The brilliant reds, oranges and yellows of fall are peaking across much Iowa and plenty of people will be piling into their cars for a relaxing drive to take in the spectacular views.
Southeast Iowa’s Van Buren County is hosting a Scenic Drive Festival today and tomorrow. Stacey Reese, spokeswoman for the Villages of Van Buren, says a host of activities are planned all across the county for leaf-watchers.
Events and activities underway include: arts and crafts sales, flea markets, barn tours, hay rack rides, book sales, magic shows and more. There are a dozen villages in the county and at least ten of them are hosting events this weekend that will appeal to folks who are driving through for the colorful views.
Maps are available on the website and the scenic drive route is also marked with signs so you can drive from village to village and take in the various activities.
An information booth is set up in downtown Keosauqua that will also have maps. The communities involved in this weekend’s festival include: Stockport, Lebanon, Cantril, Keosauqua, Milton, Birmingham, Mt. Sterling, Farmington, Bentonsport and Bonaparte.
Reese says it’s easy to find your way around. For more information on the region, visit the website, www.villagesofvanburen.com or call 800-Tour VBC.
Van Buren County is unusual in several ways in that there are no stoplights, no large retail chain stores and no fast food restaurants. It’s been awarded the “Iowa Tourism County of the Year” seven times in recent years, including in 2010.