Every year, the men of our church go to a men’s retreat called Warrior Weekend. This year there was nearly 75 men gathered for the weekend.

My friend and co-worker Jen went and did the registration table for the group. So we made a little road trip out of it for a girls’ getaway.

It’s always a good time, driving, talking, stopping along the way, eating, and staying in new places.

First stop VICTOR, IA

Little towns always have fun little historical buildings and old churches.

GRINNEL, IA

Merchants National Bank designed by Louis H. Sullivan. So amazing! If you ever get a chance. Go inside.

Built in 1914, it represents one of eight “Jewel Box” banks he designed across the American Midwest late in his career. Louis H. Sullivan had mentored Frank Lloyd Wright.

In 1911–1912, Peoples Savings Bank was the second of Sullivan’s eight Midwestern “Jewel Box” banks.

YELLOW BANKS PARK – POLK COUNTY

Such a pretty spot.

CAMP DODGE

Camp Dodge is a military installation located in Johnston, Iowa. This place is 4,300 acres, it serves as the headquarters for the Iowa National Guard and was established in 1909.

PERRY, IA

We stayed in the historic Hotel Pattee in Perry, IA

This place was so cool. There were Bible verses on the walls in the Lobby, a courtyard coffee shop, and a 2 lane bowling alley in the basement.

Built in 1913, it is world-renowned for its warm Arts and Crafts interior architecture and its 40 themed guest rooms that preserve regional history. Built by brothers Harry and William Pattee as a tribute to their late father, David Jackson (D.J.) Pattee—a prominent Perry businessman, Civil War veteran, and former mayor.

The people in this hotel were phenomenal at hospitality.

In the courtyard was one of the coolest ways to honor the people who were part of this town. They created a wall of witnesses.

In 1993, Perry native Roberta Green Ahmanson (daughter of a local railroad worker who married savings-and-loan heir Howard Ahmanson) purchased the property on the brink of demolition and spent 20 million to fully restore it.

We had some of the best desserts at the Hotel Pattee restaurant called Harvey’s at the Hotel Pattee

Ledges State Park

On our way home, we stopped for a walk at Ledges Park overlooking the Des Moines River.

Goody got for myself

I am ready for winter! 🙂

Thanks for listening,

Starla