Weekend Getaway Guide for Summer Serenades at 1884 On The Bluff
- Jo Dee Krotz
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
An Invitation to the Countryside
Visiting rural Iowa isn’t like arriving in a bustling town square. The charm here runs deeper—quieter roads, wide-open views, and moments you can only find when you slow down. The best small-town getaways take a bit of planning and a willingness to explore off the beaten path.
Pack a cooler with road snacks, grab something refreshing to sip, and let your shoulders relax as fields and farmhouses roll past your window. You’re headed to 1884 On The Bluff in Montrose, Iowa—a stunning venue perched 180 feet above the Mississippi River, where flowers bloom wild and music carries on the summer breeze.
---
Weekend Getaway Itinerary:
Montrose, Iowa | Saturdays: June 28, July 19, August 9, August 23, September 13
---
Saturday: Arrival & Exploration in Southeast Iowa
A.M. Start with Breakfast:
Java River Coffee House (Keokuk, IA) – Great coffee, cozy atmosphere, and a sweet small-town start.
The Fort Diner (Fort Madison, IA) - A beloved local staple
Saturday Afternoon Adventures:
Hinterland Dairy (Donnellson, IA) – Fresh farmstead cheese, creamy ice cream, and open skies.
Harvestville Farm – Seasonal produce, home goods, and lunch in a welcoming farm setting.
Appleberry Orchard – Pick-your-own apples and visit the petting farm—a perfect countryside stop.
Blue Umbrella Bakery (Keokuk, IA) – Small-batch sweets just minutes from the Bluff.
Saturday Evening Magic:
Summer Serenades at 1884 On The Bluff – Dinner, hand crafted cocktails by HanCocktails, live music, and zinnias at sunset.
---
Sunday: Scenic Drives & River Town History
Nature & Views:
Visit Fort Madison Railway, River, Fort, and Tourism
Lee County Conservation - Get a feel for the beautiful area wildlife and kick your plunge into nature here.
Mississippi River Road Scenic Drive – One of the most beautiful ways to see the Midwest.
Keokuk Dam & Lock – A must-see for river history and views.
Historic Exploration:
Montrose, IA -- Hunold Heritage Center Museum on Chestnut St., just before the RR tracks, open Saturday & Sunday 1-4.
Montrose, IA - Scenic observation tower.
Nauvoo, IL – Explore restored homes, gardens, and shops in this picturesque river town.
Carthage, IL – Tour the famous Carthage Jail and dive into early Midwest stories.
Warsaw, IL – Antiques, charm, and riverfront photo ops.
Green Frog Distillery (Montrose, Iowa) – Tour and taste the flavor of the region.
Sunday Evening Wind-Down:
Turnwater River Lounge (Keokuk, IA) – River views, craft cocktails, and a perfect Sunday sendoff.
---
Where to Stay Near 1884 On The Bluff
Fort Madison, IA
Kingsley Inn (Historic & charming)
Cobblestone Inn (Discount for Summer Serenades guests)
Quality Inn (Discount for Summer Serenades guests)
Rustic Bluff Retreats via (VRBO)
Keokuk, IA
Hampton Inn
Charming Home Rental (VRBO)
Nauvoo, IL
Precious VRBO listings
Montrose, IA
Montrose Airbnb (owned by our own town's mayor) – The Shortest Distance to the Bluff
---
Events & Happenings Near Summer Serenades Dates
Lee County Fair – July 8–13, Donnellson, IA
Nauvoo & British Pageants – July 8–August 2, Nauvoo, IL
Outlaws Truck & Tractor Pull – August 23, Donnellson, IA
Nauvoo Grape Festival – August 29–31, Nauvoo, IL
Girlfriend Getaway Weekend – September 13–14, Nauvoo, IL
---
Plan Your Escape to the Bluff
Whether you're escaping the city for a romantic weekend, planning a road trip with friends, or just looking to reconnect with something beautiful, 1884 On The Bluff invites you to rediscover the joy of summer in Iowa. With just 60 guests per night, every Summer Serenades event is intimate, soulful, and unforgettable.
Each evening also highlights the talents of local chefs, bakers, brewers, and musicians—a cross-section of our region’s most heartfelt makers, folded into the magic of the meadow.
Explore More & Get Tickets:
Comments