May was full of adventure. The blooms didn’t last long, but we sought quiet moments by the water and took a trip where we found a jackpot of rad, old buildings. Dubuque, Iowa to be exact. It doesn’t sound like the most exciting vacation, but the kids get just as excited to swim in a hotel pool and eat out at restaurants every night as they would going to Disney World. At least that’s what I tell myself.
We checked out the Millwork District, which I fell in love with. The crumbling bricks, broken windows, and mysterious allies were a sight, and couldn’t put my camera down! There was a quiet coffee shop down there called Inspire Cafe. If I lived in this area, I’d likely spend most of my days hanging out there with the plants and twinkle lights. Definitely check it out if you’re in the area.
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium was up next. It was fun touching the sting rays and observing the huge turtles. Let’s not forget the ominous alligator lurking about in the water and the playful armadillo. There was a lot of cool information about the Mississippi River flood of 1965 and various collections, including birch canoes, wool blankets, and furs from the natives that once lived in that area.
It was a scorching day, but the last part of our trip we spent hiking in the Mines of Spain. We walked valleys where the river used to flow and went up to the Julien Dubuque overlook. It was the first time hiking without a three year old on our back, so the walking was slow and strenuous. She did very well for how hot it was.
Speaking of, summer is almost here, and there will be plenty of time to cool off in the sprinkler.
