Weekend Retreat in Northeast Iowa

Friend, owning your own business is one of the most AMAZING things in the world…especially if you never intended to actually do that with your life. It can also be a GIANT – time-suck, brain-suck, soul-suck. Pardon my over-use of the word suck, but you get my drift.

All of this to say that…I really needed a getaway here recently to renew and recharge, and was lucky enough to get a weekend stay #ad at Bear Creek Bungalow in Decorah, IA! Now, full-disclosure, eventually Jason and I WILL live in Decorah. It is one of the most beautiful places on this planet and I love so many things about it. There is an incredibly charming main street—with thriving small businesses, lots to do—partly in-thanks to Luther College being located there, and one of the most gorgeous backdrops of natural landscape you’ve ever seen! When the owners of Bear Creek Bungalow offered to let us stay the weekend in their Airbnb, I couldn’t schedule it fast enough!

Part of getting away for me is forcing myself to disconnect. I’m always on my iPhone, friend. It’s gross. I’m working on it. Promise. Really, though, I’ve been solidly active on my phone, since smart phones came about. Cut to me owning a small business that basically exists because of the internet…well, I think you can figure out where this story leads. It’s something I’ve been working on, but I still need to take some big steps to break the ties sometimes. Luckily for me, Bear Creek Bungalow is charmingly disconnected from the techy world and has so much beauty, both inside and out, to entertain you instead!

It was just Jason and me for the weekend, but the space can sleep up-to six. By the end of the weekend, we were already planning our next trip up, friends in-tow, and where everyone would sleep. This won’t be for a few months, though…sad face. I didn’t come prepared with any reading material for our stay, so we made a trip to the local Walmart…obvs…and I grabbed the Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Ideas 2019 special issue. Any time we weren’t out doing something or enjoying the lovely scenery, I was curled up with that beautiful magazine in our cozy bed or on one of the couches. I made such use of the quiet surroundings and all the comfy blankets and pillows! I know, I know…I should have been outside drinking in nature…and I was! Just not as much as I did being curled up, soaking in the lovely pages of my Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

In case you’re worried that our trip was wasted completely on my slothfulness…don’t be. I made sure to get out, even in the cold weather, to take in the sights and enjoy the gorgeous natural surrounds…both at the Bear Creek Bungalow itself and in and around Decorah.

The views from the cabin are gorgeous. You can catch the sunrise every morning and the view is basically uninhibited. We also made our way across the road, down a gravel path, and onto some private property. Whoa…before you get upset, there’s a sign with instructions that it’s private property, but access is available for the fresh stream that runs through it. Friend, Jason and I stood quietly for probably 20 minutes our last morning there, just watching and listening to all the nature surrounding us. There was a lone duck swimming and diving for food…and some noisy creature in a tree, that I was sure was a beaver. Turns out it was just a giant woodpecker who was on a serious mission.

Now, admittedly, Jason and I are not super outdoorsy people…but if you are so inclined, the trout stream running right next to the cabin is a for sure reason to stay at Bear Creek Bungalow. Other reasons include: warm + comfy beds, a coffee bar just waiting for morning, lots of dvd’s to keep you entertained, a full kitchen, wonderful hot water for your morning shower, ca-ute décor, and a perfect backdrop for a weekend retreat to reset or to enjoy time with friends or family!

When we weren’t at the cabin, we did lots of exploring in and around Decorah. We drank lots of delicious coffee, ate so much good food, and took in the sights! Even though we’ve visited Decorah many times, there are still things that are new to us or that we want to do again. Our trips to Decorah, IA are always a good mix of relaxation and exploration. Usually the exploration is for delicious food (which there’s a lot of), but sometimes we get crazy and take to the trails. Have to make room for more food, am I right?

Decorah is in the northeast corner of Iowa, making it a convenient spot to visit for the weekend, not only for Iowans, but also those from Wisconsin and Minnesota…and Illinois too, if you do a little extra driving. Every time I leave Decorah, though, I wish that I would have stayed longer…so it doesn’t have to be just for the weekend. There’s plenty to do if you decide to stay longer! If you need a place to stay while you’re there, I highly recommend Bear Creek Bungalow. It’s so cute and the setting couldn’t be any more gorgeous! It’s seasonal lodging, though, so be sure to get on their calendar now for the warmer months! You can find them HERE!

Love backroad travelling and good food too? Follow me over in Instagram and tag me next time you’re out adventuring! I’d love to find some new spots to enjoy!