Experience a girls’ getaway in Iowa’s oldest city. Dubuque, Iowa known as “Masterpiece on the Mississippi” is filled with charming cafes, boutiques, and restaurants to explore and make memories at. Here’s your guide to a girls’ trip to Dubuque, Iowa.
Start your day with the girls by heading over to Charlotte’s Coffee House. Have a sweet tooth and love lattes? Head over toe Charlotte’s Coffee House and order a specialty latte, like the Almond Joy Latte or a Peanut Butter Cup Latte. The café is located in a historic house, with cozy brick walls and hot lattes to keep you warm on cold nights in Dubuque, Iowa.
There’s plenty of cute boutiques to shop ‘til you drop in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District. One of our favorites is The Midwest Girl, a boutique clothing shop specializing in Midwest apparel. Owed by sisters Marissa Hoffmann and Marah Odgers. “My sister and I started The Midwest Girl almost nine years ago,” recalls Hoffmann. “We were born and raised in Wisconsin, but my life was bringing me to Iowa. We saw this mobile boutique idea and founded a really small shop on Fourth Street, near the cable car, here in Dubuque. In 2020, we moved to our 2,000 square foot location and the rest is history. We’re known for remembering your Midwestern roots and celebrating your roots.”
Another boutique to stop by with your girlfriends is Namaste Athleisure Wear. The shop is located in the former CARADCO Bujilding, where the former millwork factory was, during a time when it was the nation’s largest window and door manufacturing business. With buttery soft apparel, shiny trinkets, and a large array of outdoor shoes, Namaste Athleisure Wear is a one stop shop for ‘feeling good’ about what you wear and what you do. “Our brands are ethically sourced, charitable, or have positive mission statements in the support of movement, style and self-confidence,” Namaste says. With brands like Lole, Able, and Toad&Co, there’s plenty of sustainable brands to choose from for fashionable ‘fits that are easy to wear.
You can’t come to Dubuque, Iowa without riding the Fourth Street Elevator, more formally known as Fenelon Place Elevator Co. “Known as the world’s shortest and steepest railroad”, pay $2 to ride up and down the rickety cable car that’s been around since 1882. The ride itself feels a bit precarious, but hey, it’s a Dubuque adventure you can’t miss!
Lobster Rangoons, Curry Fries, and Braised Pork Belly Bao – these are all delicious menu items you can find at the cozy, Oolong Asian Cuisine. Boasting a menu that’s inspired by Eastern Asia, and sourced with fresh, local ingredients, Oolong Asian Cuisine is a homey, unique place to dine with your girlfriends.
After a day of adventuring, come home to your stay at the Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center for more fun. You and your group will enjoy the indoor, heated pool underneath a glass domed atrium; poolside service available from the restaurant. The Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center is also connected to the Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom for a tasty meal, and if you’re more of a morning person, there’s complimentary breakfast. Don’t forget to book a suite for you and your group for a spacious stay.
Looking for a state with small time charm wherever you go? Time to visit the quaint state of Iowa. Experience America’s iconic Heartland when you book your stay with Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Iowa now.