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Attractions & Dining

Events Washington offers events year-round that celebrate history and culture and create unity among the community. A seemingly endless list of celebrations, festivals and beautiful displays are presented for all to enjoy. One such display is the Centennial Fountain, located in Central Park. It was constructed and dedicated in 1939 for Washington’s centennial celebration. The only fountain of its kind in the continental United States, it produces a multicolored light show and various water patterns that are especially gorgeous when viewed at night. Additionally, the open-air bandstand and the park host many events throughout the year. During Thursday evenings in the summer, area farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Farmers’ Market. Along with great food, there is live local entertainment and a municipal band concert. The Washington Municipal Band is one of the oldest in Iowa with over 75 consecutive seasons to its credit.

Another celebration occurring each spring is “Kidz Fest,” sponsored by Washington County Hospital. Children of all ages are the center of attention and are treated to special games such as an obstacle course and a wheel of fortune focusing on health and nutrition. Other special events include face painting and entertainment by local dancers.

The Washington County Fair is a popular happening during the summer months. There are carnival rides, Oreo-stacking, hay bale decorating, a Bill Reilly talent competition and a Cutie Pie contest. Other competitions are sponsored by the 4-H club and FFA. On the other end of the spectrum, Washington’s Cruise Night displays a variety of classic and new show cars. Gallery Walk, located on the downtown square, is an event in which area artists and art students showcase their talent by displaying artwork in windows of supporting businesses.

The cooler autumn weather doesn’t slow down festivities within the Washington community. Trick-or-Treat Around the Square, a tradition for many years in Washington, gives children the opportunity to dress up in their favorite costumes and tick-or-treat at participating businesses. After the handing out of the treats, the children are invited to partake in tasty hot dogs, chips and drinks provided by local establishments. Also held during the fall is a craft show, drawing crafters from near and far to display their wares.

Agricultural tours are also presented by Washington County. With six destinations on its agenda, one can enjoy a variety of experiences. Sass Family Farm, an authentic 1950’s Iowa Farm, specializes in fresh produce and family fun. Also included on the tour is a trip to Cuddeback farm, allowing visitors to compare modern farming practices to farming in the 1880s and 1930s. On the agenda as well are tours of a working greenhouse, a beekeeping operation, a corn processing facility and Bandana’s Backyard, which is home to many exotic animals in an informal petting zoo.

The winter holiday is kicked off with the Lighted Holiday Parade. Cars and wagons are decorated with multi-colored lights and many themes are presented. At the end of the parade is the arrival of a person everyone looks forward to seeing—Santa Claus! Another attraction not to be missed during the holidays is the Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes. Featured in the Christmas tour are homes dating from the early 1900s to the present. Spotlighting holiday decorating at its best, the Tour of Homes is a must-see during this magical time of year.

For railroad enthusiasts, the Washington Model RR club presents six operating train layouts year-round. Presenting the art of miniatures in a unique form, the RR Club displays G, HO, O, N, S and Standard gage models.

Attractions For those who long for recreation that’s exciting, stylish and sophisticated, the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort is the place to be. Just 15 minutes south of I-80 from Iowa City, the casino and resort is Iowa’s premier luxury destination. Inside is a Las Vegas-inspired casino; water cascades above a dramatic light bar and lounge in the center of the gaming floor. Along with a show lounge, large plasma screens provide entertainment. There are over 1,218 slot machines, 22 Blackjack tables, four Craps tables, three Roulette tables, one Caribbean Stud table, two Pai Gow tables, one Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em table, one Mini-Bac table and a 14-table Poker room. Whether a small-time better or a high-roller, there’s lively fun for everyone. Hotel rooms showcase stylish interiors with outstanding personal service and modern amenities to ensure total luxury and comfort. Five restaurants are on-site for any culinary desire: Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, Robert’s Buffet, Ripple Diner, Ripple Express and the Clock Garden Café. Beyond the restaurants and casino floor are bountiful shopping opportunities, an indoor/outdoor pool and a hot tub. Riverside’s exclusive spa, Zender’s at Riverside, is ready to indulge guests with the most high-quality, luxurious, personalized and relaxing spa experience. For a world-class golfing experience, Blue Top Ridge at Riverside, designed by championship golf course designer Rees Jones, provides players with a challenging game and breathtaking views. Spanning more than 7,500 yards, Blue Top Ridge is a par-72 course made up of diverse and dramatic terrain not to be ignored.

The Barn Quilts of Washington County is a project designed to celebrate the agricultural heritage of the area by highlighting local farm buildings with beautiful, quilt-related folk art. Barn quilts are painted quilt blocks that adorn barns, corn cribs, sheds and other significant buildings. These barn quilt paintings enhance community pride and also attract both local visitors and tourists, highlighting the importance of agriculture, the county’s cultural and economic life and Washington County’s future as an economic growth area and tourist destination. Notecards, collectible pins and a tour map/brochure are offered for those interested in the Barn Quilts project and a website, www.barnquiltsiowa.net, provides further information and beautiful representations of the art.

Included among countless appealing attractions is an abundance of nature and wildlife, offering fun and education for all ages. Nature trails, fishing spots, hunting areas, a conservation center and a variety of flora and fauna interest visitors and residents alike. Following are only some of the many nature-related attractions that assure an amazing experience:

Located only seven miles east of Washington at Marr Park is the Washington County Conservation Education Center. Promoting conservation and providing environmental education and outdoor recreation opportunities, the center offers materials and resources to the public as well as facilities for school field trips, park visitors and programs.

Another way to enjoy the great outdoors is by visiting the Kewash Nature Trail. Its 13-mile path provides ample opportunities for hiking, biking, nature-watching and cross-country skiing. A mixture of mature trees and prairies with beautiful wildflowers, the area is teeming with wildlife. Animals often seen include deer, squirrels and migratory warblers. For fresh air and exercise in serene and magnificent surroundings, the Kewash Nature Trail is the place to go.

Known for its excellent fishing, Skunk River Water Trail’s natural splendor is best enjoyed by traversing the river in a motorboat, canoe or kayak. Fallen trees line the shoreline throughout the river, forming excellent habitat for channel catfish, flathead catfish and freshwater drum and carp.

Hunters will find several places in southeast Iowa to pursue game. Pheasant, trophy whitetail deer, waterfowl, quail and wild turkey abound in areas varying from grasslands to wetlands and timberlands—giving the hunter a wide range of field opportunities.

Dining Washington offers a diverse range of dining options to satiate any appetite. Everything from Iowa beef and pork to a wide variety of ethnic foods are readily available. When hungry, just some of the many options to consider are favorites such as pizza, spaghetti, hamburgers and fries, chicken, meatloaf, salads, ice cream, coffee and scones, turkey, and mashed potatoes and gravy. Authentic Italian, Mexican, Greek and Chinese establishments serve up delectable international fare.

One example of a restaurant with true international flair is Café Dodici, a family establishment encompassing two generations and bringing together family members from Italy and the United States, who have traveled to over 30 countries around the world. The establishment’s extensive renovation has created a relaxing atmosphere characterized by elegant décor featuring hand-carved Italian chandeliers, dark wood furniture imported from China and 16th-century Indian art. The restaurant draws patrons from near and far and often stimulates interest in other local businesses. Offering an ambiance and cuisine celebrating cultures from around the world, Café Dodici is often referred to as a “vacation destination,” as once inside, visitors feel as if they have been transported to another city or country entirely. ;