09 May 2014

Vintage Planes visiting LeClaire

By Cindy Bruhn

Three "float planes" (including a vintage Twin Beech 18) are heading to the Minneapolis area from Florida. Seven pilots and passengers will be making a stop in LeClaire, Iowa, on Friday, May 9th around 5pm and staying overnight. They will be flying out Saturday morning around 10:30am. They will be docked at the City dock on the Levee in downtown LeClaire.

Here is more information about the company that is leading the migration north:

http://www.adventureseaplanes.com/

26 Mar 2014

Events in LeClaire, Iowa, compliment attractions, shops, and restaurants

By Cindy Bruhn

Historical LeClaire, Iowa has a penchant for fun times and enjoys hosting events to attract visitors to town. Many people who are aware of the fun to be had in LeClaire return year after year; while others are looking forward to attending LeClaire's events for the first time.

"We often hear how much people love LeClaire or that they want to come visit LeClaire, because they have heard so many great things," stated Cindy Bruhn, LeClaire Tourism Manager. "Sometimes the events are what first attracts a person to our town, so we like to have something special going on every month."

Coming up on April 4-5, the "4th Annual Girls' Getaway Weekend" will include a fashion show and dinner at the award-winning Steventon's Restaurant overlooking the Mississippi River with entertainment by standup comedian Bobby Ray Bunch. Also included in the weekend are a cooking class from award-winning chef, Robert Day, at the Faithful Pilot Café and a Beauty Boot Camp hosted by Carissa Evans. There will be prizes and free wine tasting at Wide River Winery and Grasshoppers. Play the LeClaire Murder Mystery game and win prizes. There will also be plenty of time to shop in the unique stores in downtown LeClaire and attend a free tour at the Mississippi River Distilling Co. Cost is $45 per person. Complete details and registration can be found at www.leclairegirlsgetaway2014.com.

In May, the "2nd Annual French Market Days" will take place. This event will include "Tour de LeClaire" Big Wheel races for the kids sponsored by the River Valley Optimists Club, a French flea market and farmers' market on the Levee, lunch on the veranda of Vignettes with a scarf tying class, LeClaire Community Library book sale, and much more. Organizer, Terri Applegate says, "French Market Days includes something for everyone - all ages and interests. We are having a plant sale put on by our Rec Board. The plants are extras from our parks and the proceeds will go back into improving our parks, so it is a win-win." French Market Days take place on May 2-3. Details and can be found at www.visitleclaire.com

A popular event with many local residents and visitors is "LeClaire Garage Sale Days" on June 6 and 7. If you enjoy "picking" in your own back yard, LeClaire is a great place to find elusive treasures. You can always stop by Antique Archaeology - home of the American Pickers - and see what fresh picks they have, too.

On the "First Friday" of each month, LeClaire has a mini-festival of sorts from 5:30 - 8:00 pm with stores staying open late, restaurants offering specials, live music, and Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Wide River Winery offering food and drink samples. Details can be found at www.visitleclaire.com

Monthly "Trivia Nights" are scheduled through May and two car shows are being planned. On August 2nd the "Heartland British Auto Fest" and on September 6th the "Vettes on the River" will be taking place on the LeClaire riverfront. Also coming up in August is the world famous "Tug Fest" and in October LeClaire will have the annual "Apple Fest", "Dogtober Fest", and "Witches' Walk". "Christmas in LeClaire" in December is always a popular tradition among visitors and LeClaire residents. A complete list of LeClaire events can be found at http://www.visitleclaire.com/events.html

LeClaire, Iowa is located at a point where the Mississippi River makes a sharp bend to the southwest. LeClaire's historic bond with the river and the bold men who tamed the Upper Rapids is still visible in the homes and buildings they left behind. On May 7, 1979, their homes were recognized as part of the nine-block Cody Road Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. LeClaire's other attractions include the Buffalo Bill Museum/Lone Star Stern Wheeler, Mississippi River Distilling Co., and Antique Archaeology, home of the American Pickers.

• 563-289-4242 x1135 • info@visitleclaire.com

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19 Mar 2014

LeClaire Welcomes New Business, New Location for Veteran Business, and more over the past year!

