We want to thank Travel Dubuque and the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are ours.

Howdy Partner!

A big part of a successful blogging trip includes establishing a working relationship with the local tourism bureau. Travel Dubuque helped us identify key destinations, that would be a perfect fit for our audience. After a quick stop at their downtown location, we had all of the information we needed for a successful visit. Always remember to check out the local visitors’ center for brochures, tips, and even coupons for local businesses.

Iowa’s First City

As we began to explore Dubuque sights, we discovered that it is not just the oldest city in Iowa. In fact, it is one of the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River. This river city was built by hard-working immigrants, who came to the region in search of a better life. While early commerce focused on mining, the city would later become an industrial mecca. Some of the main industries were logging, mill-work, meat packing, and even button making. We found out that this particular industry derived from the mother-of-pearl that was harvested from shells gathered from the nearby river.

Getting Back to Nature

Since the best way to discover Dubuque history is from the beginning, it just makes sense that we head to the Mines of Spain. This area was originally inhabited by the Mesquakie tribe. Evidence shows that they were working lead mines prior to the Revolutionary War. They also dealt with fur trading with French trappers who visited the region. The area is covered with hiking trails and offers a chance to get back to nature. A visit to the Mines of Spain also brings with it plenty of amazing views from the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. While we were in the neighborhood, we decided to add a visit to Crystal Lake Cave. This spelunking venue was accidentally discovered by a lead miner in 1868. A brief history of the cave can be found in one of our previous articles, along with some photos from the underground. (Explore the cave here.)

Bird’s Eye View

Now that we had explored the underground world on which Dubuque lies, it was time to see it from a different perspective. A visit to the Fenelon Place Elevator offers an opportunity for a historic ride up the bluffs. Touted as the “World’s Shortest Railway”, we found that it is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike.  We have to say that the views found above are fantastic. From the top, we could see out across the downtown area and over the Mississippi River Valley. You definitely want to include this stop on your itinerary. (Take a ride here.)

A River Runs Through

With all of these wonderful views of the water, it was time to get a little closer perspective. A visit to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium would give us an inside view of our nation’s waterways. This Smithsonian affiliate complex is filled to the gills with exhibits and artifacts. Be sure to block off some extra time, so that you can explore all of the buildings, as well as the extra exhibits out back. (Explore the River Museum here.)

Slowing Our Pace

With all of this running around, we needed a chance to slow down for a bit. A visit to the Dubuque Botanical Gardens was the perfect solution. This volunteer-run attraction offers tranquil settings and peaceful places to relax. During our time there, we noticed others must have had the same idea. We even saw some local artists painting landscape scenes in the gardens. (Take a walk through the gardens here.)

Historic Lodging

Speaking of getting some rest, let’s discuss finding the perfect overnight lodging location. Hotel Julien was a great solution, as it allowed us to stay right in the heart of all the fun. This historic hotel has been the temporary dwelling of some big names, through the years. As we explored the spaces, we imagined that we were walking in the same steps as Abraham Lincoln and Al Capone. We were beginning to discover that Dubuque has been a hot spot for visitors for decades. It was definitely an experience that we will remember. (Explore Hotel Julien here.)

A Fresh Start

While breakfast at the Hotel Julien was a convenient way to start the day, we also wanted to sample the local flavors of the Millwork District. Located near the downtown, it is an area that is seeing a flurry of revitalization, much as we have found in other downtowns. We visited this cute coffee shop, which offers a tranquil, relaxed way to ease into the day. Inspire Cafe is certainly well named, as it inspired us to discover Dubuque districts outside of downtown.

A Nod to the King

The task of researching potential itinerary stops allows us to envision the flavor of a new destination. What that can often lead to, is the struggle with paring down our choices that can be visited in the time allowed. This really comes out when the subject is dining. It never fails that we find tons of interesting eateries, but we can only eat so many meals. When we found a spot that offers a PB&J burger, at 1st & Main, well it jumped up to the “must try” list. (Check out 1st & Main here.)

Cutting Edge

We always look for at least one stop that is on the cutting edge of the local social scene. In Dubuque, we chose L. May Eatery, and we were not disappointed. The locals flock to this urban eatery for cocktails, consumables, and conversation. Located in the heart of downtown, it offers indoor and outdoor seating options. We would soon discover Dubuque is a great choice for people watching. (Step inside L. May here.)

