A Whirlwind Tour Of Iowa - Part 2

The folks visited the Amana Colonies on Sunday.  The Amana Colonies are a group of settlements of German Pietists in Iowa, comprising seven villages.  For eighty years they maintained an almost completely self-sufficient local economy, importing very little. The Amanians were able to achieve this independence and life style by adhering to the specialized handcrafts and farming occupations which they had brought with them from Germany.

The folks began their visit by eating at Ronneburg Restaurant. Mama expected the lines to be long because Maifest was being celebrated at the Amana Colonies, but they only had to wait about 15 minutes.

Music was played for diners.

Mama ordered Weiner Schnitzel which is veal and it was served with Spaetzle, a German type of noodle.

Dad ordered the sausage platter which had a variety.

The food is served family style. They had coleslaw, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cottage cheese, pickled beets, sauerkraut, stuffing, vegetables and bread.

 The folks said the food was really good. This was Mama's third time having German food.  Her Great Grandparents came from Germany, but she did not eat in a German restaurant until last year. She even liked the stuffing and normally she hates stuffing.  I cannot tell you how the food tasted because leftovers were not brought home!

After the folks ate lunch, they shopped at some of the stores.  They bought bacon, German mustard and popcorn.  I will give you a full report on the bacon later this week after I try some.  BOL!

There were carriage rides.

The leather shop?  Mama can't remember now.

There were dancers.

 Mama said she enjoyed visiting the Amana Colonies, but it was very crowded due to Maifest.  The stores were all crowded, so it was hard to shop.  They have cheese shops, wine shops, general stores, meat store, coffee house, various gift shops, etc. and that was just in the small section they visited.

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Anxious To Try The Amana Bacon