Stacey & Kyle
Stacey & Kyle
Things to Do
If staying at one of our hotel blocks in either Anamosa or Monticello, the following is a helpful guide for places to eat, drink, and things to do while in Iowa!
Restaurants
The Blind Pig - Monticello
An option for drinks and food Friday night. It is also just a few steps away from where the rehearsal dinner will be, so you can join us after for drinks and (hopefully) live music!
The Market at the Tap
A Speak Easy themed bar & restaurant in Monticello, near the blocked hotels.
Rehearsal Dinner Friday night will be hosted here from 5-7pm for the wedding party. After 7pm, it will be open for all guests to come join in conversation. We are told there most likely will be a live band playing starting at 7pm as well!
There are two sides to this establishment. So feel free to eat dinner and enjoy a cocktail here before 7pm on the other side while the rehearsal dinner is underway!
Dive Bars
F B & Co
A GREAT dive bar option, for those looking for an authentic Iowa bar experience. Often times have live music on the weekends.
Our hope is to stop here on our way home from our wedding for a night cap ;)
WHISKEY BAR & CLUB
Another great dive bar option near the hotel blocks!
Points of Interest
Anamosa Penitentiary Museum
A weird suggestion, we know. But an impressive architectural design for such an unlikely place, with interesting history too!
There's also a gift shop filled with items handmade by the residents. Worth a visit!
Field of Dreams Movie Site
"Is this heaven?"
"No, it's Iowa."
35 mins north of the Anamosa hotel is the Field of Dreams movie site where MLB exhibition games are now hosted. You can walk on the field and there's a gift shop.
Bonus- Can go into town to check out a local brewery, Textile Brewing Company. (See more details below.)
Textile Brewing Company
35 mins north of the Anamosa hotel is a brewery inside a beautifully restored historic sewing factory. They serve craft beer, gourmet pretzels, and flatbread pizzas.
Bonus- Drive a few minutes north to the original baseball field featured in the iconic 1989 movie, Field of Dreams. (See more details above)
This would make for a fun Friday afternoon road trip.
More Points of Interest
Approximately 50-60 mins south/west:
1. Iowa City is the college town where the bride and groom attended nursing school. There are a TON of things to do and see here. It is one of our larger cities in Iowa. Google things to do here, or use the TravelIowa.com website to help guide you in making a day's adventure here. (Or you can contact the bride or groom for suggestions.)
2. Amana Colonies. Consists of seven villages that were established in the mid-19th century by German immigrants seeking religious freedom, are renowned for their rich history, artisanal craftsmanship, and communal heritage. We recommend visiting the village Amana where you can enjoy museums, delicious and authentic German food, art galleries and many unique shops!
https://amanacolonies.com/visitors-guide/history-of-the-seven-villages/
Approximately 30 mins southwest:
1. Cedar Rapids. This is the largest and closest "big city" of Iowa to the hotels. So if you are in need of any last minute wedding items, this is the town to search! Tons of modern stores as well as boutique shops, coffee & restaurant joints. Just give it a quick Google search!
Still Need Some Guidance?
Need help planning the best road trip possible while in Iowa? This is a GREAT resource! Just plug in your start and finish towns and it will give you route options with points of interest along the way!
https://www.traveliowa.com/routemap/