Adventure Guide
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Hi there! I’m Jacki. I’m a Minnesota-based travel blogger. My favorite way to spend a weekend or free evening is to visit a town and explore the best they have to offer.
@HITTHEROAD.JACKI
CONTRIBUTED BY JACKI @HITHEROAD.JACKI
We recently slowed down and enjoyed a
in
and we want to share it with you!
Enjoy a made-from-scratch brunch at Convivium Urban Farmstead before treating yourself to dessert at Habits Coffee and Mini Donut Co.
Then explore the stunning Mines of Spain Recreation Area. Wind down with a local winery and brewery and some fun at a retro arcade.
ADVENTURE OVERVIEW
1-2 DAYS < 6 MILES 6 STOPS
WHAT TO BRING: Camera, warm clothes, boots, hat, gloves, and an overnight bag.
Enjoy a farm to table brunch at a community farmstead.
Convivium Urban
Farmstead fosters community and connection through food. Enjoy a made-fromscratch meal that gives back to the community, and grab a gourmet coffee. The food is incredible, and the former greenhouse setting for brunch is perfect (not to mention the art that surrounds you in this space.) Convivium also offers classes, demonstrations, and experiences that cultivate community.
Get donuts for dessert.
Dessert is served at Habits
Coffee and Mini Donut Co! Snag fresh, made-to-order mini donuts that are decorated while you wait. Choose from a variety of flavors like Cinnamon Roll (vanilla and cinnamon glaze), Rainbow (vanilla glaze and fruity pebbles, or Maple Bacon (maple glaze and bacon). Consider getting the three dozen, you’ll thank me later! If you didn’t get your coffee fix at Convivium, pair your sweet treat with an espresso drink.
Explore the snow capped limestone bluffs.
If you enjoyed the donuts at Habits, then you’ll welcome a place to channel your sugar rush. The stunning Mines of Spain Recreation Area is the perfect place for that! There are cross-country ski trails and 21 miles of hiking trails on over 1,400 acres of wooded and prairie land. If you only have time for one, I recommend Horseshoe Bluff Nature Trail. It’s a shorter hike with scenic overlooks of limestone bluffs. Cheers to locally made wine & beer. The production and tasting room of Stone Cliff Winery is the ultimate kick-off to any Dubuque winery or brewery explorations. The winery is located in the Historic Star Brewery Complex - the oldest brewery building in the state. While Stone Cliff Winery is known for their wine, they also sell Dubuque Star Beer on-site. Enjoy live music while you sip your beverage of choice. After you are done, stroll along the Mississippi Riverwalk before your next destination.
Test your skills at a retro arcade.
Backpocket Dubuque has everything you need for a fun night out! Enjoy a variety of beers while you hit up the retro arcade. Challenge your partner to a pinball tournament or skeeball before exploring 30 classic arcade games. “Loser” buys the next round.
MORE PLACES WE EXPLORED
BRAZEN OPEN KITCHEN + BAR
Brazen Open Kitchen is located in the beautiful Historic Millwork District. They serve carefully crafted meals, and their menu rotates based on the availability of seasonally available fresh ingredients. There are no freezers at Brazen, and they work diligently with local producers to deliver inspired meals. Their staff is knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly skilled. After dinner, enjoy a walk through the Historic Millwork District.
GARY DOLPHIN’S IRON BAR
Looking for a place to unwind after the day? Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar is a casual place in the Historic Millwork District and next door to Backpocket Dubuque. The ambiance is top notch with various places to hang out and enjoy your company, including Dolph’s Den, Dolph’s Dugout, and Dolph’s Corner.
See more of Jacki’s adventure on traveldubuque.com/jacki
Make plans to explore a snowy winter landscape.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the snowiest periods in the Dubuque area is late November through early to mid-February.
WHAT ARE SOME...
+ EVENTS TAKING PLACE
- Winter Farmers’ Market
Saturdays November through April
- Vienna Boys Choir on November 17
- Reflections in the Park on November 23 - January 2
- Cable Car Square’s Santa Event on November 25
- Merr y Millwork Market on December 1-2
- Winter Ar ts Snow Sculpting Festival on February 9-12
+ MUST SEE WINTER SPOTS
- Skiing or snowboarding at scenic Sundown Mountain Resort
- Shopping local area retailers
- Snowshoeing at the Mines of Spain
- Ice Skating at Dubuque Ice Arena
- Watch the twinkling lights at Reflections in the Park
- Catch a Dubuque Fighting Saints hockey game
WINTER SPOTLIGHT
Sundown Mountain Resort
Dubuque’s terrain naturally lends itself to skiing and snowboarding as the winter months roll around. Most wouldn’t think of Iowa as a winter sports destination, but Sundown Mountain proves us wrong. With 475 feet of vertical drop, 21 trails for all skill levels,
and two terrain parks, it’s no wonder that people flock to this resort from all over the Midwest during the winter.
Sundown Mountain Resort is a great way to get outside and explore the natural beauty of #WhereIowaStarted.
10 B EST
Local Coffee Shops
Bundle up with a warm cup of joe and stay awhile #WhereIowaStarted. Find them at traveldubuque.com/10best