By Cindy Bruhn
A LeClaire favorite, Dwellings, owned by Michael Hall has been in business for 10 years and has relocated to a much larger location at 414 N. Cody Road. Dwellings is in a house that most recently was home to Garden of Uden. Michael opened his new store on March 6th of shoppers browsing his expanded inventory which now includes chairs and occasional tables. In response to whether he thought this was a good move or not, Michael answered, "Yes! The response from current customers has been great! I think people will discover our new location and enjoy having the expanded inventory to choose from." He has found that having a home décor and furnishings business in a house helps people envision the items in their home.

LeClaire has welcomed Urban Classic Home to downtown at the corner of Cody Road and Jones Street (124 N. Cody Road). It is occupying a building that also houses GraniteXact and the LeClaire Information Center. The owner of Urban Classic Home, Becky Curtis, moved her business to LeClaire from DeWitt, Iowa. The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce celebrated with a ribbon cutting on March 7th.  She has already found the traffic in downtown LeClaire to be much busier than at her previous location. When asked if this was a good move for her business, Becky said, "Absolutely; many of my customers are here". She said that her expectations have more than been met. She also mentioned that she has 30 years of interior design experience from when she lived in Naples, Florida. She offers design, unique and custom pieces, and will visit homes for consultations.

LeClaire has enjoyed many new additions and changes over the past year. They include Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium moving to a larger space and Vignette's moving to a larger space and opening The Fig Tree. New businesses include Cedar Closet and The Shameless Chocoholic. Antique Archaeology (home of the American Pickers) has added a building, Expressions in Threads is in the process of expanding, and Grasshoppers is renovating a home to be used as a guest house.

LeClaire, Iowa is located at a point where the Mississippi River makes a sharp bend to the southwest. LeClaire's historic bond with the river and the bold men who tamed the Upper Rapids is still visible in the homes and buildings they left behind. On May 7, 1979, their homes were recognized as part of the nine-block Cody Road Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. LeClaire's other attractions include the Buffalo Bill Museum/Lone Star Stern Wheeler, Mississippi River Distilling Co., and Antique Archaeology, home of the American Pickers.

www.visitleclaire.com • 563-289-4242 x1135 • info@visitleclaire.com

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18 Nov 2013

LeClaire Comes Alive With The Holiday Spirit!

By Cindy Bruhn

LECLAIRE, Iowa - Christmas in LeClaire, December 6-8, 2013: Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7 10am-8pm and Sunday, December 8 10am-4pm.

Be sure and attend Christmas in LeClaire, the annual event offering fun for the whole family. There will be baked goods and handmade crafts from local crafters at the LeClaire Civic Center (127 S. Cody Road) and Snow Lodge No. 44 (113 S. Cody Road). They'll be offering their cookie tins that you can fill with your choice of homemade cookies and bars as well as serving a great lunch on Friday and Saturday.

Stop in at Reusable Usables (322 N. Cody Road) Friday and Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday 10am-4pm for Free Family Drop-in Art. Kids can have Breakfast with Santa at Happy Joe's (119 N. Cody Road) on Saturday from 8-10am (Kids $4.50/Adults $7.50) and then join him at Santa's Playhouse (in the Medic EMS Building at 107 N. Cody Road) for fun activities from noon to 3pm. Santa will also be at the LeClaire Bierstube on Saturday from 1-4pm. Bring a gift to be donated to Star Gifts for Kids and receive a free kid's meal!

Enjoy riding the Trolley from 11am to 7pm on Friday & Saturday and from Noon to 4pm on Sunday with stops throughout the downtown. Author Blake Ross will be signing his books and illustrative prints at the LeClaire Civic Center. Also at the Civic Center is a Silent Auction where you can bid on wonderful packages and baskets with items donated by LeClaire area businesses.

Watch for the Strolling Santas and Christmas characters from Around the World as they mingle in the downtown. All the local shops will be offering a wide array of items for your shopping pleasure. You're sure to find the perfect gifts for the Holiday Season.

Local restaurants will be open for your dining pleasure. Be sure to pick up one of the Christmas in LeClaire brochures at the LeClaire Civic Center, area shops, or LeClaire Information Center (122 N. Cody Road) for a list of participants and schedule of events. For more information, call Joyce: (563) 289-4205 or Diane (563) 370-3509.

