Bluffs, Brooks & Byways

The beautiful River Bluffs Scenic Byway is the perfect place to stop, along the river and within the bluffs of Marquette, Iowa. In this episode, hear from Cindy of Eagles Landing Winery, a family owned business with a great story to tell and even better wines to taste.

Bubba Sorenson from the Iowa Freedom Rock Project tells us all about how he got started, what he uses to paint and what's next on his agenda. An incredible story, inpired by Saving Private Ryan that started as one mural on a rock that has turned into widely known tribute! 

There's so much more than lights to this holiday light display in New Hampton, Iowa. What started out as one single bench in a park, has grown exponentially in the last five years. Listen in to this episode to hear about how the tragic loss for this family has helped unite the community in so many ways. 

Travel the River Bluffs Scenic Byway with us and hear from Jessica at the Marquette and McGregor Chamber of Commerce. She began her role with the chamber within the last year, but is no stranger to the area. This is a unique situation becuase rather than just one town it's a whole region. Actually the communities of McGregor and Marquette work very closely with their neighbor across the Mississippi of Prairie du Chien and are known collectively as the “Port of Discovery.”

The perfect spot to bring your kiddos to explore in a safe enviroment and LEARN. On this episode, we hear from Alicia from the Driftless Wetland Centre in Marquette. 

Historic Hills Scenic Byway traverses 110 miles of rolling hills, state parks, forest land and rural communities in southeastern Iowa. Take a trip and experience history, culture and so much more in the Southeast corner of the state.

MAQUOKETA is probably the only town in the world that is known by this name. The name was derived from the river, known by the Indians as maquaweutaw, and means in the Indian language “Bear River”. The name was later to became half-Americanized. Learn about food, drinks, activities, shopping and more with the Maquoketa Chamber Director, Kristie Carr on this episode! 

Where will the year of the road trip take you? Learn more about what Travel Iowa does, how you can utilize their services and some of the best kept secrets Iowa has to offer on this episode with Jessica O'Riley! 

The Ski Bellevue Water Ski Show Team is volunteer, non-profit organization that performs free water ski shows for the community of Bellevue...and across Iowa by special request! They are only ONE of four water ski show teams in Iowa, and the only one to perform on the Mississippi River! On this episode, we hear from Dave Valant, the teams vice president and show emcee. 

A charter bus is set to take a trip along the scenic byway. On the tour, we will stop at 1 overlook for a view of the scenic fall leaves, 1 historic location for a little bit of education and all of this plus a small culinary crawl. What's not to love? Be sure to RSVP Below. 

Anamosa State Penitentiary Museum is a historic stone building on the prison grounds displays artifacts and historical information and current information about one of Iowa's largest correctional facilities. On this episode, we hear from Steve Wendl, former correctional counselor for the institution. He provides historic information, current guidelines and, his favorite, the human interest stories through the years! 

Fly Fishing, Running and Beer...nothing says Northeast Iowa quite like that! The Drfitless Flyathlon is held annually in Yellow River State Forest, near Harpers Ferry, IA and the course consists of a 4.4 mile (mostly flat) trail run, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and the Iowa native brook trout. So, whether you’re big into running or not, this course was made for you. On this episode, we hear from Race Coordinator, Ryan Rahmiller. He tells us all of the details of the event, how it got started, how the fundraising happens and used...and so much more! 

The Turkey River Recreational Corridor is Fayette and Clayton County, but more specifically, the communities of Clermont, Elgin and Elkader - that are linked by the Turkey River. These communities work together to develop and enhance the resource of the river corridor through creation of land and water trails. Listen in on this episode to hear about how the organization got started after the record 2008 flood and some of their more recent projects. For more information about the TRRC, check out these links below:

The Immaculate Conception Parish, known as Wexford Church is located right along the Great River Road – long the Driftless Area Scenic Byway and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway – in between Harpers Ferry and Lansing. While the history itself is incredible, what’s even more amazing is how great of shape it is in and how well-utilized it still is today. When you're traveling the byway, be sure to stop in, but until then listen in to hear the history of how this incredible historic location came to Allamakee County. 