One of the Family

Since we had the people watching spot covered, we wanted to find a dining option that brought some comfort food to the table. When we spotted Vinny Vanucchi’s, it immediately caught our attention. The idea of dining in a family atmosphere should elevate comfort to the highest level. When we arrived, it went well beyond dining with family and ended up feeling like they adopted us into their clan.  (Check out Vinny’s here.)

It’s the People

Speaking of family, we found the most amazing chocolate maker, while exploring Dubuque, Iowa. Betty Jane has been a Dubuque landmark for many years. When it changed hands, some people were worried that the original recipes would be replaced. No worries here, the new owners have focused their energy on making the brand recognizable worldwide. After some taste testing, we knew that their sweet treats were too good to be kept a Dubuque secret. Besides, the new owners are amazingly friendly folk, that welcome the chance to show off some Iowa products. (Read more about Betty Jane here.)

Farewell for Now!

Our visit had allowed us to discover Dubuque treasures, that are fun for all ages. With all of these memories in the bag, it was time for us to make our return to our hometown. As we made our last trip through the downtown, we took the last chance to check out all of the cool wall murals. Our time in Iowa’s first city had opened our eyes to a wide variety of entertainment and dining options. We didn’t get to see all of the places we had researched, but we were happy to have an opportunity to savor a taste of Dubuque. Which of these stops would you add to your vacation itinerary?

The post Discover Dubuque – Iowa’s First City appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Travel Dubuque and the National Mississippi River Museum for their hospitality. rest assured all opinions are our own.

Impressive Layout

With a place as large as this, we knew that our article would only offer a cursory view of the exhibits. There are multiple buildings to be explored, so we started with the National Rivers Center. Just looking out over this first space, showed us that they have found a way to utilize every inch of space. This gallery is focused on introducing visitors to the early uses of rivers in the wilderness. From the earliest days, rivers were nature’s highway system that would allow travel throughout the lands.

Earliest People

Archaeological excavations have produced evidence of earlier civilizations all around the river’s path. This is probably no surprise to anyone since water is the lifeblood of all living creatures. A series of displays show some interesting pieces that have been unearthed. They offer a glimpse of the past and help us form a vision of what these cultures must have been like, in those early days.

Nature’s Highway

Besides the native Indians, the rivers were also used as nature’s highways by traders and explorers. These early adventurers set out to discover new regions and hopefully strike their fortunes. Some were trappers who found plenty of wildlife living in and around the waterways. These early roads were used by the explorers as pathways to the mountains, where many of the rivers had their origins. In a nearby cave exhibit, we were able to sit and listen to stories of early explorers like Samuel de Champlain and Jacques Marquette.

Exploring New Lands

The fur trade was a huge driver behind the exploration of North America. Trappers pushed further and further inland, in an effort to discover pristine areas. The rivers provided an alternative to overland travel. As the push into new territories expanded, it brought with it contact with new native tribes. These early explorers discovered that many of the native Indians had long ago established a trading system between tribes. The Europeans did bring new merchandise, that was eagerly sought after by the native people.

Splash Zone Ahead

Now that we had explored the origins of traffic on nature’s highway, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get wet. The RiverWorks Splash Zone is designed to let kids of all ages discover the many uses of nature’s highways. A series of exhibits allowed us to get hands-on while learning how ships navigate the rivers and use locks systems. Nearby, there are a set of small aquariums that hold various species of aquatic species.

Little Learners

One of the animals most associated with rivers is the beaver. At the National Mississippi River Museum you can explore a beaver’s lodge, while you learn more about this creature. Displays explain how they are able to chew through trees with such efficiency. We even got to feel a little of the beavers pelt, which was so sought after by those early fur traders. This whole space is fun for kids, but parents can enjoy it, as well.

In Touch With Nature

Speaking of getting to feel creatures. Step on over to Down in the Delta for another fun experience. Here you can get up close and personal with stingrays, at their 2250 gallon touch pool. These gentle beings glide through the water, as guests are invited to feel their slippery skin. Also in this area, we found more aquariums. Most of these focused on creatures that live close to where the Mississippi River flows out to meet the ocean. The largest aquarium in the museum resides near this area and features an assortment of saltwater species from the Gulf of Mexico.

