.Note: you may view Dave's previous journal entries below by clicking on the button located in the upper right hand corner of the text box to expand and view the content.

Note: you may view Dave's previous journal entries below by clicking on the button located in the upper right hand corner of the text box to expand and view the contents.

Tuesday June 1, 2010…Today I was able to get my travel on the Iowa side of the Great River Road on my way to the McGregor, Prairie du Chien area. What a beautiful drive, I had my first stop at Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is a State Park that overlooks the Mississippi River. I didn’t have time but there are also some great walking paths through the park. From the park I proceeded downhill to McGregor. The town was just waking up and getting all the stores open. The word around town was a great weekend was had by all. Just north of town is Marquette, IA, I stopped in and visited with Connie owner of Eagles Landing Winery. It was too early to do any sampling but the store is beautiful and Connie is very proud of the store. Connie gave me directions to their awesome Bed and Breakfast “The Eagles Landing” it sits right on the river and is very convenient as it is just minutes from McGregor and Prairie du Chien. I went to the Effigy Mounds north of town to drop off some maps this is a place for hikers and history buffs. Dick was very helpful and gave me some real good ideas for the future. Next stop Prairie du Chien, and the Chamber of Commerce and visitor center. It was one of those stops that I hoped for 10 minute introduction, instead spent over an hour there and I left very excited about working with Bob and staff on future projects. The city is very fortunate to have these folks on your side. I wanted to get to the Bridgeport Inn and they gave me directions and I was on my way to meet Baldev the owner of the property. I was very impressed with the property and the rates seemed to be very fair! I left there for a late lunch and found the Depot Bar open on the riverfront. Laura made a great burger and I had a good time chatting with the folks that came through. I had to hurry as I had to stop for a bit in Guttenberg. I got there and had great visits with Barb from Kanns, Michelle from Degnan,Green and Peggy from Square Peggs. These ladies love their town and were full of great ideas for future events. I look forward to working with this group as we try to build more travel to town. My day wasn’t finished yet, on the way back home I made my final stop at Double L winery. I love these stops as I always get excited visiting people who love what they do. If you want rhubarb wine that taste like rhubarb stop in and sample some Double L rhubarb wine.

Wednesday June 2, 2010…Out and about in the tri-states today I had a few meetings on the website and working with advertisers, all great meetings with good deals and great progress. I stopped in to visit Bobbie at Harley Davidson in Dubuque and dropped off a box of maps. Like many of our shops that have motorcyclist as clients they go through a bunch of maps .I went to one of my favorite Dubuque eateries to  do some website training at Champs/Best Western. Champs has a great menu very nice folks who give great service and real good prices.  I visited the Mines of Spain as I wanted to see if we could get a motorcoach in and out of there. What a great area for us to be able to visit. I ended my day with a presentation at the Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce. Joe and the board and visitors couldn’t have been more enjoyable and I look forward to working with them in the near future (hopefully Friday). I truly enjoy working with and talking to chambers and communities throughout the tri-states. I see people volunteering their time and giving their best to the cause and working to do what they think is best. Get involved in something in your town and lend a hand I never hear people saying no to help.

Thursday June 4, 2010…Today I have a traveling partner with me, Tri State Tourism intern Kyle Kruser and I had a few stops to make and away we went. Our first stop was with new member Bill Murphy from Findley Grace Promotions. Mr. Murphy is very prophetic in his outlook on life and Kyle clung to every word he said. After a couple more stops in Galena we were off to Platteville and work on our website. Ralph gave Kyle some tasks to take on and showed him how to navigate the website. I met with Platteville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Kopp while the computer experts worked their magic. We had more traveling to get to so we made a couple stops in Platteville before heading to Lancaster and a meeting with Angie Day. We both learned a lot from Angie and her hopes for the Lancaster Chamber. In my opinion Angie has very lofty yet attainable goals and hopes for her community, with some help from the powers that be I would dare to wager that these projects will happen and be very positive for Lancaster. We had to hit the road again and we took a scenic trip from Lancaster back to Platteville for a meeting with Tom Sigworth owner of Country Kitchen and Dairy Queen. The only problem I have when I get the chance to meet with Tom is the time is too short. If we ever get the opportunity to get together for a couple of hours watch out tri-states ideas will roll. What a great day, my travels always put me in front of passionate people who love what they do… I am very fortunate to get to visit with all.

