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Dubuque

 This year we took a post harvest trip to Dubuque. This would be our second year in a row to stay at the Hotel Julien in Dubuque. We like the hotel and the area and it was Mark's pick. Our first night we found an Italian restaurant recommended by the locals, "Marcos". To walk in, you would not be impressed. It was like walking back in time and had not changed since the 80's. It was small and dark, but the food was awesome. Mark had pizza and I had pasta. They emphasize that everything is made from scratch, and you can tell. We checked into the Hotel Julien for the night. We like the history of the hotel and the atmosphere. 





Day two we went to the local western store and drove out of town for lunch. The views were so beautiful with the rolling hills and dairy farms along the river. you could see for miles and miles. Brietbach's is another historical restaurant we have previously visited and today had lunch. In the evening we went to Monte Rest in Bellvue. We had a gift certificate from 2020 and thought it would be a good time to put it to use. Little did we know we still had a big amount left after our evening. We attended a dinner called, Midnight in Paris". We were joined by another couple for the dinner experience complete with dressing for the occasion. The bed & breakfast provides you with clothing and shoes. I chose a red and black dress and Mark wore a tux. I realized this was the second time ever seeing him in a tux, the first being our wedding. The outfits were part of their wardrobe collection to dress the part. The couple we sat with was in their 30's celebrating their 10th anniversary. They were kind and easy to talk to. The meal was elegant on fine china with an 8 course meal. I honestly have never been so stuffed in my entire life! My stomach actually hurt when we left. It wasn't that the portions were large, I think part of it was that we ate continuously for 3 hours. The food was fantastic, so you didn't want to leave anything on your plate. It was amazing. Our server tried to be professional, however she was pretty crude and tacky. She didn't really fit the part of the elegant meal as much. There are literally two women that run the show, every Friday and Saturday they host dinner events and take turns, one does the cooking, the other does the serving/entertaining. We enjoyed our evening other than our stuffed bellies. 





Day 3 Mark woke up a bit congested and had a morning massage. Being face down added to his head congestion and gave him a bad headache, which led to him throwing up. That kind of spoiled our plans to go to Galena to all the little shops. I have yet to make it to Galena. We talk about it and I have heard so much about it and keep hearing, "You will love it." While Mark rested, I made a drugstore stop and checked out a few local shops around the block. In the evening Mark was himself and wanted to eat next door at the Italian restaurant, Vinny Vuchinnis. I love Italian pasta dishes. 

On Sunday we had breakfast and swung by the landmark "Mines of Spain" where Julien Dubuque's memorial stands. Mark had seen history stories on television and had always wanted to see it. There were beautiful views overlooking the river and the city. After that it was the drive home. 







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