Watery Inhabitants

With our time passing faster than we wanted, it was time to move over to the Mississippi River Center. We passed the aviary on our way to the other complex. Here the focus turns from all of nature’s highways to the one great river in Central North America. Inside this building, we found more aquarium style exhibits. Each one focused on a specific ecosystem that can be found along the river’s path. Still, water areas are home to water snakes, turtles, and dozens of bird species. Deepwater holds interesting creatures like the paddle-fish. There is even an exhibit about the bayou area, which includes the American alligator.

Timely Education

During our exploration of this building, we noticed additional exhibits on the second floor. What we found there, was a grouping of rotating displays that showcase historical artifacts about Dubuque, Iowa. One that caught our eye, was a model of the Fenelon Place Elevator. While the main museum focuses on nature’s highways, this exhibit showcases one a little further inland. Since this was one of the attractions on our itinerary, it was perfect that we got a chance to discover how it operates. (You can read our article about the elevator here.)

Rotating Exhibit

The other half of the second floor holds a temporary exhibit. During our visit, it was all about fairy tales. The brightly colored displays give children a chance to immerse themselves in the stories that they have heard for years. Of course, there were a few obscure tales that we were unfamiliar with. Space was well designed and laid out to accommodate areas for play.

Heading Into the Woods

Each of the specific tales included at least one interactive part in the display. Visitors were invited to slide down the beanstalk or try on Cinderella’s glass slipper. It was an entertaining exhibit, even for grown-up kids like us. These two areas reminded us of the outdoor theater we experienced in Lindsborg, Kansas. (You can read about it here.) Once we finished playing around in this area, we realized that time was quickly running out on our visit. We quickly made our way to the outdoor space, between the centers. In this area, visitors have a chance to check out a paddle-wheel driven river dredge ship. There are even more exhibits to see, but we’ll leave some surprises for your visit. You may want to plan for more than three hours.

The post Nature’s Highways – National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Travel Dubuque and Vinny Vanucchi’s for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Seating Choices

Downtown Dubuque is easily navigated on foot. With everything in close proximity, we were never more than a few blocks away from our hotel. (You can read about Hotel Julien here.) Our dinner at Vinny Vanucchi’s ended up being less than a block down the street. Inside, we found that they have a few seating areas to choose from. A counter-service deli offers a quick lunch area that transforms into extra dining space in the evening. There is also a bar area for those just wanting to enjoy a Happy Hour. We chose to be seated in the main dining room. No matter where you sit, you’ll have views of plenty of family photos.

Drink Up!

Once we were seated, the restaurant manager, Sunny Moore, came by to visit. Like most visits, we had pre-scheduled a time when the staff wouldn’t be overloaded. This is an approach we find works best for all involved. It’s also a great way to have top-notch service since the wait staff isn’t slammed with customer requests. Sunny suggested we start with a drink, and when we struggled to pick the best one, she decided to bring out a trio to sample. The White Sangria had a mellow, fruity taste that makes for a refreshing summer cocktail. The Dirty Frank packed a good punch, and along with the Raspberry Cosmo, made us look very upscale.

Time for some Italian Classics

We sipped our cocktails, while we ate our salad and breadsticks. We weren’t worried about the effects since we were doing the pedestrian thing that evening. Before long our dinner dishes arrived. Crystal had selected the Chicken Vinito, which features a delectable mix of tomato, artichoke, and basil. These are tossed with fresh Linguine and a charbroiled chicken breast. The flavor reminded her of one of her favorite Italian dishes, so I could tell she was completely satisfied.

Getting Stuffed

Since Crystal was going old school with one of her favorites, I felt I should as well. Uncle Paulie’s Baked Penne combines the three flavors I enjoy the most from Italian cuisine. Vinny Vanucchi’s hits it out of the ballpark with this dish. Baked Penne noodles are doused in a delicious tomato sauce. Then they add Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese to the bake for gooey richness. A healthy sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds that extra zest. We were going to be full for a week.

