What We’re Loving right now

A LITTLE LIST OF WHAT WE THINK IS AWESOME IN THE DRIFTLESS REGION THIS SPRING...

DANG, THOSE FILMS LOOK FLY!

Cold water streams are one of our regions greatest gems and special resources, and hence, fly fishing is a popular pastime in these parts. These magical sources of cold, fresh water not only create the perfect habitat for trout, but also the perfect opportunities for outdoor recreation and education. One of the groups that has long recognized the importance of supporting the health and maintenance of cold water streams is Trout Unlimited – and specifically the Iowa Driftless Chapter of “TU”. The group has led efforts for stream restoration, water quality, and fish population health projects across Northeast Iowa Iowa and our region.

As a special project to raise funds in 2023, the Chapter is hosting the national touring “Fly Fishing Film Tour” (or F3T, as it’s known), at the Hotel Winneshiek on Saturday, April 29, at 6 pm.

This annual collection of films takes viewers across the globe to locations near and far, as anglers chase some of the wildest species of fish with fly fishing gear – just for the chance to land – and return – these magnificent creatures in their habitats. The films are always an incredible collection of global escapes and scenery – well worth the time and energy to check them out. You can find tickets and more information on current TU projects by visiting: www.facebook. com/iadriftless.org or flyfilmtour.com

Speaking of Fly Fishing – check out one of our latest episodes of the “Rhymes With Decorah” podcast, featuring Alayna Sobieniak and Lance Prado of the Root River Rod Company in Lanesboro. The shop, which Alayna’s Dad Steve originally started, is continuing to flourish under their care after Steve’s untimely passing from cancer in 2022. We talk all things fly fishing and Lanesboro, and baby Finn even makes an appearance on the show! Check it out at www.decorah.fun

‘RHYMES WITH’ + NEW INSPIRE(D) WEBSITE!

Speaking of podcasts, our companion podcast project “Rhymes with Decorah” is entering its second season, with 40 shows covering local and regional topics. Hosted by Inspire(d)’s Benji Nichols, its like a half hour audio window into different topics from across the region! Find it at decorah.fun, or on our new Inspire(d) website: iloveinspired.com/podcast

Oh, and speaking of our website (haha, okay, last time, we promise!), have you visited us online recently!? As you well know, we are big fans of paper, print, and beautiful things you can hold in your hands – but we do also embrace the digital age! =) We are excited to officially “Love” our pretty new website iloveinspired.com! It is much easier to navigate and read on your phones and tablets (in addition to desktop, of course). We’re posting all our regular great content there, plus personal stories, extra projects, interviews, and more. Find something you like there? Share it with your friends –positive news forever! iloveinspired.com

MOTOR MILL RUN!

The Motor Mill site outside of Elkader, Iowa, is coming back to life! A dedicated group of individuals have been working hard on the property and buildings at the historic site, located along the Turkey River in rural Clayton County. Built in the mid 1800s, the sixstory mill only operated commercially for a short amount of time. It was part of what had originally been planned to be a larger settlement area that never came to be. The mill is a magnificent piece of historical architecture, and much work has been done to restore the facilities and preserve its history. In 1983 the Clayton County Conservation Board bought the Motor Mill site, at which point restoration efforts began in earnest.

Most recently, the Turkey River Recreational Corridor (TRRC), was awarded a $328,000 grant through the Iowa Great Places program, to update the Motor Mill Inn site – a project that will not only provide unique lodging for visitors, but it will also protect the Inn from flooding, return the historic structure to its original state, provide meeting rooms, and house a small visitor center.

Visitors are welcome to see the historic site for themselves. The Motor Mill is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day on

Saturdays, from 12 to 4 pm. In the fall, the Mill is open every other weekend until the second weekend in October. Visit motormill.org or www.facebook.com/motormillsite for up-to-date hours and details on any upcoming events.

One event you should definitely note: The greater community is invited to register for the annual Motor Mill “Mill Run 5k & 10k.” The 2023 event takes place Saturday, March 18, at 9 am. Early bird registration for both races and more information: www. mycountyparks.com/County/Clayton/Events.aspx

SNEAK PEEK INTO ARTIST’S STUDIOS!

The Bluff Country Studio Art Tour has announced its dates for the 22nd annual weekendlong art adventure and celebration of SE Minnesota. Gather a carload of friends April 28-30 for a fun, selfguided tour of 30+ local artists in their studios or galleries. This event is free to attend, and offers exceptional art and scenery off the beaten path. Participants can download the all-new app to make it even easier to journey around the region to check out participating artist’s studio locations. Find all the information, maps, listings, and information at bluffcountrystudioarttour.org

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