Over the Thanksgiving weekend, my family had the opportunity to head "back home" to Independence and Jesup in northeast Iowa. Any time of the year is great to visit and connect with family and friends, but the holidays make those times even more special.
The smaller, more rural communities really get into the holiday spirit and decorate their main streets in such a festive way. Both small communities had great holiday themed decorations proudly displayed on their Main Street light posts. Downtown merchants had their store windows arranged with great seasonal displays and specials, and the sounds of Christmas music filled the air. It was nice to get home again to see family and friends, and the great hometown atmosphere of those smaller communities was, as always, an added bonus.
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| Brenton Skating Plaza (Greater Des Moines CVB photo) |
This past weekend we had a chance for a family ice skating outing. Our boys have coaxed us to the Brenton Skating Plaza, Des Moines’ riverfront outdoor ice skating arena, for an evening of ice skating every year since it opened. What a lot of fun!
The arena is decked with huge Christmas trees and festive lights, and their sound-system belts out a great mix of music. The ice was packed again with skaters of all ages. We met up with some friends there and enjoyed our evening of skating, followed by warm beverages at a favorite coffee place.
There are so many communities with great public ice skating arenas or flooded areas for skating. What are you waiting for? Dust off your skates and put them to use again, it may be a fun weekend adventure or maybe even a tradition you’ll want to start with your friends and family. Happy skating!
Lonie Mezera, Iowa Tourism Office
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