If you haven’t made arrangements for lodging during the Sprint Car Nationals August 12-15 om in Knoxville IA and the Oskaloosa IA races at the Southern Iowa Speedway August 10-11, you’ll want to call soon.  The McNeill Stone Mansion B&B provides racing guests a comfortable place to stay that’s a short drive after a full night of races.  We only have two rooms left, with one room for two people and the other can accommodate four people.  Call for reservations at 641-673-4348.  You’ll be glad you did.

For a sample of Dutch history, make plans to travel to Southern Iowa for the Pella Tulip Festival.  There will be street cleaning, parades, special baked goods and flower gardens to enjoy.  Only 20 minutes away, you can stay in the beautiful, historic McNeill Stone Mansion Bed and Breakfast located in a residential neighborhood of Oskaloosa IA.  Between Pella and Oskaloosa, stop and walk along the vinyards and sample the award winning wines of Tassel Ridge Winery.  You can savor history, unique architecture, wonderful food and wine all in one weekend.

Summer is not the only time to head to the lake, the fall season is here and now is your chance to see nature at it’s best and stay in a historical bed and breakfast too. 

For the Inn traveler seeking a leaf peeping getaway, the Okoboji Country Inn  is the perfect Iowa Great Lakes lodging solution.  The inn has been fully restored and guests experience modern comforts, combined with the nostalgia of Okoboji Farm House splendor.  Our luxurious accommodations include a two-room suite and five pampering guest rooms.  Lodging amenities include a wine and cheese platter when you arrive at the Okoboji Country Inn, a gourmet breakfast at Annabelle’s Tea Room, luxurious linens and gorgeous decor.  No need to travel far to see wonderful autumn hues, Lake Okoboji has a canvas of colors for everyone to enjoy.

You can see the vibrant 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.  Guests that choose to stay in Annabelle’s Suite will enjoy relaxing in their own private sun room complete with a window seat to enjoy the ever changing seasons of West Okoboji.  The Okoboji Country Inn is located in the heart of the Iowa Great Lakes area, this area is rich in fall foliage and abundant in leisure activities.  Explore an area park, head to Horseshoe Bend and enjoy the use of three-season shelter houses, mowed trails, a bird watching blind and other wildlife and habitat areas.  Come to Lake Okoboji and see what we have to offer during this festive fall season. 

More information about the Okoboji Country Inn (1704 Terrace Park Blvd, West Okoboji, IA) can be found at http://www.okobojicountryinn.com.  Call (712) 332-2358 to book your fall getaway now.

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    

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.

Iowa travelers can often find out about out-of-the-way and new bed and breakfast lodging accommodations by searching the Internet for press releases.

A great one for anyone planning to travel in the northwest section Iowa can be found at http://www.prlog.org/10106135-labor-day-rest-relaxation-in-nw-iowa.html

If you want to learn about new website’s launched by NW Iowa innkeepers press releases can also be of great value — like this one or this one.

If you are family planning to travel, this press release about lodging at Self-Serve & Self-Catering Cottages, Barns & Cabins will be of great interest.

Beginning in Late September running through Late October the Fall Foliage displays are magnificent in Northeast Iowa. Limestone Bluffs, local streams, and rivers add to the splendor Mother Nature creates every fall in Northeast Iowa. Frequently described as, “Iowa’s Little Switzerland”, Allamakee county and surrounding areas are true “undiscovered treasures”.
Looking for the perfect place to stay while enjoying the Fall Displays? Our Tara Inn has a view of Three States from our deck and great room. Enjoy sitting on the Gazebo watching the Sunset.
To make reservations call 563-568-2665 or online at www.ourtara.com

Okoboji Bed and Breakfast News:  Summer Entertainment Schedule at Little Swan Lake Winery

Little Swan Lake  Winery offers free entertainment every weekend of the summer.  Each show is free and buffalo entree meals are available.  Call the winery at (712) 858-4592 to reserve your spot today.

July 6- Billie James and Neal Ruge, 4-6pm.

July 13-Ceolmhor, 4-6pm.

July 20-Dave Rowley, 4-6pm.

July 27-Neal Ruge and Tammy Hamlin, 3-6pm.

Aug.3-Billie James and Glenn Henriksen, 4-6pm.

Aug.10-Dave Rowley, 4-6pm.

Aug.17-Ceolmhor, 4-6pm.

Aug.24-Neal Ruge and Tammy Hamlin, 3-6pm.

Aug.31-Alan Morphew, 4-6pm.

Sept.7-Billie James and Glenn Henriksen, 4-6 pm.

Sept.14-Neal Ruge and Tammy Hamlin, 3-6pm.

Sept.21-Ceolmhor, 4-6pm.

Sept. 28-Dave Rowley, 4-6pm.

While in the lakes area touring the Little Swan Lake Winery, make your lodging accommodations at the Okoboji Country Inn.  We offer six different themed guest rooms and a peaceful relaxing time during your stay with us in our historical inn.  Click on www.okobojicountryinn.com to view our rooms or call (712) 332-2358 for more information.

One of the most popular restaurants in the Iowa Great Lakes area is the Taco House in West Okoboji.  For over 30 years, locals and visitors to the Lake Okoboji area have made the Taco House a destination place to eat at.  There is no advertising in mid March when they open for the season, you just know it because the cars are packed in the parking lot.  At the end of the season closing in October/November (depending on the weather) has people lined up to pick up their soft shell and burrito orders to satisfy their Taco House fix through the long winter!

The founder of the Taco House restaurant is a Mexican lady, born and raised in a small town south of Mexico City.  She helped her mother cook for a large family and their workers.  This is reflected in the frijolas (refried beans) that are made fresh daily from her original home recipe and make sure to try their hot sauce!  The sauces used at the Taco House are true Mexican sauces, made with the same ingredients and recipes used in Mexico. 

The Okoboji Country Inn just happens to be right across the street from the Taco House and the innkeeper and family have enjoyed this place for years.  Our favorites are the soft shell and hard shell tacos, meat nachos, and the soft serve ice cream they offer from Memorial to Labor Day is a real treat!!  There are many other items to choose from on their menu and some of the plates going by look delicious, but we always seem to stick with these.  Next time you are in the Okoboji area, make a point to stop at the Taco House and enjoy some of their great food. 

Brighten up every room in your home or cottage with lovely florals from The Wash House in West Okoboji!!  You’ll find everything from pussy willows to topiaries to moss mats!!  Your favorite flowers in all the latest decorator colors too!!  Let the ladies at The Wash House arrange them for you or select your favorites and create your own lovely arrangement!!  Shop the three glorious floors of The Wash House today and bring your blooms indoors!!  Store hours Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays 1pm-5pm.  Open year round and located just off Hwy. 71 in West Okoboji.  Contact (712) 332-2358 for more information and click on www.okobojicountryinn.com to visit their website.