Southern Iowa Lodging & Couples Golf Package is one of the summer specials now being offered at Charlie-Jane’s Bed and Breakfast.

You can find a GREAT place to stay and a GREAT place to play golf all in one package! Worried about getting a tee time? Let us worry about that. The 9-hole semi-private Mount Ayr Country Club facility features 2,975 yards of golf, from the longest tee for a par 35.

The course rating is 33.8 and it has a slope rate of 172. Carts are allowed on the fairways, and one has been reserved in your name! Charlie-jane’s offers 2 queen size bedrooms and spacious suite with AC, TV, and a full breakfast of your choice. Yes, that includes homemade waffles, pancakes or french toast, plus eggs, meat, muffins and fruit! You can get more information at www.Charlie-janes.com and golflink.com.  Get your reservations now and ask about our “Gof & Lodging Special.”!

At Gin’s Inn, located in Templeton, Iowa, guests select from four exquisitely decorated guest rooms. Rooms are tastefully decorated with heirlooms and a touch of whimsy to create a special atmosphere and the modern comforts of home.

View photos of all four bedrooms online at: http://www.ginsinn.com/rooms.htm

All rooms have air conditioning and an individually controlled heater thermostat.

Spencer, Iowa ~ The Clay County Fair has come a long way since it grew out of a series of homestead era fairs, agricultural society expositions, a state high-wheel-bicycle meet, a trotting association and community barbecues and picnics — held in Spencer in 1871, only five years after pioneer settlers drove their covered wagons from Wisconsin to Spencer Grove. For entertainment this first fair ran races with horses and riders from Sioux Rapids, Peterson and Emmetsburg. Today, the Clay County fair is the largest county fair in the state of Iowa. It has the second largest agricultural exposition in North America. Bringing in over 310,000 visitors a year, the Clay County Fair is one of the largest county fairs in the USA.

If you plan to visit the fair this year, you will want to consider lodging at one of these fine northwest Iowa bed and breakfast establishments — and, be sure to visit their booth in the Ag Building’s basement during the run of the fair:

Maple Street B&B in Lamoni, Iowa

Maple Street Bed and Breakfast
218 N Maple Street, Lamoni, IA 50140
Phone: (641) 784-0300

Cliff and Janie Neeley, Innkeepers
Rooms: 4   Baths: 2   Ask about accommodations for Pets & Children

The Maple Street Bed and Breakfast opened in June of 2009 to serve guests all year ’round.  The B&B is a Craftsman Bungalow built in early 1900. It has been updated and remodeled to highlight and feature its original wood floors, and has been decorated with antique decor of the period. The simple country atmosphere of Lamoni and the Maple Street B&B encourages leisure, quiet life reflection, and the release of stressful thought. You can feel tensions melt away as you sit on the front porch swing or relax in their outdoor hot tub on the back deck.

Rates include a full breakfast and full access to the snack area provided just for Maple Street B&B guests.  All four rooms feature cable television and High Speed Wireless Internet access.  There is also a DVD available for guest use along with a DVD library.  If you are traveling with a pet, be sure to ask about all their pet arrangement options.

Visit them online at: www.maplestbnb.com

Yesterday one of the guests at the Garden and Galley Bed and Breakfast in Indianola Iowa went for an eventful walk on the property’s woods. Bill, our guest,  found a fawn with a leg bound up in the wire fence. As the fawn screamed he untangled it’s leg. Than for added drama, the fawn’s mother ran around him, roaring as it did so. That’s gratitude for you!

Wild life abounds at the Garden and Galley.  Visit our website and plan your stay with us at:  www.gardenandgalley.com

The Book: Iowa Road Guide to Haunted Locations

Charlie Jane’s Bed and Breakfast is a few miles from Tedrow Cemetery! Yes, Ringgold County, in Southern Iowa, has one of Iowa’s most haunted locations.  Our guests, Lacey and Christi can contest to that! They took pictures of their experiences when they stayed with us last weekend. They wanted us to share with you their experiences and we will when we get their pictures.  If you don’t believe them check out the book “The Iowa Road Guide to Haunted Locations” and websites:  Unexpained Research.com and The Shadowlands.net.

Tedrow Cemetery, a few miles southeast of Mount Ayr is out in the country, on a dirt road, and after visiting with our guests we have decided not to venture out there on our own. We will leave the lights on for our guests instead. Visit our website, www.Charlie-janes.com, for accommodations!  (We’ll post the photos from Lacey and Christi here when we receive them, so be sure to check back here in the near future.)

