Why Bellevue Iowa is the Real Stars Hollow

Stars Hollow, you know the town from Gilmore Girls? It is not actually a real place, it is a set in California, but if it was an actual town Bellevue, Iowa would be the REAL Stars Hollow. There are other towns that claim it, but hear me out… this is the spot. There is a gorgeous historic Inn, Mont Rest that overlooks the town, has gorgeous views of the Mississippi River, and has the most Lorelai woman running the place I have ever met. The town had a war, with a neighboring town and even has reenactments and a mural to commemorate it, don’t worry no one dies and only 6 people were shot. There is a local coffee shop, which also overlooks the Mississippi, be careful it is a lot like Fran’s if you say coffee, coffee, coffee you will likely get 3 of them. There is a gazebo on River View Drive, and used to be the location of the weekly farmers market, but they recently moved locations.

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How to get to Bellevue Iowa

Bellevue Iowa is located in Jackson County Iowa, on the west side of the Mississippi River, about 30 minutes south of Dubuque Iowa. It is a quick drive Route 61 South to get to Bellevue. There are several local airports you can fly into. The nearest is Dubuque, Iowa at 30 minutes away. If you are looking for an international airport, the closest is Chicago, Illinois, the drive is less than 3 hours. It isn’t a bad drive at all, speaking from someone who has made the drive dozens of times.

Things to do

River Ridge Brewing just expanded, to a river front location, which has an amazing patio and some great brew options. The beers are local, and even have some canned ciders from local areas. The beer is cold, the views are beautiful, and the money supports local, can it get any better? They are closed Monday – Wednesday right now. When we sat there, the high school water ski team was putting on a very cool performance, and do so almost every Saturday during the summer! They even did the water ski pyramids how cool is that?

There is the BookWorm Bookstore & More, an independent book shop on Riverview Drive that has been open for years, and has tons of great books. For sure stop in and support local! Make Andrew proud.

The church bells ring on the hour and the half hour, apparently Luke hasn’t broken them yet. Thankfully they are not nearly as loud and obnoxious as the Stars Hollow ones were, and honestly you do get used to them.

If you are looking for the all American breakfast than look no further than Richmond’s it has been there forever and the breakfast combos are just plain good food.

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Bellevue State Park

Bellevue State Park is located just off of US-52 up a winding little road. The views from the top of the state park are beautiful. Long views of Lock and Dam 12 on the Mississippi River is a great spot to stop and smell the peonies. They bloom up here in May-June time frame and are completely gorgeous. To the left of the overlook is a little well worn trail, no signs as I don’t think it is an official trail, but it leads a little way into the forest, and has an even better overlook view on top of a giant rock/ cliff. Maybe don’t let the kids climb there alone, but for sure make your way over to see it.

There is a playground area in the state park if the kiddos feel like running off steam. The playground is nice with swings and a slide.

There is also a little path, that leads to a butterfly garden, it has a more natural feel to the garden and if coming during the warmer months, you may want to make sure you hit this area in the morning or evening, mid-day can be a little too hot.

Farmer’s Market

The Bellevue Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 4-6pm located on the river between the Button Factory and River Ridge Brewing. It is a great way to start the evening, and an opportunity to support local farmers and artisans. Bonus if you stop into River Ridge Brewing to grab a nice cold beer, hey it grows the economy right?

If you are loving the view, and looking to spend a little more time on the water, you can rent kayaks or even a boat for the day to spend some time exploring the Mississippi.

Flatted Fifth Blues + BBQ at Potter’s Mill

When you mix super fun live music, and super yummy BBQ, you create an awesome vibe, location and an altogether great experience. Potter’s Mill restaurant has been serving BBQ for years and boy do they have it down. The The Memphis Style pork ribs are delicious, and of course you can’t go wrong with the mac & cheese. They have tons of beer options, and a full bar also if that is more up your alley. The last time I was there I had a sour, that smelled of play doh and strangely I wasn’t mad at it.

The live music varies, but is usually available Thursday- Sunday evenings, and it is always fun to hear some live music from some local artists.

Mont Rest Inn

There are probably other places to stay in Bellevue Iowa, but Mont Rest Inn is by far the best place to stay. It was build in 1893, and is both historic and incredibly comfortable. The Inn has a bit of a toddy history, first being the location of high stakes poker games, that ended when the owner lost a hand and the house in a game. Then through the years, as it moved through different owners they all put their own spin on the place. In 1986, the current owner bought the Inn and brought it up to the beautiful authenticity it is today.

Staying at the Inn for a weekend is a real treat, each of the rooms is unique, and has lovely antiques that exemplify the Victorian Time period of the homes’ origins. You cannot go wrong with any of the rooms, but The Boardwalk Suite with the giant chair, the lovely tulle netting and the fireplace is for sure my favorite room. The rooms all feel so lovely, and the pillow mints are actually handmade truffles. These could easily pass for store bought, but are made in house, and are basically heaven on earth.

A short ode to amazing Inn Breakfasts, at 9 am every morning you are staying, they make the best breakfast you have had maybe ever. They are absolutely to die for. The fresh fruit, the home made quiche, the cherry popovers, or fresh homestyle potatoes are all amazing. It is served family style normally, and if you don’t leave completely full you aren’t doing it right.

If you plan ahead, you can attend a Murder Mystery at the Inn, or even better get all your friends together, rent a room each and have the best time trying to solve who dun it. It is probably a good team building opportunity, but I highly suggest the friend approach. You all get assigned a character, a costume, and get served dinner. The whole experience is an absolute riot, and even if you completely miss the clues and don’t solve the murder, because maybe you had some wine and now don’t get the subtilties, you will still have a blast.

The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area

A quick 20 minute drive up to the Mines of Spain, located off of Hwy. 52 South, is a must if you are in the area. Julian Dubuque is credited as the first European to settle in 1788. He is buried at the Julien Dubuque Monument, built in 1897. This monument has a view of the 1432- acre Mines of Spain , the city of Dubuque, and overlooks the Mississippi River to Illinois.

The Mines of Spain Recreation Area includes 12 miles of hiking trails that are maintained. It also includes five natural trails inside the park. There is a canoe launch at the mouth of Catfish Creek near the Mississippi River if you feel so inclined. There is also a horseshoe shaped quarry that is interesting to walk through and likely would be gorgeous in the fall when the leaves change.

Day trip to Dubuque

A day trip up the Dubuque Iowa, being only 30 minutes up the road is a perfect option to spend some time. You can easily spend some time exploring the Mississippi River Museum, ride the Fenelon Place Elevator (steepest, shortest, scenic railway), hit the beautiful River Lights Bookstore, and finish the day with some delicious food from Brazen Open Kitchen.

Day trip to Galena

A slightly longer jaunt, is a day trip to Galena Illinois, at 45 minutes it is still not a long drive to make a day trip of it. The downtown area is so adorable, and filled with local shops and restaurants. President Grant made Galena his home, and you can tour his house and see his statute in Grant Park. You can spend your day with some horses at the Shenandoah Riding Center, or walk through some of the local galleries and admire the art. If you come in the winter you may even want to hit up Chestnut Mountain and do some local skiing.

Best times to Visit Bellevue

Spring, Summer and Fall are the best to visit. Unless you are looking for the perfect winter wonderland, because the winter can get very cold and snowy. If you are looking for a winter escape and feel comfortable driving in the snow this might be a good time for you. Being from Florida I prefer June, as it is warm in the day, but still gets a little cooler at night.