Step outside. Look around. Soak it all in.
Once again, Adair County has outdone itself earning its designation as Iowa’s Garden County.
In the early 2000s, Adair County Tourism hosted “The Gardens of Adair County,” a self-guided tour of gardens across the county. As part of that effort, the group applied to the state for, and was granted, the official designation of Iowa’s Garden County.
From native wildflowers blooming at will as is their birthright, to crops grown to burst food bins around the world, to razor straight rows of vegetables and finely honed flower gardens, we’re proud to live up to that reputation.
If you were at the Fourth of July parade in Massena, one of our local libraries this spring, or the Adair County Fair, you had a chance to pick up a packet of seeds courtesy of Adair County Tourism. It’s our way of keeping Adair County growing and promoting the tourism website with the attached sticker.
The website VisitAdairCounty.org provides listings of upcoming events and entertainment, lodging and dining options, tourist and historical attractions and other tourism related information.
Both the website and our Facebook page Adair County Iowa Tourism will help you find ways to get out and enjoy Adair County as the summer winds down.
Farmers Markets and Pizza on the Prairie run well into fall, and there’s still plenty of time to enjoy those last camping nights. How about a trip down the Middle River Water Trail to immerse yourself in autumn color?
Fall and winter bring a multitude of indoor happenings, along with pheasant and deer hunting.
The Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield kicks off its 2023-24 Locals & Legends Series with a Bluegrass show in September, a comedian in October and Trick Police, a Cheap Trick tribute band, in November. One-woman-show creator Pippa White is a familiar face in the area and will present “As Far as the Eye Can See” at the Wallace Farm’s Picnic Theater in September. Stuart will host its annual Best of the Block BBQ September 22-23.
The Good News Concert Series continues at the Gathering Place in Greenfield, as does Lion’s Club Bingo the fourth Sunday of every month. Local bars will be hosting karaoke and bike nights.
There are multiple craft and vendor fairs planned for the season, as well as the annual swap meet and garage sales. The Hawkeye State Archaeological Society of Iowa will host its annual Artifact Show at the Adair County Fair Grounds on November 4.
There’s also a memorial motorcycle ride and a suicide prevention walk.
While all that is going on, the trees will turn marvelous shades of yellow and orange, and pumpkins, gourds and mums of all colors will dot the landscape. Harvest will hit full swing, with machines rolling and grain flowing reminding us how much bounty Iowa’s Garden County can produce.
We will give thanks, break out the hoodies, maybe light up a bon fire or two.
And then we will get ready for Christmas activities.
Let the Autumn games begin!