Where to stay: The Court House Inn, The Landing, Guttenberg Bed & Bath, Gutenberg Haus Bed & Bath, Hartmann Bed & Bath, Rosemary’s Bed & Bath, Welcome Inn Bed & Bath, Reinitz Haus vacation rental, River Park Place (all within walking distance of the downtown and the river), the Guttenberg Motel, or Street’s Eagle View Motel.
Friday:
Noon: After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, head out for a bite to eat. Try the Picket Fence Cafe for tasty soups, sandwiches, and the pie voted Guttenberg’s best in 2014 (be sure to browse their gift shop!), Rausch’s Cafe, known for its home-style cooking and breakfast all day, or Greaser’s Drive-In, a 50s style drive in with a variety of menu options — you can’t go wrong with any of these options (descriptions of eateries available here).
2:00 pm: You’ll want to stop in to Guttenberg’s shops and boutiques, including Blooming Branches Floral & Gifts for stylish decor, accessories and more, Kann Imports for a huge variety of unique items from all over the world, Picket Fence Cafe & Gifts for home made sauces and salsas and more, and Esser’s Shoes & Clothing for a large selection of women’s apparel, shoes, accessories, and Guttenberg souvenirs. Garments & Goods features a large variety of gently used clothing and housewares, Divine Current Massage & Natural Gifts offers essential oils, natural skincare products, and holistic wellness supplies, and Shepherd Gallery & Creativity Center features a large variety of locally made artwork. Guttenberg Municipal Hospital’s Gift Shop features unique gift items and accessories, Heaven’s Hill Antiques & More offers antiques and collectibles, F&F Consignment features consigned clothing and goods, and Murray’s Outdoor Store offers a variety of gifts, plants, and gardening supplies. For a snack for now or later, stop at River’s Edge Bakery for all kinds of delicious made from scratch treats. Click here for a map and addresses - you’ll be able to walk to many of these shops.
4:00 pm: See the sights! Check out Guttenberg’s DNR Fish Aquarium to view Mississippi River fish, see a replica of the Gutenberg Bible at the Guttenberg Public Library, and visit the Lockmaster House & Heritage Museum to learn about the history of Guttenberg and Lock and Dam #10! See boats and barges lock through Lock and Dam #10 from a viewing platform, or take a walk along Guttenberg’s two-mile river walk. Visit the scenic overlooks north and south of town for great views, and chat with the “Honey Lady” of Cedar Creek Apiaries for locally made honey at the south overlook.
Note: River of Music, a free concert series, is held Fridays from June-August 14, 2015 from 6-8pm in the Ingleside Park bandstand north of Clayton Ridge School (131 S. River Park Dr.). Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and a cooler - no glass bottles. Order carry out from one of Guttenberg’s many restaurants to bring a picnic supper, and stock your cooler with beverages from Lindsanator’s Liquor or Bender’s Foods.
6:00 pm: Have supper at one of our many delicious eateries, including Riverview Cafe featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, and a great view, Joe’s Pizza, which was voted Guttenberg’s best pizza in 2014 and has many flavors of ice cream, or Greaser’s Drive-In, for Guttenberg’s best burger and a large variety of other sandwiches, sides, and ice cream (seasonal). Restaurant descriptions available here. Feel like staying in? Order delicious take out from the above restaurants or Godfather’s Pizza, Casey’s Pizza, or Subway, or pick something up from the local grocer, Bender’s Foods.
8:00 pm: Not quite ready to turn in? No problem! Guttenberg has a great selection of bars to choose from. Try the Stadium Bar & Grill, the Dam Riverview Sports Bar, and Sodes Bar & Grill. Call in advance for information on DJs and other entertainment.
Saturday:
Note: Guttenberg’s Farmers Market is open from 8 am - 12 pm on Saturdays from May to October. The Farmers Market is located on the 400 block of S. River Park Dr. Call 563-252-2323 for more information.
9:00 am: Start your day out with breakfast at one of Guttenberg’s tasty eateries. Try River’s Edge Bakery for coffee and pastries (you can’t go wrong with anything you choose here, but eclairs, scones, and cake doughnuts are highly recommended). For breakfast sandwiches, wraps, giant cinnamon rolls, and gourmet coffee including espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and more, try Riverside Grind. For more traditional breakfast options, enjoy Rausch’s Cafe or the Stadium Bar & Grill.
11:00 am: Head over to the Creativity Center to try your hand at art making! Trained staff will guide you through your choice of projects, including fused glass, jewelry making, precious metal clay, mosaic, painting, wheel pottery or paint your own pottery, and much more. (Call ahead for information on Diva Nights and Canvas Uncorked group painting events.)
1:00 pm: Just a few doors down from the Creativity Center is Divine Current Massage and Natural Gifts…so take some time to relax in this calm and inviting space. Call ahead to schedule chair massages, reflexology, or paraffin hand waxes for you and your friends.
3:00 pm: For a truly memorable experience, grab your designated driver and head out to PromiseLand Winery next. Follow Great River Road to PromiseLand just south of Guttenberg and enjoy beautiful scenery along the way. In between tasting locally made wines in the tasting room, by the fire, or in one of the courtyards, check out PromiseLand’s unique shops and boutiques. Vineyard and winery tours are available by appointment.
5:00 pm: If you’re in the mood for a boat ride, you can catch the Cassville Car Ferry just a few miles from PromiseLand Winery. Walk on or take your car across and enjoy crossing the mighty Mississippi River on the only ferry in Iowa or Wisconsin. Check out what Cassville, WI has to offer, but make sure you’re back to the ferry for the last trip back to Iowa!
7:00 pm: Head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner at one of Guttenberg’s tasty eating establishments.
7:30 pm: For dinner, try Sodes Bar & Grill, which offers soups, salads (try the Cranberry Pecan Salad!), sandwiches, and unique specials, or the Stadium Bar and Grill which features great appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Call ahead to restaurants and visit www.guttenbergiowa.net to see what entertainment is available in town.
Sunday:
10:00 am: Stop for a classic and delicious breakfast at the Stadium Bar & Grill before heading out of town.
List of Guttenberg churches