• 563-289-4242 x1135 • info@visitleclaire.com

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29 Oct 2013

Five "Float Planes" to stop in LeClaire, Iowa

By Cindy Bruhn

UPDATE, FRIDAY, NOV 1:

he five float planes are expected to arrive in LeClaire today around 2:15 - 2:30pm. There will be three docking in LeClaire on the Levee and two just upriver from the quarry. They will be staying overnight and flying out around 10am tomorrow morning.

Five "float planes" (Supercub, Cessna 172, 180, 182 and a vintage Twin Beech 18) are heading to Florida from Minneapolis. Weather permitting, 13 pilots and passengers will be making a stop in LeClaire, Iowa, on Thursday, October 31, 2013 and staying overnight. If they are delayed because of the weather, they will be arriving in LeClaire on Friday morning around 11am or noon. The Twin Beech 18 will be docked at the City dock on the Levee in LeClaire. The other four aircraft will be docked upriver just past Territorial Road.

Here is more information about the company that is leading the Florida migration:

http://www.adventureseaplanes.com/

30 Sep 2013

24th Annual Apple Fest in LeClaire, Iowa

By Cindy Bruhn

LECLAIRE, IOWA

The LeClaire Lions Club presents "Apple Fest on the River" in LeClaire, Iowa on the Levee and downtown area on Sunday, October 13, 2013. It is a fun, family event that features apples, apple cider and many homemade apple food items including pie, strudel, and scones. Various other baked goods that will be available include cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, artisan bread and snack items such as crepes, cotton candy, granola, and kettle corn. Vendors will also be selling jams and jellies, pumpkins, copper jewelry, handmade canoes, glass garden art and much more!

The Quad City Antique Car Club will be showing off their cars, and a dunk tank will be part of the fun at Dudley's Cottage and Gifts.

There will be a "Kids Only" area for a small fee that includes face painting, apple beanbag toss, cookie decorating, and jump house. Free eye testing for children age 6 months to 5 years is available at the Apple Fest. "Kids' Sight First" testing is performed by Dr. Lisa Nix.

Apple pie baking & pie eating contests, apple sliders and many more specialty items will be available at downtown businesses along with wonderful fall shopping and dining. For more information about the apple pie baking and pie eating contests or to enter in advance, go to Aunt Hattie's at 102 S. Cody Rd. in LeClaire.

The Lions Club's involvement in LeClaire includes various community improvements. The Club has made donations to the LeClaire Police Department, Fire Department, Community Library, Levee improvements, Parks and Recreation, and they provide a $1,000 college scholarship to a local high school student every year. They also assist those in the community in need of glasses and hearing aids. Proceeds from the Apple Fest help further the LeClaire Lions Club's community efforts.

• 563-289-4242 x1135 • info@visitleclaire.com



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30 Aug 2013

Open House at the LeClaire Information Center to Celebrate One Year of Operation

By Cindy Bruhn

The LeClaire Information Center (LIC), operated by the LeClaire Office of Tourism, is located at the corner of Cody Road and Jones Street in downtown LeClaire (122 N. Cody Road). Since the Grand Opening on August 3rd 2012, over 17,500 guests have been welcomed, including tourists, LeClaire residents and potential business owners. Information about LeClaire attractions and businesses, business opportunities, and other items of interest has been shared. Out-of-town visitors quickly recognize LeClaire's hospitality and appreciate receiving information that isn't available from the Internet or a GPS system. The volunteers enjoy sharing what makes LeClaire a unique community in the Quad Cities area.

On Thursday, September 19th from 4-6pm, the public is invited to an Open House celebrating the center's "First Anniversary." The event will include light refreshments and the opportunity to discover what the LIC offers residents and tourists. The festivities will conclude with a short program honoring our volunteers at 5:30pm.

Cindy Bruhn, LeClaire Tourism Manager, says, "We are always looking for additional volunteers. Plus, Pleasant Valley High School students (accompanied by a parent) can apply their volunteer hours to the school's "service learning" requirement for graduation." Training (for students and adults) only takes about an hour and volunteers are able to schedule hours through online scheduling software. Please contact Cindy at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-289-4242, ext. 1135, if you are interested in volunteering or would like more information.

Please join us for the Open House or stop in and visit us any time. The LIC is open from 10am - 4pm Monday - Saturday, Noon-4pm on Sunday.

