Fifth Annual Love Lee County Tour returns this weekend

LEE COUNTY - There is a lot to love about Lee County. Celebrate it all on the Love Lee County Tour! Take a rural road trip to 18 locations featuring demonstrations, sales, history, art, samples, flowers and pop-ups. The tour runs Friday and Saturday, June 7th and 8th, from 10am to 6pm.
New to the tour this year is Wendland Family Farm featuring sourdough starters, samples, loaves, lemonade and more. They will be set up at their farm stand located at 105 5th Street in West Point. Come hungry and enjoy Revilo Smoke BBQ who is bringing pulled pork and delicious rib plates to the tour. Kim’s Confections, also located in West Point, satisfies your sweet tooth with pies, cookies, muffins and more. Enjoy a hot breakfast on Saturday morning!
Also a first-timer and must-see stop is 1884 On The Bluff, nestled in the hills at 2663 300th Street, Montrose. This charming old-world wedding and events venue was built in 1884. The rustic farmstead boasts of timber-lined buildings that have been restored while preserving their 19th Century architecture. Relax along a tour with $1 hot dogs and a beverage, music, games and be inspired by their giant monarch in the meadow. Hop back in the car for a short trek to Green Frog Distillery, 33495 270th Ave, Keokuk, for distillery tours and enjoy a cocktail in the new tasting room. Sunshine B Creations will be set up there with fun graphic tees, spirit wear, embroidery, and custom designs.
Head north on 61 and take a left on Peach Orchard to find MAFAB Fisheries. The fishery is stocked full of locally caught fish, smoked fish, frozen fish, appetizers and is celebrating the tour with tasty specials. MAFAB Fisheries is a county neighbor to Jim’s Greenhouse, where you’ll see the largest selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants and hardscape items in Lee County. The greenhouses are located at 2407 280th Street, Montrose, and will also host Taylor Ann Design. Taylor Ann Design creates tees and tanks for every occasion and will also have their new trucker hat bar up and running.
Lee County Floral will be opening their new studio doors to the public for the first time on this year’s tour. Find them at 1738 180th Street, Donnellson, with farm fresh flowers, plants and bouquets. Enjoy a DIY flower bar and bring the kids for the bracelet and keychain station. Hop down the road to Appletree Antiques, 1805 180th Street, where you’ll find the largest selection of antiques, primitives, furniture and treasures. Jog down Highway 27 and take the Donnellson exit east to Harvestville Farms and enjoy in-store specials for the tour. They boast fresh produce, gifts, home décor, plants and succulents. Their Pitchfork Café is open for lunch.
Hinterland Dairy, located at 2149 Franklin Road, Donnellson, is churning up their famous strawberry ice cream for the tour! Enjoy samples of their aged farmstead cheddars, quark, and grab some fresh cheese curds. Answer some dairy trivia for a chance at a $50 gift card. Cheese goes well with wine and good neighbors, like Christian Herschler Winery. The winery is located up the road at 6th and Green Street in Franklin. Enjoy history of the 100-year-old stagecoach stop, tours, beautiful gardens and, of course, wine samples.
Hillcrest Hostas showcases some of the most beautiful gardens in the county. Enjoy the blooms and find a large selection of perennials to take home from their greenhouses at 2292 Hillcrest Road, Donnellson. Next stop along Highway 2 is Appleberry Orchard where you’ll find fresh strawberry and strawberry rhubarb pies! Their farm market store and bakery will be open for the tour boasting apple cider donuts, fritters, pastries, décor and gifts.
Head in to Fort Madison to Central Park, where the Fort Madison Area Arts Association has joined the tour this year. Their Spoonfest is being held with a weekend full of carving classes, demonstrations and shopping handmade items. Also find four talented artists in one beautiful location at Chestnut Hill Pottery, 3198 Old Quarry Road, Wever. Artists Barb Zumdome, Mary Ilmberger Scott, Mel Stockwell and Linda Ross create art using wool, paint, letter press and clay for function and visual delights. Kevin Ross hosts demonstrations on VW and Airstream restoration. View the Vintage Camper Village and take part in seed pod making and play in the Creative Corner.
Thrill your western side in northeast Lee County, beginning at Four B Tack and More, 3077 170th Street, Fort Madison. The largest western store in the county, they carry boots, tack, clothes and workwear for your whole family. Walk to the next stop, Angels and Outlaws Boutique, for trendy and affordable clothing, jewelry, ball caps, purses, shoes and gifts. On Saturday Angels & Outlaws will be hosting pop-up vendors and a food truck. Finally, stop at Quarry Creek Elk and Bison Company, 1866 303rd Ave, Fort Madison, to get some locally- raised elk and bison meat for your grill. View a wide selection of foods, gifts, boots, drinkware and safes.
What’s not to love in Lee County? See you on the back roads Friday and Saturday, June 7th and 8th, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.