A Visit to Perry

Welcome to Perry, Iowa! Today, we’re exploring this charming town known for its rich art and culture. But first, we’re fueling up at Courtyard Cafe for a day full of adventures. Courtyard Cafe in Perry, Iowa is the quintessential spot to kick off your morning. Nestled behind Hotel Pattee, it welcomes guests with a warm, casual charm, exceptional coffee, and inviting outdoor seating that captures the small-town spirit. With great drinks, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to savor your first sip and start your day just right. Next up is some shopping and we started at Backwards Boutique. It’s filled with trendy women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, plus a great selection of collegiate apparel. After breakfast, it’s the perfect spot for a little shopping.

Just around the corner, you’ll find the Mary Rose Collection. This shop is packed with beautiful handmade creations by local artists. It’s the ideal place to pick up a unique treasure to remember your trip to Perry. Support local art by stopping into Betsy Peterson Designs. You can browse through hand-painted original designs and pottery made by her family members. You’re sure to find the perfect inspirational gift for someone special…or for yourself. While you’re out and about, be sure to visit Scottish Fox for more unique finds. They offer everything from home décor, to jewelry, to outdoor décor.For lunch, we headed to Mex-to-You, a fun and authentic Mexican restaurant with so many options it’s hard to choose. My recommendation? You can’t go wrong with the tacos! And just a few steps away is Frio, an ice cream parlor, because who can resist dessert?                             

If you’re a biking enthusiast, you’re in luck! Perry is right on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, and in April of 2024, 9-mile extension connecting the High Trestle Trail opened, making it even easier to explore the area on two wheels.

We were lucky enough to be in town during the Farmer’s Market. It was a great way to experience local vendors and see the community come together. We even stumbled upon a quaint little Sinclair store, restored to look just like it did in the past.                           

One of the highlights of Perry is its vibrant downtown art scene. Local artists have decorated the alleys, buildings, and streets with incredible artwork. Be sure to check out the sculptures, especially at night when they’re beautifully lit.                                   

Our stay in Perry wouldn’t be complete without a night at the historic Hotel Pattee, one of the finest boutique hotels in the world. Each of its 40 rooms is uniquely decorated and themed. We stayed in the Mexican suite, complete with a large, jetted tub, and also got a peek at other rooms like the George Soumas suite, the Louis Armstrong suite, and the Japanese room.

When you’re not relaxing in your room, you can go bowling in their private basement alley, unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a drink at the Inter-Urban lounge before having dinner at the Pattee Café, all without leaving the hotel!

Perry offers a variety of dining options downtown, like the Mandarin Café, Casa de Oro, Common Wealth Provisions, and the Tin Pig. For live music, dinner, and drinks, head to the Proletariat. And don’t miss La Poste, a beautiful event venue with a bar, lounge, and even a handlebar happy hour.                           

Thanks for going off the beaten path with us in Perry, Iowa! Stay tuned for our next adventure!

PERRY TRAVEL GUIDE

A Visit to Panora, Iowa

Welcome to Panora, Iowa, where small-town charm meets big-time adventure. Our journey begins at Lake Panorama, just north of town. This private lake is the perfect escape for water lovers. We stayed at The Port, right on the lake, complete with a restaurant and tiki bar. It’s like a slice of paradise right here in the heart of Iowa!   After soaking up the sun at the lake, we headed downtown to explore Panora’s beautiful town square. It’s a delightful spot with walking paths, a library, and even large musical instruments that the kids – and let’s be honest, I – couldn’t resist!
woman playing bells at a music park
Feeling the need for a caffeine boost, we popped over to Crafty’s Coffee and Gifts, right across the street. Not only do they serve up delicious drinks and pastries, but it’s also a treasure trove of cute gifts and inspirational home décor. Whether you’re here to work, catch up with friends, or just relax, Crafty’s is the place to be.
coffee shop interior
Next, we hit the shops! Bella Sorella was our first stop, a charming boutique filled with trendy women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Trust me, we didn’t leave empty-handed. Before leaving downtown, make a stop at B&B Marketplace(formerly known as Britches N Bows)!women's clothing boutique
If you’re into antiques, Reborn is a must-visit. You’ll find all sorts of treasures here. And for custom apparel, don’t miss T&K Designs. They specialize in custom vinyl, embroidery, and boutique-printed apparel – perfect for a unique souvenir.
exterior of an antique store
Looking for something active? The Raccoon River Valley Trail runs right through Panora, making it a perfect spot for biking enthusiasts.  With 89 miles of paved trail, you can go the distance on this ride! Of course, you can’t visit Panora without stopping at Lake Panorama Pizzeria. Locally owned and offering more than just pizza, it’s a great spot to refuel after a day of exploring.   Our next stop is the Guthrie County Historical Village, where you can step back in time. This village features twelve buildings, including a church, schoolhouse, law office, and general store, all staged to look like they did in the 19th century. It’s a fascinating look at local history.
Historical village
For those interested in sustainability and organic farming, Early Morning Harvest is a must-see. This small-family farm uses aquaponics to grow vegetables and even mills their own flour from certified organic grains. It’s an educational and eye-opening experience.organic farm
Panora, Iowa, is a hidden gem, filled with scenic beauty, great shopping, and a warm community. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, there’s something for everyone. Thanks for joining us on this journey and stay tuned for our next adventure! Take a look at our other Off the Beaten Path adventures!   Watch our full adventure in Panora:
PANORA TRAVEL GUIDE