The RC&D makes it possible to work with landowners, conservation departments and residents in ways that benefit them On today's episode we hear from Ross Evelsizer, the Natural Resource Projects Director for the RC&D, about flooding watershed plans and overall river preservation. The RC&D has taken on the Turkey River, Upper Iowa River, the Upper Wapsi River Watershed Resiliency Plans, and more recently, the Quasky Flood Resiliency Plan. Listen in to learn more and how you can help your region. 

Nothing says sweet summer time like sipping on a glass of wine overlooking the countryside and at Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, that's exactly what you're doing. Right along the Driftless Area Scenic Byway, this location has been in the family for over 150 years. Checkout today's episode with Beth Guzman, daughter of owners, Ken and Yvonne Barnes to hear how the winery got started, a few of their favorite events and so much more! 

Bluegrass music is a classic genre became widely known in 1945 (actually was born even earlier than that). Over the years, it’s grown and transitioned to it’s current popularity. Bluegrass bands are still influenced by jazz, contemporary, country, celtic, rock & roll and even gospel. This year the Backbone Bluegrass Festival will be celebrating it's 40th Anniversary. This small-town even has been a summer tradition for many families and they couldn't be more excited for the line up. Check out this episode to hear a snippet of some bluegrass jamming and everything the festival has to offer. 

From the registered Holsteins that make the milk for their one-of-a-kind mild cheddar to the hens that lay the farm fresh eggs, you can't get much "moore" local than Moore Family Farms! On this episode, learn all of the ins and outs of owning a family farm, a value-added store front, expanding to new locations and managing four children with Heather Moore. 

We're celebrating June Dairy Month the best way we know how! WW Homestead Dairy, located in Waukon, Iowa, jumped into the food market in 2011. The owners, Tom Weighner being one of them, had a combined experience of over 90 years in the industry and were ready to start their business! Check out this episode for how they got started and all about how they're leading the industry with the best, freshest products in the region. 

While I know there’s so many trails to hike, outlooks to see and stores to shop, right here has to be top of the list for activities in Allamakee County… Empty Nest Winery! Listen in with Morgan & Austin as they discuss how "Empty Nest" got it's name and all their fun wine names. Did you know that the winery makes more than just wine? Yep! Hear about their ever-changing flavors of ciders on tap, too! 

Did you know that the Delaware Crossing Scenic Byway is unique because unlike other byways, the corridor for Delaware Crossing is the entire COUNTY! There’s so many things to do, see, work and visit and on this episode of Bluffs, Brooks & Byways, we get the inside exclusive from Donna Boss, Executive Director for the Delaware County Economic Development Office.

Zanzibar, Munchie Madness & Kitty Kitty Bang Bang...with names like those, how could you pass up this ice cream? That's not all, on this episode we hear from Brittany and Nathan Todd, owners of the Sugar Bowl, about their business adventures, the importance of community and a few secrets of what's to come! What an inspiring couple of YOUNG entrepreneurs - be sure to listen, share and comment on the episodes to let us know you're enjoying them.

On this episode, we hear from Daryl Parker, the former County Director for the Jackson County Conservation Department and now a member of the VERY newly established friends group for the Bellevue State Park. Listen in to hear all about the things they have done and plan to do in the near future in the world of conservation. 

Nothing says May flowers and summer quite like Farmers Markets opening up! On this episode, hear from Josh Dansdill, Business Development Projects Director for Northeast Iowa RC&D. He helps local farmers markets with behind the scenes set up, marketing and so much more!

Interested in learning more about Northeast Iowa Farmers Markets? Check out these great resources: 

In this episode, hear from Kelly - one of the OGs from River Ridge Brewing in Bellevue. She talks about how she, and the other owner/operators - Nick, Allison, Nic - got started and what's on tap now! 

