When and Where to Go

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When to Go

Temperatures in March range from 25 to 47 degrees. The best time to visit is late April through October, when temperatures are generally mild and pleasant—spring can be rainy and there's a chance of tornadoes in mid and late summer.

Getting There

Des Moines International Airport offers nonstop flights to and from 15 destinations, including Washington, D.C.; Chicago; and Atlanta. Travel to Iowa is also accessible via Nebraska's Omaha Eppley Airfield, four miles from downtown Omaha.

Getting Around

We recommend renting a car upon arrival—Walnut is about a11/2-hour drive from Des Moines and a 50-minute trip from Omaha.

Where to Stay

Antique City Bed & Breakfast
400 Antique City Dr., Walnut; 712/784-3722; doubles from $55.

Hotel Pattee
Recently restored to the tune of $10 million. With a rooftop sculpture garden and a basement vintage bowling alley.
1112 Willis Ave., Perry; 515/465-3511; doubles from $139.

Hotel Winneshiek
104 E. Water St., Decorah; 563/382-4164; doubles from $99.

Where to Eat

David's Milwaukee Diner
Hotel Pattee, 1112 Willis Ave., Perry; 515/465-7370; breakfast for two $20.

Taylor's Maid-Rite
Part of an old Iowa chain. Home of the Maid-Rite burger.
106 S. Third Ave., Marshalltown; 641/753-9684; lunch for two $15.

Suzie Q Café
A 1940's diner. 14 Second St. N.W., Mason City; 641/423-5021; lunch for two $10.

Breitbach's
The state's oldest restaurant? Odds and ends for sale.
563 Balltown Rd., Balltown; 563/552-2220; lunch for two $15.

Where to Shop

Granary Antique Mall
602 Pearl St., Walnut; 712/784-3331.

Main Street Antique Mall
105 W. Main St., Marshalltown; 641/752-3077.

What to Read

Pick up a copy of the bimonthly magazine Iowan to learn about various happenings in the state. For a comprehensive listing of antiques shops, it's best to check out Iowa's Complete Guide to Antique Shops and Malls (DJ's Publishing).

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