill Stone Mansion B&B.  Show us what wine you purchased at Tassel Ridge and you’ll receive $10 off your nights stay in one of our two suites.

When: Saturday, July 26th at 7:00 pm
Where: Southern Iowa Fair grandstand, Oskaloosa IA
What: Iowa’s own Standing Hamption is the opening act for Daryle Singletary
How: Track tickets - $20 and Grandstand - $15, Tickets on sale at www.iowatix.com or at the Southern Iowa Fair office in Oskaloosa

Instead of driving home afterwards, make a reservation to stay at the near by McNeill Stone Mansion B&B where you can enjoy a comfortable night’s rest and wake to the smell of a wonderful breakfast the next morning.  Bring your ticket stub and receive $10 off your stay in the McNeill Suite or the Penthouse Suite.

The Okoboji Country Inn located in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes is celebrating it’s grand opening.  We are commemorating the two year renovation of this 1870’s farmhouse into the six themed guest room country inn.  We invite you to plan a getaway at The Okoboji Country Inn, book two nights and the third night is complimentary now through June 30th.  Also receive 25 % off your total purchase in The Wash House gift shop.  Relax, rest, and recharge at The Okoboji Country Inn.  The pampering at the bed and breakfast starts when you arrive at our historic inn and continues throughout your stay with us.  Click on www.okobojicountryinn.com to view our six guest room choices or call (712) 332-2358 for more information.

Treat yourselves to a break from routine and escape to the Historic Lincoln Hotel B&B for a day of golf.  Arrive to the charm of an original Lincoln Highway hotel listed on the National Historic Registry.  Enjoy golfing at the 3-30 Golf and Country Club where you will have all day access for two to the beautiful 9-hole course, pool, lounge and supper club.  Return after a wonderful dinner to the pleasing ambiance of a Lincoln Hotel suite.  After a restful night waken to a fabulous gourment breakfast for two.   For more information, call toll free:  877-941-7563.