Any Room Left?

Sometimes, I think we do ourselves an injustice by leaving dessert for last. Sure, we were full, but the dishes they brought to the table looked too tasty to pass up. Cream filled Cannoli, decadent Tiramisu, and an airy piece of Italian Lemon Wedding Cake all begged to be tasted. It was looking like we were going to need to do a lot of walking after dinner.

Family Tradition at Vinny Vanucchi’s

After we pushed ourselves away from the table, we had one more surprise. Sunny wanted to show us a little more of the space. We had already noted that Vinny Vanucchi’s is filled with many old photographs, and she explained that most are actually family shots. She led us upstairs to a seating area that can be reserved for special occasions. There is even space, with the head table, that puts the guests of honor in an old jail cell. Can you imagine having your wedding reception here? Everywhere we looked, there were mementos and artifacts of the family. Our visit to Vinny Vanucchi’s was more than just a meal, it was like being invited into the family.

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We want to thank Travel Dubuque and Hotel Julien for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Silent Sentinel

When we discovered that Hotel Julien would be our home away from home for a couple of days, our first task was to find out about the hotel’s history. Way back in 1839, a building was erected on this spot. The original four-story lodging was called the Waples House, after a wealthy Dubuque merchant. Travelers coming from the east would find this building greeting them, as they crossed the river. The views from our corner room looked east across the river. We could imagine those early pioneers coming out of the fog to suddenly see this grand hotel rising from the banks.

Elegance Abounds

In 1854, the building was purchased and renamed. Even in those early days, it was already drawing in notable guests. In 1859, Abraham Lincoln spent time in the hotel, during a stint working for the Illinois Central Railroad. While records don’t note which room he stayed in, he obviously used the same lobby as we did. Our room on the eighth floor brought us close to another famous visitor. We heard a variety of stories about the notorious gangster, Al Capone, and his visits to the Hotel Julien. When the heat got too high in Chicago, he would travel with his entourage to Dubuque, to lay low. It is reported that they would block off the entire eighth floor during their stays. While the renovation removed all of the old furniture, we knew that there was a chance we might sleep in the shadow of giants.

Refresh

The Hotel Julien went through an extensive renovation a few years ago. Today, it has all of the modern conveniences that travelers expect, but still holds its air of historic significance. Even with a packed itinerary, we made sure to reserve some time to explore the hotel. Our goal was to seek out their indoor pool area, so we set off in search of our prize. When we happened upon the Potosa Spa, we decided to pop in to check it out. We found out that the unusual name comes from a daughter of a chief from a local Native American tribe. She was supposedly the wife of Julien Dubuque. To honor her, the spa offers treatments that draw inspiration from Native American culture.

Relax

As we continued our exploration, we came to the indoor pool area. This space is decorated in the same rich colors that are found throughout the hotel. In one corner of the room, we found their whirlpool spa. We were hoping to squeeze in a little time in the spa, to help unwind after a day of walking around town. I dipped my toe into the spa to feel the deliciously warm water. Now I was really looking forward to a late evening visit.

Recharge

Hotel Julien not only had us sleeping in the shadow of giants, but it also has a restaurant with its own story to tell. Caroline’s is named for a local businesswoman with ties to the hotel’s management, but her tale comes from the late 1800s. Her husband owned an ice business but died from pneumonia after falling into the Mississippi River. With five children to feed, she took over the business and eventually invested in a variety of downtown properties. She was very diligent about her business. It is reported that she would follow her delivery drivers, to make sure they did their job correctly.

Delectable Eats

Today, Caroline’s is positioned to offer views of the harbor, where the ice was harvested. With this beautiful view laid out before us, we enjoyed a delicious American breakfast. This was one where we each ordered, but then shared dishes for more variety. My choice was the Chicken and Waffle, which is a tip of the hat to a dish popular in river towns in the southern U.S. The version served at Caroline’s offers up a crispy fried chicken breast laid out on a Belgian-style waffle. Crystal picked the Biscuits and Gravy, which is another southern dish. Another well-done dish, which disappeared in a few minutes. Now we were ready for another day of exploring.