Kelly, Nick and Nile are from Bellevue and are all about giving back to the community they grew up in- especially with good beer. Allison and Nic are Bellevue transplants and found a home at RRB and in Bellevue long before they joined the team. With the help of family and friends behind the bar, together they do it all from the beer in your glass to the posts on your newsfeed. RRB is all about celebrating good beer, spending time with customers, and being a part of this river community. 

Near the River Bluffs Scenic Byway in Clayton County, Volga City is known for their Volga City Truck Cruise. In this episode, we have the opportunity to talk to Vice President of Vested Citizens Taking Control (VCTC, Inc), Tom Klingman, and Volga City advocate, George Duff. They have a great inside excusive to all the the incredible changes that have occurred in the last few years and what's to come this year - including some pretty awesome events. 

The Driftless Region has found its place in Mike McAlexander's heart in no time at all. On this episode, we hear why he makes the 2+ hour trip to the area for only one day just to get his time "on the fly." Also, Mike tells us how he got started fly fishing, a few tips & tricks and incredible story of persistence while fishing. 

Public land, numerous campgrounds, miles of trails, indoor exhibits and a living black bear... what more could you ask for! Listen in with Jenna Pollock from Clayton County Conservation & Osborne Nature Center for an inside exclusive of all their offerings, things to come and even some Great River Road Byway news! 

Wooden art pieces hang all around Delaware County, and Iowa, that mimic a quilt designs, have special meaning or just add color to barns and farm properties for travelers. The Barn Quilt program has been organized to educate, promote and celebrate unique agricultural heritage – barns are a vital piece to the communities, whereas handmade quilts provide warmth and beauty. Hear from one of the most well-known committees in Iowa about how they make their program so successful.  

Larry Stone & David Beck – both Motor Mill enthusiasts - are on with us for this episode! For those of you that are traveling to the area or just here to learn more, Motor Mill Historic Site is located right along the Turkey River about six miles from the town of Elkader, Iowa. The building itself is 50 feet wide, 60 feet long and over 90 feet tall. Motor Mill Historic Site is  open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

All these incredible stops along the byways in northeast Iowa, but do we really know what a byway is? On this episode, we hear from RC&D's very own Jared Nielson. He tells us his role, the byway coordinator role, other governing committees, but most importantly where to stop first when you're traveling each of these byways. 

On today's episode we have Special Projects Director of the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa, Mark Mederski. In short, the National Motorcycle Museum was founded in 1999 by motorcyclists and still thrives today because of that group. The museum is continuously evolving because of their ability to add new vintage bikes, photographs, apparel and other memorabilia. Be sure to share your response to Mark's incredible knowledge on all things motorcycles.

The Hurstville Interpretive Center offers visitors a chance to explore natural resources, while better understanding the story behind all of their exhibits. With over 20 indoor and outdoor exhibits, there truly is something here for everyone.

Jake Dale & Clayton Lieb, the founders and owners of Driftless Quality Wear are here to tell us all about their business and exploring the Driftless Area. These two attended college on the River Bluffs Scenic Byway in Fayette at Upper Iowa University. This area has found a special place in their hearts, which inspired their brand and company.

Teaching us all about Fayette County is Rod Marlatt & Mallory (Marlatt) Hanson. Rod is currently the executive director for Fayette County Conservation. He’s been in his role 36 years and is a go-to guy for all things Fayette County. Mallory is the director of economic development and tourism for Fayette County, as well as the director of the turkey river recreational corridor. 

Together they share stories about their time in Northeast Iowa, things to do, see and even historical facts about Gilbertson Conservation Education Area & the Mavis and Conner Dummermuth Historical Building... not to mention a few fun "near death" experiences for Rod as he was growing up. 

"Be happy where you are at, but don't be content to stay there." 

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