Pella's Tulip Time officially kicks off today, and, yes, my favorite flower did spring early this year, but don't let that stop you from visiting this fantastic three-day festival (May 3-5). You must visit the Historical Village and Vermeer Mill. The mill is the largest working windmill in the country. You can't miss it; it's enormous! Inside are many interesting treasures. My daughter still talks about the miniature village every time she hears "Pella." The twice daily parades are unmatched by any parades I've seen. Live music and street scrubbing are all part of the fun, but the unique floats really tell the story of this Dutch community. I love food, so no visit to Pella is complete without a stop at one of their delicious bakeries. If you don't know what a Dutch letter is, it doesn't matter, you should try one. Or try any of the other sweet treats and traditional Dutch cuisine like vet bollen (deep fried dough with apple current and raisins); poffertjies (miniature Dutch pancakes); stroopwaffle; Pella bologna; Dutch letters (pastries with almond paste filling); Dutch Sinterklaas Koekjes (Santa Claus cookies); Dutch cocoa and much more.As I write this, I can picture my little girl standing in gigantic wooden shoes on the town square and smiling big for the camera. Tulips or not, it's one festival that will always bring a smile to my face.Want to see more in the area? Check out these nearby destinations:Colleen Murphy, Iowa Tourism Office
January 7
Clinton Bald Eagle Watch• Outdoor viewing at Lock and Dam 13, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Live Bird and Nature Programs at Clinton Community College, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.• Exhibits at Clinton Community College from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.• Free bus service from college to the outdoor viewing area.• For more information call 815.259.3628January 14Ottumwa Eagle Walk• Outdoor viewing at Bridge View Center 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.• Contact Chamber of Commerce 641.682.3465January 21Dubuque Bald Eagle Watch• Outdoor viewing, south of Lock and Dam 11 at A.Y. McDonald Park from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.• Live eagle and bird of prey programs by the University of Minnesota Raptor Center at 9:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 3 p.m.• Live bobcat and lynx program by Pella Wildlife Co.• Indoor exhibits from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Grand River Center - Port of Dubuque• Trolley rides from Grand River Center to outdoor viewing area• For more information call 563.556.4372 or 563.582.0881January 21 - 22Keokuk Bald Eagle Days• Indoor programs and environmental fair at the River City Mall, Keokuk• Live eagle programs Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.• Outdoor viewing along the riverfront • For more information call 800.383.1219January 28 Muscatine Bald Eagle Watch• Outdoor viewing from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Illinois Boat Club• Live eagle programs at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Pearl City Station• For more information call 563.263.7913February 24Des Moines Lunch with Eagles• Scott St. Dam, 303 Scott Ave., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.• Outdoor viewing in downtown Des Moines • For more information call 515.865.6564February 26 Saylorville Bald Eagle Watch, Polk City• Outdoor Viewing at selected sites around reservoir, start at Visitor’s Center Noon - 4 p.m.• For more information call 515.276.4656March 2-3Red Rock Bald Eagle Watch, Pella• Outdoor viewing at Howell Station 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.• Indoor programs at Pella Central College 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.• For more information call 641.828.7522March 3Linn Grove Eagle Watch• Registration 8:30 - 10 a.m.• Refreshments served in the morning• Can pre-register by sending to Wonders of Nature, 107 Weaver, Linn Grove• Speakers from 10 a.m. to Noon• Lunch served at 12:15 p.m., free will offering• Outdoor viewing at selected sites, start at Nature Center, Linn Grove Main St.• For more information call 712.296.4920Information provided by Pat Schlarbaum, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
