At the Amana Colonies we learned about the people who came from Germany to America to settle there when we visited the museum, sampled the fudge, smelled the fragrant soaps and bought a few of them, enjoyed pastries at the bakery, admired the beautiful flower gardens and looked through more shops before enjoying a family style dinner at The Ronneburg Restaurant. At the broom shop we had our picture taken as we sat in "The World's Largest Roocking Chair". At the RV park, we visited the Wood Crafter Festival.
we were told the about the Amish and Mennonite communities of Kalona while on the Chamber of Commerce By-ways Tour. We visited a Mennonite woodworking shop and store, an Amish bakery and also a general store also known as the "Amish Walmart".
We visited the Brucemore Mansion, a beautifu Queen Anne style home, in Cedar Rapids. The house was built in the late 19th century and only 3 families lived there.
Another day we journeyed up to Waterloo to tour the John Deere Museuem, where we met Pete, a proud employee. Pete started working at the John Deere factory in the 1960's before going to Vietnam for 3 years. Even though he had only worked at John Deere for 5 weeks before being called to military service, he returned to his John Deere job with 3 years (military time) and 5 weeks seniority. He told wonderful stories of John Deere's beginnings and survival through WWII and recessions and the growth of the company.
There was also a stop at Wapsi Valley Vineyard where Terry's cousin and vineyard owner, Ron, gave us a personal tour of the vineyard and there was also a grape tasting. Who would have guessed there are so many varieties of grapes for wine making? We enjoyed the afternoon spent there.
Now we must head home, even though there is much more to see and do in Iowa. I would still like to see the Bridges of Madison County and the birthplace of John Wayne. Iowa has corn and pigs and so much more.
