We are on the road again! It’s my favorite place to be and I certainly want to savor this fairly short trip because it basically marks the end of my travels in America. Not because I don’t want to travel here anymore, but because this trip includes the last attractions in America that I feel are must-sees. In addition, this trip will complete visits to the entire 50 states for both Lee and I. We can finally check this item off on our bucket lists!

Before leaving Iowa for our flight from Chicago, we drove a short distance southwest of Cedar Rapids to check out the Amana Colonies. The seven (7) quaint towns, originally settled by religious immigrants from Germany in the 1850’s, offer an interesting look at a culture which has been preserved despite the incursions of modern life. Life is simple in the Amana Colonies.

Amana, Iowa

Residents from the entire region turn out to line Main Street for an Octoberfest parade. Farming is a way of life here and the people take pride in their food and other products. We enjoyed the delicious baked goods at this cafe on Main Street.

Amana Bakery & Cafe

We also sampled the locally grown and processed meat products at the village meat store.

Amana Meat Shop

From here we headed further eastward to Chicago for our flight home and the end of our End of America Road Trip.