Sleep in the Shadow of Giants

The Hotel Julien is a delightful mix of historic opulence and modern convenience. Being located in the heart of the downtown area, it makes the perfect home base for exploring the surrounding community. It maintains a prominent spot in the city’s landscape, which makes it easy to use to reset your bearings. There is a slew of restaurants, shops, and attractions within walking distance. (You can read about one at 1st and Main here.) Besides, how often do you get the opportunity to sleep in the shadow of giants like Lincoln or Capone?

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We want to thank Travel Dubuque and Crystal Lake Cave for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Spelunking Equipment

Crystal Lake Cave is a living attraction, which means that many of the formations are still growing. It was originally discovered in 1868 by James Rice,  a lead miner looking for ore. The lands around Dubuque are known for being rich with this mineral. Much to Rice’s surprise, the cave was filled with an amazing array of minerals. In those days, access was made by being lowered down 45 feet in a bucket. Not exactly the type of transportation method we would prefer. They could have used an elevator like the one found downtown. (You can read about it here.) These days there is a staircase that leads into the cave.  The gift shop offers spelunking helmets, which we decided to pass up. In hindsight, I wish I would have gotten one. It would have kept the drips off of my head, and made a great souvenir of our visit.

Shining a Light on Dubuque History

Our guide led us down the stairs and into the cave. As we made our way through the twisting tunnels, she explained some of the histories of Crystal Lake Cave. From its early start as Rice’s Cave, it passed to Charles Linden. Renamed Crystal Lake Cave, in the 1930s, Linden’s son-in-law developed it as a tourist attraction. It stayed in the family’s possession until 1978. James and Doris Rubel became owners at that point and had the lighting system completely refurbished. Using theater-style lighting techniques, it created less heat and increased the dramatic impact on visitors.

Live Spelunking in Dubuque

Being a living attraction means that Crystal Lake Cave has many formations that are continuing to grow. To accomplish this, it requires water to seep through the ground. That means that many of the formations continue to “weep” with mineral-rich moisture. As we made our way through this spelunking adventure, we would periodically feel a drip on our heads. That’s where the mining caps would have come in handy. There are also some low ceiling areas, that would favor a bump cap, but our guide was always warning us of any potential danger.

Back Above Ground

I’m not claustrophobic, so our spelunking adventure was fascinating to me. With our visit complete, and our souvenirs in hand, it was time to move along. Before heading out, I took a moment to celebrate our spelunking adventure with the zest of an old-fashioned prospector. We certainly hit the mother lode when it comes to seeing some beautiful formations.

A Quick Stop at a Major Landmark

Before heading back into downtown Dubuque, we decided to make a short detour into the Mines of Spain Recreation Area. With over 1400 acres of wooded hillsides to explore,this is the perfect place for hiking, canoeing, wildlife watching or just a picnic. This space is home to a variety of creatures including; bobcat, deer, turkey, hawks, and various songbirds. It also boasts around 21 miles of trails that can be explored year-round. For those cold weather fans, roughly 6 miles of them are designed for cross-country skiing.

Honoring Dubuque’s Pioneer

Since our time was limited, we decided to visit the Julien Dubuque monument. Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, it affords breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the city of Dubuque. The site, as well as the city, are namesakes of the first European settler to the region. Julien Dubuque had received a grant to work the lands, which were owned by Spain in 1788. He built a trading post, as well as his residence in what would become Iowa territory. Trading with the native peoples, he established a collection of buildings and named the site the Mines of Spain. Today, the 25-foot tower stands as a monument to this pioneer who saw the value of the surrounding lands. Have you ever seen the view from this historic spot?

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We want to thank Travel Dubuque and L. May Eatery for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are ours. 

Social Hot Spot

We passed by the collection of bistro tables located along the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Even on an unusually warm evening, most of the tables were occupied. We opted to spend our meal time indoors, so we made our way inside. As we waited for our table to be readied, we noted that the bar area was another social hot spot. I made note of some fanciful drink options, as a few looked quite interesting.

Dining with the Locals

In just a couple of minutes, our hostess led us to our table in the main dining area. There are two rooms that incorporate booths and tables into one. This works great, since Crystal prefers booth seating, while I am a chair guy. Once again, we noted that L. May Eatery could be noted as a social hot spot. While we didn’t take a survey, it was obvious that many of the guests were locals. We enjoyed the large windows, which allowed us to people watch diners inside and out.