Plan on attending an Okoboji Summer Theatre performance this summer!

The Okoboji Summer Theatre has announced it’s 52nd season of nine amazing shows.

This year’s line up includes three wonderful musicals, several wacky comedies and also a few thought-filled pieces.  It is in the darkest and most uncertain times that we need theatre the most.  That is exactly what summer theatre is about, taking you in a world that can entertain, stimulate and provide a momentary escape.

The Okoboji Summer Theatre is located on Highway 71 between the resort communities of Okoboji and Spirit Lake in the Iowa Great Lakes region.  It is owned and operated by Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, for the purpose of providing commercial summer stock experience for their theatre students.  Stephens College has one of the leading undergraduate theatre programs in the country, and has been a member of the Iowa Great Lakes community for more than 50 years.

So for nine weeks during the Summer of 2009, come and escape with the professional company along with the talented ensemble of Stephens College students.

2009 Performance Schedule

A … My Name is Alice (Musical)
Conceived by Joan Micklin and Julianne Boyd
June 16-21

Almost, Maine (Contemporary Comedy) 
By John Cariani
June 23-28

Brighton Beach Memoirs (Family)
By Neil Simon
June 30-July 5

Nickel and Dimed (Adult Contemporary)
By Barbara Ehrenreich
July 7-12

Forever Plaid (Musical)  
Written by Stuart Ross
July 14-19

Hay Fever (Comedy)
By Noel Coward
July 21-26

George Washington Slept Here (Family Comedy)
July 28-Aug. 2
By Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman

Proof (Adult Contemporary)
By David Auburn
Aug. 4-9

INTO THE WOODS (Musical)
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Aug. 11-16

For ticket reservations please contact Okoboji Summer Theatre  Box 341, Spirit Lake, IA 51360.  The Box Office opens June 9, and reservations are accepted by telephone (712) 332-7773.

While in the Lakes area for the Okoboji Summer Theatre, book your accommodations at the Okoboji Country Inn.  It would be the ideal lodging choice for an overnight theatre adventure.  Visit them online for more information:  http://www.okobojicountryinn.com/rooms.html

Hope you can be downtown Des Moines when they Flip the Switch at Holiday Lights Des Moines on Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, at Brenton Skating Plaza, bringing together the sights and sounds of the season. Admission is FREE!

Holiday Lights Des Moines will feature live performances from musicians and choirs, a horse-drawn carriage, specialty food vendors, face painting, and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus from 4-7 p.m. on the evening after Thanksgiving! At 6:28 p.m. we will light up the night sky as Des Moines mayor Frank Cownie flips the switch on a beautiful lighted tree!

Brenton Skating Plaza will also be open for public skating from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Adult admission to skate is $3.00, admission for children 12 and under is $2.00, and skate rental is $2.50.

Following the lighting, join us for another special community event under the stars at Festival of Trees and Lights at the Polk County Convention Complex. Admission to Festival of Trees and Lights is free from 6:30-8 p.m. on Nov. 28, but goodwill donations will be accepted.

Holiday Lights Des Moines is sponsored by MidAmerican Energy, Operation Downtown, City of Des Moines, Brenton Skating Plaza, Lite 104.1, KIOA 93.3, and produced by Downtown Events Group.

Stop by Brenton Skating Plaza to view the lighted tree throughout the winter season, and enjoy the holiday offerings from downtown businesses, restaurants and retailers.

Come stay in the Garden and Galley B&B in Indianola, a short drive from Des Moines, and enjoy the perfect leaf peeping views and holiday decorations of the South River Valley from the inns walls of windows. Visit them online at:  www.gardenandgalley.com

Gift certificates from Timberpine Lodge B & B make wonderful gift for friends and family. What could be easier then setting at your computer www.timberpinelodge@msn.com or picking up the phone (515-993-3386) and having your Christmas shopping done. Timberpine Lodge B & B has gift certificates available in any denomination for your gift giving needs. Give a dollar amount or give the gift of a room. Timberpine Lodge B & B is a wonderful place to get away. Our guests say it best, “This beautiful nature home was the perfect set up for us with no details left undone”, “Loved the decor of the home-very comfortable and inviting”, “Your place is so awesome, very peaceful and quiet. Love it!”, “Absolutely beautiful B & B!”, “We highly recommend it covered in snow-beautiful!”, “This was the best gift I’ve ever gotten!”. Make Timberpine Lodge B & B the best gift you’ve given.

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.