charlene.selbee - Just Around The Bend Travel

November 15, 2025November 25, 2025

Holiday Lights Make for a Magical Night

The Christmas season comes alive at the 21st annual Holiday Lights display in scenic Decorah, Iowa.

Drive through the lighted display at Pulpit Rock Campground, 505 Pulpit Rock, Decorah, Iowa, throughout the holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas night, and create new memories while enjoying over 100 light displays sponsored by area businesses and nonprofit organizations. Hours are 5-9:00 p.m.

Enjoy a visit with Santa Claus and/or have your picture taken with Santa during the Walk Through Night on November 26. He will also be visiting Holiday Lights on weekends through December 21 during the drive-through nights. Bring your letters to mail to him. He will promptly reply to all letters.

Helping Services for Youth & Families

Holidays Lights, is Helping Services for Youth & Families major fundraiser. The non-profit organization “has been providing children, teens, and adults with the skills and knowledge to bring about positive change in their own lives and in their communities” in Northeast Iowa.

Freewill donations benefit Helping Services for Youth & Families.

Holiday Lights Walk Through Night-November 26, 2025

Save the date, as you don’t want to miss the Holiday Lights Walk Through Night. The popular walk-through event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. It is the only day that visitors can enjoy the light display on foot. An estimated 3,000 visitors enjoy the walk-through every year. Traditionally, the sky is clear, and the weather is pleasant, with some years even seeing snow on the ground, making it the perfect event to kick off the Christmas season with family and friends of all ages.

Visitors will enjoy a variety of soups prepared and donated by local restaurants. Lip-smacking good soups being served this year include: chicken noodle, chicken and rice, tomato basil, French onion, pumpkin and roasted sweet corn bisque, homemade chili, steak soup, and broccoli cheese.

There is even ice cream from the local ice cream shoppe, Sugar Bowl, to enjoy with cookies donated by area businesses and served by Girl Scouts. Warm up with a cup of steaming hot chocolate or apple cider!

Highlights of the evening include the live nativity scene, including live animals, and the Christmas carolers.

New this year! Pulpit Rock Road will be closed to all traffic starting at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, in Decorah, Iowa, for the Holiday Lights Walk Through Night.

For a list of tips to make your evening memorable, visit FAQ

Check out the parking map below to make your visit safe and enjoyable.

Extend your visit with dinner at Twin Springs Supper Club and stay the night at Hotel Winneshiek when visiting Decorah.

Dinner at Twin Springs Supper Club

Made sure to make reservations! Your next stop is Twin Springs Supper Club. It is a light display all of its own. The supper club is located just minutes from the light display in the serene woods along the Twin Springs Trout Stream.

The food is as delicious as it looks, and a selection will satisfy any palate. The location and service will exceed your expectations. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Oh, so good! 8 oz. cedar roasted salmon covered with BBQ sauce and garlic aioli.

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp made with four Tiger Prawns, Polashek’s bacon and sweet BBQ Sauce

The selection of wine at Twin Springs Supper Club is exceptional. Thanks to the owner, Roumel Reynon, who is an accomplished Sommelier. You can’t go wrong with a bottle of Gruet sparkling wine from New Mexico.

They also offer a wide selection of specialty drinks, such as a Aloha-tini, Very Berry Martini, Chocoholic Martini, Peachy Keen, Burnt Orange Manhattan, Lemon Drop, Cosmo, Berry Mule, Prairie Mule, or Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet. Take your pick!

For up-to-date information and to review the menu, visit Twin Springs Supper Club. .

A Night at Hotel Winneshiek

End the evening at the Hotel Winn Bar, located in historic Hotel Winneshiek in downtown Decorah. Hotel Winn Bar features Iowa craft beers, including Decorah’s Toppling Goliath and Pulpit Rock. Make sure to try the appetizers as they are mouth-watering delicious.

Hotel Winneshiek feels like you have walked into a Hallmark Christmas story. The hospitality is five-star, and you will not be disappointed in the historic sleeping rooms. The hotel is decked out in its finest Christmas attire during the holiday season. A brightly lit Christmas tree takes center stage in the lobby, with garland and poinsettias adding to the festive atmosphere.

The holidays have always been special in Decorah.

June 29, 2024February 9, 2025

Where to Watch Firework Displays in the Driftless Region

Fourth of July fireworks displays are a big deal in the United States! According to Wallet Hub over 44% of Americans will attend a July 4th fireworks display in 2024. There are over 14,000 fireworks displays held each Fourth of July and the cost of hosting a municipal fireworks display ranges from $10,000 to $50,000.