Small Bites Starter

When we selected L. May Eatery for our itinerary, it was based on the rave reviews of their pizzas. To get us started, we decided to sample a couple of their signature cocktails, as well as a charcuterie board. I chose a Honey Bee Fashioned, which is a delicious blend of Iowa produced honey and bourbon. Add in the flavor of freshly muddled cherries and you have a wonderful version of a classic drink. Crystal went with a mocktail. This interesting concoction was invented by the owner’s daughter and offered plenty of flavor without the liquor. We sipped our drinks, as we nibbled on our SW Wisconsin Cheese Plate. Four kinds of local cheeses combined with prosciutto, olives, apple, artisan crackers, and a delectable chutney.

Pizza Elevated

We munched on our appetizer, as we waited for our made from scratch pizza. Our selection was the Pig & Fig. This specialty pie combines the sweetness of sliced figs and the hearty flavor of roasted pork. The cracker style crust brings a nice crispy texture. Our appetizer had taken the edge off of our hunger, and this pizza helped put it to rest. After a day filled with exploring some of Dubuque’s unique attractions, this was the perfect way to replenish our energy for an evening walk. (You can read about one of the unique stops here.)

Back to Exploring

We were very pleased with our visit to this Dubuque social hot spot. A visit to L. May Eatery is definitely a good addition to any vacation itinerary. They serve up some delicious bites, and the staff is very friendly. We even had an opportunity to speak with the owner for a couple of minutes, although he was busy behind the bar. It was obvious that the restaurant is a labor of love for him. We discovered that it is named after his grandmother, Lil’ May, which just added to our love for the atmosphere. This is exactly the kind of place we like to visit during our travels. One where you will find and experience and tastes that won’t be soon forgotten.

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We want to thank Travel Dubuque and the Dubuque Arboretum for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Slow Your Pace

What began in 1980, has grown to become a favorite of the community. The gardens were created by volunteers and is still maintained by an all-volunteer staff. Admission is FREE, but they do accept donations to help keep the gardens growing. We started our visit by passing through this charming Japanese Garden gate. Immediately, we could feel the peacefulness flow over us. Just inside the garden is a bench, where we made a short stop to just take it all in.

Tranquil Settings

We made our way down the hillside and arrived at a small pond. The sound of falling water drew our attention to a nearby bridge. Stopping along the way across, we let the sound wash away any tension that we had leftover. Beneath the bridge, a school of Koi fish darted in and out of the shadows. The summer day promised to be hot, but for now, the gentle breezes made the weather delightful.

Getting a Little Formal

Farther into the Dubuque Arboretum, we came across an English Garden. Set in a formal design, it is lined with rows of neatly trimmed boxwood bushes. The repeating patterns are certainly pleasing, but not quite our cup of tea.

Inspiring Ideas

When we happened upon the Cactus Garden, we had to slow our pace a little more. Being from the Midwest, it surprised us to see so much variety in this bed. We have considered adding cacti to our own landscape but wondered how they would handle the unpredictable winter weather. It was reassuring to see that they were able to survive in an ecosystem north of our own.

Something For All Ages

After stopping in the gift shop for a break, we made our way back into the garden area. Just a few steps away, we came upon a Children’s Garden. It held multiple smaller beds, that each had an interesting story to tell. Actually, there was a theme that ran through all of the beds, which was children’s nursery rhymes and tales. Everything from Hickory, Dickory, Dock to the Princess and the Pea were found. It was fun figuring out what each flower bed was supposed to represent.

Slow Your Pace

Discovering that the Dubuque Arboretum is completely volunteer-run, made the place a little extra special. Checking out all of the beautiful gardens will certainly cause you to slow your pace. Perhaps you will even want to join the locals, and enjoy painting one of the scenes found around the space. If you have plenty of time, there are spots to rest for a bit and just take in the scenery. No matter how you decide to take in the sights at this attraction, we are confident that you will finish your visit in a relaxed state of mind. How many of you enjoy visiting arboretums?

