Flannel and Frost

About Us

Dec 17

Written By Danielle Neaves

I’ve been writing a lot about Small Grand Things and everything that has gone on to make it happen. I wanted to bring up something a little different this week.

I grew up in West Point until 2006 when we moved to Texas. Even though I spent equal parts time in both locations throughout my life, Iowa has always been home and was where I knew I would always come back to eventually. Since moving back in October, I have remembered what I loved about living here. The communities, people, and atmosphere of the small towns in Southeast Iowa are something you cannot find anywhere else. Especially during the holiday season. I wanted to highlight the amazing area we live in and the amazing traditions these communities have that we now have the privilege of being a part of.

Let’s begin with the Parade of Lights in Fort Madison the day after Thanksgiving every year. I remember going to this when I was a child and it is a wonderful family experience that is still done today. This is the kickoff to the Christmas cheer in the area.

Small Business Saturday and the Main Street Wine Walk is the following day enticing shoppers with the local shops and nearby breweries and wineries. There are so many cute shops in downtown Fort Madison to purchase those adorable Christmas decorations, holiday cookies, or one-of-a-kind gifts all while supporting the area’s local businesses. In the evening the wine walk is a tour of tastings sponsored by various shops and businesses in Fort Madison. Don’t worry though if you missed out on the wine walk. There is one in West Point and Burlington also.

One of my favorite traditions, when I was a child, was going to the Christmas Tree Farm and picking out our own tree to chop down and bring home. Holtkamp Christmas Trees is still open after all these years and offers that opportunity. Load up the family in the car, head on out to Sawyer, Iowa to find your perfect Christmas tree.

Now, this isn’t just a store to chose from the line of chopped down trees. That is an option if you choose, but if you want to fully experience Christmas tree buying journey, you’ll have to walk a little further than that. On several acres connected by wooden bridges, you can walk around all the White Pine and White Spruce trees of all shapes and sizes at a price that is unbeatable. Depending on the size of tree you choose, you can saw it down yourself, or ask the owner to use the chainsaw to chop down the tree.

Next up on our list of holiday traditions in Lee County, you’ve picked the perfect tree and brought it home. Now how are you going to decorate it? If you’re needing a little inspiration on decor, visit Harvestville Farms. You can choose from premade items and decorations or create your own custom wreaths, tree toppers, and garlands by choosing the items you want and the staff at Harvestville Farms can build it right in front of you. From sparkle to rustic to evergreen, to cotton. Everything you could ever want when it comes to any holiday, especially Christmas can be found in Donnellson, Iowa. Either way, you are guaranteed to come home with something truly magical this holiday season.

You’ve worked up quite the appetite shopping through all the wonderful ideas and beauties at Harvestville, you should stop by Appleberry Orchard for a quick snack. Just down the road, you can find Appleberry Orchard full of candy, apples, fresh baked goodies, and cider! Their bulk candy options are giving us some creative gingerbread house feels. Traditional sponge candies, fudges, and cinnamon sticks compliment the colorful gumdrops, and ribbons perfectly to round out any dessert table. While the kids are choosing their bag of candies, parents can sample and purchase various Appleberry wines. Want to do a little Christmas shopping as well? Not a problem. They offer several selections of homemade goodies including wax melts, jellies, and honey. Piece together a gift yourself or pick up one of their already bundled and packaged gift baskets.

Now onto the important things, Kriss Kringle, Sinter Klas, Pere Noel, Buono Natale, Pelz-Nicole, Topo Gigio, (If you didn’t get that movie reference, you are too young) Santa Claus! When to find him and where? The special thing about December is he seems to show up quite often during this time of year. Everywhere hosts Santa for a day of photos and fun at least once a season. Harvestville, Appleberry, the mall. HyVee even brings out the reindeer too! If you’re looking for something fun to do in the evenings after work or a spontaneous date night idea, Living Windows in downtown Burlington is the way to go. Storefronts participate in live displays, carolers, book readings,and more all while you can cross some things off your Christmas shopping list too.

Christmas eve in Southeast Iowa is filled with midnight, candlelit, and music filled church programs. No matter your denomination, practice, or walk of life, you will find somewhere to join in the celebration of Christmas. After that, I’m sure there is a Christmas party or cozy movie couch to hunker down in to enjoy the last few precious moments of the Christmas Spirit.

Harvestville Farm Mercantile in Fort Madison

Cookies by Kim’s Confections in West Point

Old-fashioned Candy at Appleberry Orchard

Southeast IowaSmall Grand ThingsSmall BusinessHarvestville FarmsAppleberry Orchard

Danielle Neaves

Flannel and Frost

Acknowledgments

Small. Grand. Things.