Hailed as the best firework displays in the Driftless Region of Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota, Southwest Wisconsin, and Northwest Illinois include:

Brownsville, MN

Brownsville, MN, will celebrate the 4th of July with fireworks during the town’s annual Brownsville Days on Saturday, June 29. The fireworks are set to begin at dusk, at approximately 9:28 p.m. The fireworks are set to go off in the hi field behind the ballpark.

Onalaska, WI

Head to Onalaska on Saturday, June 29 to enjoy a full day of live music, the popular family fun zone for kids, a cornhole tournament, and the fireworks show at dusk.

Hesper, IA

This year’s event, Hesper Nite Lite Fireworks, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 3, in the quaint village of Hesper, IA. The town folk welcome visitors to enjoy the spectacular display of bright lights with them starting at dusk, at 9:27 p.m.

Eitzen, MN

The town’s popular Fourth of July celebration, July 2-4, culminates on Thursday evening with fireworks at dusk, scheduled for 9:26 p.m. The display, valued at over $10,000 will illuminate the sky from 307 Iowa Ave. The three-day celebration is hosted by the Eitzen Lion’s Club.

Festina, IA

Start your day off at Festina’s 4th of July parade on July 4. The parade starts promptly at 10:30 a.m. followed by a drive-thru chicken dinner at the town’s community center. The town’s fireworks show starts at dusk/dark.

Galena, IL

The red, white, and blue comes alive on July 4 on the plaza and in the town’s park with food, live entertainment, and games. The annual Fourth of July parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. The fireworks show will light up the sky at dusk creating a rounding chorus of oohs, ahhs, and wows.

Harmony, MN

On Thursday, July 4, Harmony hosts its annual fireworks display at North Park, starting at dusk (9:26 p.m.) Presented by the Harmony Volunteer Fire Department and sponsored by The City of Harmony, First Southeast Bank of Harmony and Canton, Harmony Fireman’s Relief Association, and Harmony Conservation Club. Check out the town’s chamber of commerce Facebook page for a complete list of activities during the city’s four-day event.

Harper’s Ferry, IA

Join the residents of Harper’s Ferry on the fourth for a “rip roaring’ good time. Fireworks will go off at dusk (9:26 p.m.)

La Crosse, WI:

On Thursday, July 4, La Crosse will shoot off fireworks during the town’s annual Riverfest celebration, 100 State Street, in downtown La Crosse. The fireworks will simultaneously light up the sky and the Mighty Mississippi River at dusk (9:26 p.m.).

Lansing, IA

The sky over Lansing lights up on July 4th at dusk (9:26 p.m.)

Monona, IA

Head to Monona on the 4th of July for their annual Family Fun Fest. Fireworks take place at dusk.

Cresco, IA

Cresco, IA: Don’t miss out on the fireworks display in Cresco on Friday, July 5 at the Prairie’s Edge Nature Center from 4:00–8:00 p.m. Plan on attending the Family Fun Night from 4:00–8:00 p.m.

Spillville, IA

On Saturday, July 6, the small Czech town of Spillville in northeast Iowa will hold its annual Fourth of July celebration at Riverside Park, 116 Bridge St. The festivities feature traditional 4th of July activities including a barbecue dinner, Little League tournament, 5K, bingo, kids’ games, and live entertainment. The day ends with the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Be safe out there!

May 4, 2024July 5, 2024

It’s A Perfect Day For A Trip

Sara Broers, a native of Iowa and accomplished author, once again captivates readers with her latest work, Perfect Day Iowa. Through her insightful books, Sara effortlessly bridges the gap between visitors and communities, crafting the quintessential Iowa experience.

In Perfect Day Iowa, her third book, Sara shares 174 recommendations for day trips and weekend getaways in her home state of Iowa. Sara aims to dispel Iowa’s unpopular label as a “flyover” state as she challenges readers to discover the hidden gems and breathtaking vistas scattered across the Hawkeye State.

Perfect Day Iowa is an immersive journey with detailed insights and vibrant photography that vividly showcases each destination. Sara’s engaging writing style transforms the book into an entertaining companion for armchair travelers and adventurers alike.

Navigating through this travel guide is a personalized experience; whether you prefer to flip through the pages, immerse yourself in colorful photographs, or dive straight into the narrative, the book accommodates every reader’s preference.