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We want to thank Travel Dubuque and Betty Jane Candies for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Colorful Displays

Betty Jane Candies isn’t exactly located in the downtown, so it wasn’t initially on our radar. When we decided to add the Dubuque Arboretum to our itinerary, it meant that we would have to venture outside of our home base space closer to the river. (We will add a link to the arboretum here when the article is released.) Now we would be passing directly by the candy store, so we obviously had to make a stop. When we entered the store, we were greeted by brightly colored candies arranged in eye-pleasing displays.

Under Wraps

We don’t know if it is a fact, but we will toss it out and see if it sticks. It is impossible to be sad in a candy store. With so many shiny bags filled with sweet treats, our taste buds were kicking into gear. The intoxicating aroma of chocolate filled the air, drawing us in closer. I jumped into action and began taking photos of the beautiful displays. There is something magical about a candy shop that brings cheer to your heart.

Sweet Presence

We were greeted by Andrew Siegert, who is the new-ish president of the company. Betty Jane Candies has been serving up delicious treats since 1938. For over 70 years, one family managed the business. In 2011 this changed, as the family handed the reins over to the new owners. While we are sure the founding family was concerned with the tradition continuing, those fears were unwarranted. Andrew, and his staff, are diligent about maintaining the highest level of quality and preserving the time-proven recipes.

Sampling the Sweets

Now that we knew the back story, it was time to get down to business. The reason for the sweet success at Betty Jane Candies is their strict adherence to providing a consistently high-quality product. Their candies are deliciously decadent and are concentrated between milk and dark chocolates. We found that they offer nuts, toffee, creams, and caramels encased in silky chocolate coatings. As we became intoxicated with the chocolate, we would soon discover our favorite, the Gremlins! This delicate blend of caramel, pecans, and milk chocolate is sinfully delicious.

Sweet Success at Betty Jane

Now it may sound like we are exaggerating the goodness of the candies at Betty Jane, so let’s let the facts speak for themselves. This small Iowa chocolatier has risen to fame in the past few years. Under Andrew’s direction, they have moved from being an Iowa favorite to becoming a sweet success on a worldwide scale. In 2013, they appeared in the “swag bags” at the Emmy Awards. In 2014 it was the Academy Awards ceremony. They repeated this feat with an appearance in the bags at the 2017 Grammy Awards. This exposure has propelled Betty Jane Candies to fame but has not changed the love that they put into each step of production.

Midwest Hospitality

With so much going right for them, we are confident that this Iowa confectioner will continue to receive accolades for many years to come. After all, to them it is more than just a business, it is a chance to share their passion with the rest of the world. Before we departed, Andrew loaded us up with an assortment of their products. These were well received by all of our friends and family, but we kept the Gremlins for ourselves. After all, we wanted to share in the sweet success at Betty Jane Candies, as well. Have you ever sampled their sweet treats?

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We want to thank Travel Dubuque and Fenelon Place Elevator for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Cheap Trip

There may be some dispute over where the world’s shortest railway resides, but for us, this one certainly fits the bill. It is also safe to say that this is the steepest one we have ridden. With an ascent angle of 41°, this unique attraction bears riders up the 189-foot hillside. While many locals use this as a daily form of commuting, we were merely doing the tourist thing. A round trip is just $3.00 and offers some amazing views from the top. While the opportunity didn’t arise, we are guessing the views at night would be enchanting.

Scaling the Bluff

The bluff, that provides the scenic views of the surrounding region, forms a ridge that rises a couple of hundred feet above the businesses below.  These days a car will help navigate the hill in no time, but that was not the case in the early days. Many of the residents lived on top of the hill and made the daily commute down to the buildings below. The trip took about a half-hour, and was made in the morning, round-trip at lunch, and returning in the evening. In 1882, a local merchant received a franchise to build the first Swiss-style cable car.   

See Ya’ later

The ridge that separates these two elevations of the city, is easily apparent, from the east. As we approached the Fenelon Place Elevator, we were amazed to watch it run. We watched as the group in front climbed aboard. The seats are positioned in rows, and once inside, you pull the rope to signal the operator on top of the hill. As the car pulls away from the station, the doors close behind you. At the same time, the second car begins its descent from above.