 

LeClaire Information Center Open House & Volunteer Recognition

122 N. Cody Road

Thursday, September 19, 2013, 4-6pm

Volunteer Recognition, 5:30pm 

 

LeClaire, Iowa is located at a point where the Mississippi River makes a sharp bend to the southwest. LeClaire's historic bond with the river and the bold men who tamed the Upper Rapids is still visible in the homes and buildings they left behind. On May 7, 1979, their homes were recognized as part of the nine-block Cody Road Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. LeClaire's other attractions include the Buffalo Bill Museum/Lone Star Stern Wheeler, Mississippi River Distilling Co., and Antique Archaeology, home of the American Pickers.

For more information on LeClaire visit www.visitleclaire.com.



26 Jul 2013

August Fun in LeClaire, Iowa

By Cindy Bruhn

There are plenty of fun reasons (in addition to the great shops, restaurants and attractions) to come to LeClaire, Iowa in August. Between events such as First Friday, a car show, craft show, the Tug Fest and live music every Friday, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

On Friday, August 2nd, "First Friday" kicks off the month with food and drink samples at Wide River Winery and the Mississippi River Distilling Co. Enjoy live music outdoors at Wide River Winery by Patchy Fog from 5-8pm, at Grasshoppers by Acoustic Friends from 6-8pm and at the Faithful Pilot Café by The Matriarchs from 7-9pm. Many shops stay open late, and LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals offers free appraisals until 7pm. Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium and Razzleberries Fine Gifts offer a sweet treat while supplies last. Dine at one of the many restaurants that LeClaire has to offer then join in the fun with Karaoke at Sneaky Pete's at 9pm and you will have a wonderful evening! For more information: www.visitleclaire.com

On Saturday, August 3rd, come on out to LeClaire to see British cars at the Heartland British Autofest from 9am - 3pm on the Levee. This event was previously held in the Village of East Davenport. For more information: www.qcbac.home.mchsi.com/

Also on Saturday, take in a craft show at the LeClaire Civic Center from 9am-3pm.

Sunday, August 4th, treat yourself to brunch or lunch in LeClaire and then take in the live music at Wide River Winery featuring Jordan Danielson from 2-5pm while enjoying your favorite bottle of wine.

Be sure and join us for Tug Fest 2013 in LeClaire, Thursday-Saturday, August 8-10. Just some of the fun includes a carnival, food vendors, live music, parade and the greatest fireworks over the Mississippi River on Friday evening, 5k run on Saturday morning, and the feature of the fest - a tug-of-war across the Mississippi River from 12:30-2:30pm on Saturday. Even the kids can get in on the action at 11am on Saturday with a Children's tug-of-war. Admission is free on Thursday; $5 on Friday and Saturday; children under 12 are free. Find all the details at www.tugfest.com

There will be live outdoor music the remaining Fridays of the month at Wide River Winery from 5-8pm. The schedule is as follows: August 9th The Whoozdads; August 16th Pieces of Candy, August 23rd Dan Peart; and August 30th our own Mississippi River Distilling Co. co-owner, Ryan Burchett and the Moonshiners. For more information: www.wideriverwinery.com

The Faithful Pilot Café's monthly brunch offering is on August 18 with seatings at 10am and 12:30pm. Pick your favorite "first", "garden" and main entreé from their special brunch menu. For reservations call 563-289-4156. For more information: www.faithfulpilot.com.

LeClaire, Iowa is located at a point where the Mississippi River makes a sharp bend to the southwest. LeClaire's historic bond with the river and the bold men who tamed the Upper Rapids is still visible in the homes and buildings they left behind. On May 7, 1979, their homes were recognized as part of the nine-block Cody Road Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. LeClaire's other attractions include the Buffalo Bill Museum/Lone Star Stern Wheeler, Mississippi River Distilling Co., and Antique Archaeology, home of the American Pickers.

For more information on LeClaire visit www.visitleclaire.com.

23 Apr 2013

LeClaire, Iowa Plans New Events and Continues Successful Ones for 2013

By Cindy Bruhn
Historical LeClaire, Iowa has a penchant for fun times and is always coming up with new events to attract people to town. Many people who are aware of the fun to be had in LeClaire return year after year; while others are looking forward to attending LeClaire's events for their first time.