Fort Museum & Frontier Village, Fort Dodge, IA Page 82

With its user-friendly layout, you can explore the contents at your own pace, whether you read from front to back, back to front, start in the middle, or follow your curiosity from chapter to chapter. You can also start your journey by first reading the table of contents or the index. The order does not matter, as both features will direct you to the destination of your choice.

Decorah Fish Hatchery, Decorah, IA Page 27

Embark on an adventure through “Perfect Day Iowa,” where every page promises a new revelation and every destination beckons with its unique charm.

So, are you tempted to explore? Let Sara’s captivating narratives and expert recommendations inspire your next getaway, whether it’s this weekend or any day you crave an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Iowa.

March 1, 2024March 30, 2024

Discover the Secrets of Wisconsin with Tom and Kristi Flick Manus

Join travel writers Tom and Kristi Flick Manus as they lead you on a journey through their home state of Wisconsin in a quest to find the “weird, wonderful, and obscure.”

Tom and Kristi share their excitement and love of travel with fellow adventure travelers in in Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.

The couple share 168 stories of some not-so-common attractions and some popular attractions that will drive road warriors to get out and explore the two-lane roads of Wisconsin.

You will have to read Secret Wisconsin, A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure more than once because it contains hundreds of tidbits about Wisconsin. Trivia players will not be disappointed with all the information in this book. There is plenty to add to their repository of knowledge.

Following are some questions, that the book answers.

What is the name of the school Laura Ingalls Wilder and her sisters attended when they returned to Pepin, WI in 1871?

Where is the world’s largest musky fish hatchery located?

In what year did John Schrank shoot President Theodore Roosevelt in Milwaukee?

What Wisconsin city is home to the Riverside International Friendship Gardens?

Tidbits

The writers also included an additional tidbit of information for each of the 168 stories in the book which in itself is very interesting. For example, on page 110, readers will learn that the map used by Charles Lindbergh to plan his route for the 1927 flight from New York to Paris is located in the rare room at The American Geographic Society Library.

Pro Tips

Each story also includes a helpful summary of information to make visit’s convenience – what, where, and cost – for visitors. Tom and Kristi even share a pro tip with every story. For example, story number 158, A Lake Superior Treasure, the pro tip is Don’t worry about looking like a tourist. Bayfield’s motto is, “Real Tourists Eat Whitefish Livers.”

In addition to all the information, the book is filled with many pictures. Plan your trip on the back roads of Wisconsin now. Maybe you will cross paths with Tom and Kristi.

Where Can I Buy Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure

Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure is one book in the Secret series, written by travel experts and published by Reedy Press. The softcover is 6” x 9” is 192 pages, and costs $19.95. The book can be purchased through Reedy Press, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, and independent book stores. ISBN 9781681064949

Small Town Plus Size

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting out on your journey, there is something for everyone in Secret Wisconsin A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure. For more travel adventures by Tom and Kristi, visit their website, www.smalltownplussize.com. Also follow Tom and Krisiti on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/smalltownplussize.

February 25, 2024April 1, 2024

31st Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival

It is never too late to see the movie, Grumpy Old Men. I am sure it is as funny today as if I had seen it in 1993. I had no idea what to expect as I do not follow celebrities and never thought about seeing until an impromptu visit to Wabasha to visit the National Eagle Center last year for a travel book project I am working on where I heard about the Grumpy Old Men. At that time I had no idea what they were talking about.

A year later and I had the opportunity to attend the 31st Grumpy Old Men festival in Wabasha, Minn.

If you don’t want to experience every a day trip works but I recommend arriving the day before to truly experience the festivities. I feel like we did not which means I will be going again next year.

I must admit it made for the perfect day tour. Tony and I had a great outing plus the weather was perfect for a day trip in the midst of a Midwestern winter. The community made the most out of a lack of snow and ice. It was a great day!

What first stuck out at me which I am glad it was was the red buffalo plaid attire including doggie sweaters.

Second, the churches hot dish lunch rated at the top of the list. I live church meals because they are raising fun’s for the community and church. Second, the food is like what my mom made. The cost was $15 a plate and include a selection of 15 hot dishes, roll, drink and dessert plus pickles. So Midwestern.

Since we had never seen the movie we went to watch a free showing of the movie. We laugh and enjoyed popcorn a drink and Tony had a hotdog.

We enjoyed the fires in the barrels. Boy were they hot and made for the perfect source of heat for roasting marshmallows for s’mores. A few seconds the marshmallows was born all around. Yummy!

Then it was time for a horse drawn buggy ride.