It’s a Split

As they approach the midway point, the tracks split to allow the two cars to pass. Once this happens, the cars return to their path and eventually wind up switching positions from bottom to top. We noticed that when the cars are passing each other, it is customary to wave to the occupants of the other car. This is definitely Midwest hospitality shining through. We watched patiently, as we waited our turn to ride the world’s shortest railway.

Breaking It Down

Earlier in the day, we had made a visit to the Mississippi River Museum, where they had a display about the Fenelon Place Elevator. It is a fairly simple process, and the exhibit does a great job at showing the scientific principle behind the design. After a stop for lunch at one of the downtown eateries, we walked a few blocks over to explore the elevator up close. (You can read about our lunch here.)

Our Turn on the World’s Shortest Railway

Standing at the base of the hill, it was our turn for a ride. We took our seats and were joined by another couple who were doing the tourist thing. Away we rose, up the hill. The ride is quite smooth, and soon we found ourselves stepping out onto the overlook above.

View From Above

Once we arrived at the top, we took some time to take in the view of the surrounding region. From this vantage point, we could see the oldest parts of the city laid out at our feet. The majority of our explorations would be taking place in that area, so it was exciting to have this perspective. After chatting with some other tourists, we made our way back down the world’s shortest railway.

Exploring the Neighborhood

During our walk to the Fenelon Place Elevator, we had noticed some boutique-style shops in the surrounding neighborhood. With a little free time on our hands, we decided to explore some of them. Most are housed in older buildings that appear to have originally been homes. These days they have been transformed, but the original exteriors make the neighborhood look very quaint.

Couple Goals

Around the corner from the elevator, we found an entire street of shops. We made our way in and out of them and found that each holds something unique. Before the guys in the audience begin to cringe in fear, of a day of shopping, just know that there are things for gents to see, as well. Actually, we found some really cool stuff for guys. It was also a good opportunity to mingle with some locals and learn more about this river city. Now that we had experienced the world’s shortest railway, we were interested to see what other unique attractions Dubuque had in store for us. What’s the shortest railway you have ridden on?

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We want to thank Visit Dubuque and 1st & Main for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Embracing the Past

It was pretty easy to locate 1st & Main since the address is obvious. Once inside, we discovered that the interior was a nice mix of old and new. The industrial feel was apparent in the exposed brick and high ceilings. A long bar occupied one side, while table-tops lined the other. There were a few regular tables near the entrance, and even more in a second dining room. We were seated at one of the short tables, with a good view of the entire place. We examined the menu and quickly found a couple of delectable sounding handhelds.

Seasoning It Up

Crystal chose the Greek Chicken Sandwich, which had a nice combination of flavors. The marinated filet is topped with feta cheese, tomato, lettuce, and basil pesto sauce. The sandwich came with a choice of fries. Crystal went for the Garlic Parmesan Sidewinder Fries, which had a nice crisp, and a good texture inside. While her choices were very interesting, mine would be a special treat.

Hunka, Hunka Flavor

As I perused the menu, I came upon a sandwich made with an intriguing combination of ingredients. Once I found the 1st & Main Burger, my mind was made up. Now, this dish starts basic enough, as it has the best of a bacon burger. The addition of pepper jack cheese adds a little spice, but what comes next was surprising. How about slathering on some peanut butter and jelly? Oh yeah, this had to be tasted. My first bite was a big one so that I was sure to get all of the flavors. Wow! The creamy and sweet addition was the perfect complement to this juicy patty. Toss in a side of sweet potato fries, and I was in foodie heaven. It was definitely a delicious start in Dubuque. The burger was large, but the flavor kept bringing me back for more and more. By the time we left, I was completely stuffed.

Delicious Start in Dubuque

With our first culinary adventure being a complete success, our anticipation of future meals was riding high. Time for us to get out and do some major walking to burn some of this off. Fortunately, Dubuque has a pedestrian-friendly downtown, so we knew we would be getting our steps in. As we made our way toward the Fenelon Place Elevator, we reflected on the peanut butter burger. I thought of Elvis, and what his opinion of the sandwich would have been. I’m guessing he would have named it the “King” of burgers. How many of you would enjoy that addition on your burger?

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