OK, I know nothing about Iowa. I drove through it in 1983 on I-80 en route to California, and last summer, I spent eight hours in Ottumwa, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., on a California Zephyr Amtrak train, waiting out a twister, then waiting for a bus bridge to Omaha.
This is not the way to get to know a state.
And yet...
I%26#39;m entranced by what I see at Honey Creek Resort website, a part of Honey Creek Resort State Park. Apparently, they just finished a huge construction project here to accomodate meetings and guests.
www.honeycreekresort.com
I%26#39;m thinking of bringing a big group of women here for a meeting. These are folks who like to hike, bike, play tennis, ride horses, get out and about in the outdoors (If you rove on TA a lot, you may know I%26#39;ve asked similar questions for the same group when I thought about bringing them to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.)
If you know this area, please tell me what you like about it.
What can you tell me about Honey Creek Resort in Moravia?
Thanks for giving Iowa a third chance. The third time will be the charm, I hope!
You%26#39;re correct; Iowa%26#39;s Dept. of Natural Resources opened the Honey Creek Resort recently. I don%26#39;t personally know anyone who has stayed there yet, but the press and state-wide reaction so far seems to be positive. I have driven through the Lake Rathbun/Moravia area in the past and memory is that it is scenic and peaceful. The area is lightly populated, so it%26#39;s the type of place where you can enjoy yourself, relax and feel like you%26#39;re well out of the rat race while you%26#39;re there.
What can you tell me about Honey Creek Resort in Moravia?
How long of a drive is it from Des Moines, which I presume is the closest airport? I also notice that it isn%26#39;t too far from Ottumwa, either, in case someone wanted to take the train from Chicago.
The Moravia/Lake Rathbun area is about an hour and a half%26#39;s drive from Des Moines. The route would give visitors from other parts of the country a good look at rural America as it passes through several small towns and plenty of rolling hills dotted with farms. And yes, Des Moines your best airport to use.
If anyone in the group is up for some sightseeing away from the resort area, south central Iowa contains remnants of the Mormon Trail. It%26#39;s also the setting for the famous Grant Wood painting ';American Gothic'; (the house is located in Eldon, IA, not far from Ottumwa). Closer to Des Moines is Pella, which is a picturesque Dutch community with old world charm. And some of the famous covered bridges of Madison Co. are within a 20 - 30 min. drive from the Des Moines airport.
I hope that you and your group come to Iowa and enjoy it!
Yes, this is a group that likes to do a little of sightseeing in between meetings. People like historic sites, hiking, and of course, recreational shopping in small towns is always in demand with this group.
Howdy
In additon to the other posts, there is a large Amish community less than 20 minutes from HC.
While I%26#39;ve not stayed at the HC resort, (back yard syndrome, LOL)it has gotten some very good press and reviews
Rathbun lake is becoming more popular every year, and there are water activities there also.
Just a short drive to Drakesville will put you in the middle of Amish country, largely undeveloped as of yet, there are a few shops, roadside stands, and a produce auction that you may be interested in, selling in season fruits, veggies, flowers and more.
Amish owned, and largely attended so drive slow around the buggies
See www.IowaAmish.com
www.SouthernIowaProduce.com
Centerville is about 10-15 minutes away from the resort and has a large town square with lots of retail. (They bill it as the state%26#39;s largest town square.) They also have shopping at The Columns and The Shoppes at Bradley Hall.
www.centervilleia.com
www.thecolumns.info
www.bradleyhall.info
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