"We often hear how much people love LeClaire or that they need to come visit LeClaire, because they have heard so many great things," stated Cindy Bruhn, LeClaire Tourism Manager. "We think the events sometimes are what first attracts a person to our town, and we like to keep fresh, new things happening to bring people back who have visited before."

A new event that is a spin-off from an event LeClaire has traditionally had is "French Market Days". In years past, LeClaire hosted "May Market Days" that included sidewalk sales, artists and musicians. "French Market Days" will be an extension of that event with a French twist. It will include a parasol decorating contest for the businesses, "Tour de LeClaire" Big Wheel races for the kids, Rue du Marche - vendors in the alley just off Cody Road, plant sales, an afternoon tea, art and craft classes, and much more. Organizer, Terri Applegate says, "French Market Days includes something for everyone - all ages and interests. We are having a plant sale put on by our Rec Board. The plants are extras from our parks and the proceeds will go back into improving our parks, so it is a win-win." French Market Days take place on May 17 and 18. Details and pre-registration for the afternoon tea and craft classes can be found at www.visitleclaire.com

Another fun event that it is scheduled in June is the 3rd Annual "Girls' Getaway Weekend" on June 21 and 22. This event has attracted local women and visitors from out-of-town who stay overnight to enjoy the many exciting Friday and Saturday activities. This year's event is bigger and better than ever. Saturday evening, special guest Anthony Ryan Auld, winner of the 2013 Project Runway All Stars, will speak about becoming a Top Fashion Designer and what it's like being on a reality TV show. Complete details and registration can be found at www.leclairegirlsgetaway.com.

A popular event with many local residents and visitors is "LeClaire Garage Sale Days" on June 7 and 8. If you enjoy "picking" in your own back yard, LeClaire is a great place to find elusive treasures. You can always stop by Antique Archaeology - home of the American Pickers - and see what fresh picks they have, too.

On the "First Friday" of each month, LeClaire has a mini-festival of sorts from 5:30 - 8:00 pm with stores staying open late, restaurants offering specials, and Mississippi River Distilling Co. and Wide Rivery Winery offering food and drink sampling. Details can be found at www.visitleclaire.com

Monthly "Trivia Nights" are scheduled through July and a car show or two is also in the works for this summer. On August 3rd, the Heartland British Auto Fest will be taking place on the LeClaire riverfront. Also coming up in August is the world famous "Tug Fest" and in October LeClaire will have the annual "Apple Fest", "Dogtober Fest", "Hallowine" and "Witches' Walk". "Christmas in LeClaire" in December is always a popular tradition among visitors and LeClaire residents.

A complete list of LeClaire events can be found at http://www.visitleclaire.com/events.html

LeClaire, Iowa is located at a point where the Mississippi River makes a sharp bend to the southwest. LeClaire's historic bond with the river and the bold men who tamed the Upper Rapids is still visible in the homes and buildings they left behind. On May 7, 1979, their homes were recognized as part of the nine-block Cody Road Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. LeClaire's other attractions include the Buffalo Bill Museum/Lone Star Stern Wheeler, Mississippi River Distilling Co., and Antique Archaeology, home of the American Pickers.

For more information on LeClaire visit www.visitleclaire.com.
15 Apr 2013

Cancer Survivors Walk Lap of Hope at the American Cancer Society Relay For Life

By Cindy Bruhn
Davenport, IA - On April 27 at 2:00 p.m., Relay For Life of Scott County will hold a special Survivors' Lap, a moving experience honoring those who have defeated cancer. Survivors will join together to take Relay's opening lap, unified in victory and hope, while the rest of the event's participants surround the track to cheer them on.

Relay For Life is a unique grassroots fundraising event in which individuals and teams of participants in nearly 5,100 communities nationwide walk around a track overnight to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved one lost, and commit to fight back against the disease. The money raised through Relay For Life supports the American Cancer Society's efforts to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver and would like to take part in the Relay For Life, please register via our website: www.RelayForLife.org/scottcountyia or call Tracy Kimler (Survivor Chair) at 563-579-3554. All survivors receive a free Relay For Life T-shirt and are invited to join us for a complimentary Survivor Luncheon to be served from noon-2pm.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

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