Friday June 4, 2010… Today I wrap up the week with a spin around Illinois. Kyle was along for the day and I had someone to talk to. I think my cell phone calls drop by 70% when Kyle rides along. We went and had a coffee at Railway café and I got a couple leads from Libby and a great cup of coffee, thanks Constance. We traveled from there to Chestnut and gave a tutorial on our website event posting. Down the road to Hanover we found Jared Spahn in, owner of Rocky Waters Winery. Jared is so in to what he does it is great to spend time with him as he prepared for a busy weekend. Kyle took a number of pictures that he posted to the website. We spent an hour and a half with Jared and had a great time before we took off for Elizabeth, Il. We stopped for lunch at Sharks and had a great lunch the fish fries and cole slaw were all great and we had a good conversation with he folks at Sharks and actually set up  a meeting later in the day to show them how to post at their events to the website. We had a 1:00 at E Town the local coffee shop with some members of the Chamber of Commerce and showed them the web site posting for events and articles. They have great stories to tell and we want to help them do that. Thanks to all and it’s great to have you as new members. After a return to Sharks it was back to Galena and a stop at Fried Green Tomatoes where I dropped off the Platteville CFA summer calendar for Fred as he looks to put together dinner theater packages for his customers. Another great week in the tri-states and as summer has just begun I ask all of you to get out and enjoy what your back yard has to offer.

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Monday, May 3, 2010 - Lovin’ life in the Tri-States… The morning started with a great trip to Casseville and a stop at the car ferry that opened last weekend, the ferry will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday till Memorial Day . From there I spent a very informative and entertaining hour with Dale from Stonefield Agriculture Museum. It is always a joy to be around people who love what they do, and it’s very apparent that Dale does. I had a great lunch in Bloomington, WI at Ma’s Bakery, the service was great and the food was better, thanks Sue. I want to thank Tri-State Tourisms newest member the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. We all look forward to working with Angie and hope some of her energy will rub off. I finished my Monday with a stop in Fennimore at the National Doll and Toy Museum. Connie was a great host and has an outstanding new property. I loved it and can hardly wait until tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 - with a visit to Breitbach’s in Balltown, Iowa. I had a great trip up the Iowa side of the River road with great scenery and friendly folks all along the way. While at Breitbach’s I was allowed the opportunity to see the new restaurant for the first time, I was blown away. The building is obviously new but the ambiance is so comforting as if you are walking into the oldest restaurant in Iowa and that you are. I didn’t have time to eat but I saw a table being served their breakfast and it looked sensational. Heading north my next stop was Pike’s Peak, I took the time to go to a couple of the overlooks and take in the great views and I’m sure glad I did. McGregor was nest and I have to tell you it was an absolute joy. Chamber director Sasha Dull couldn’t have been more helpful and knowledgeable about the town. Once downtown I went to visit an old favorite of mine Little Switzerland Inn. This bed and breakfast was a favorite of my wife’s and I some 20 plus years ago. Today it was just as beautiful, owners Becky and Randy Johnson let me in to see the old cabin on the property “Sadie’s log cabin” and it was just the way I remembered it. I assured myself that another stay would be in the near future. On the way home I stopped in another river town Guttenburg. The main street looked great and I took the time to visit with Barbara owner of Kann Imports. That wonderful store has been around for 64 years and I can see why. They have got such a great diversity of gifts it would take an hour to truly look through the selection. Barbara and I started talking and an hour passed by in a blink of an eye. What a great day, thanks to all.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010…Traveling the great river road south in Illinois and what a day. I started with a visit to Chestnut Mountain Resort, we all think of Chestnut during ski season but wow what a view in the new restaurant the “Sunset Grille”. That view is all year long and seven days a week, the view is awesome and the food is better. I strayed off the river road for a bit and am I glad I did. I took a chance and went to Elizabeth and was able to find Christie in at the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation, I am so thankful that this organization exist as they have found a way to preserve so many eco-tourism sites that we all can benefit from, thank you for all that you do. Across the street I was able to catch Joe in at the Elizabeth Market, he is now the president of the Elizabeth chamber and he let me visit with him about Tri-State Tourism and all of our benefits, he maybe shouldn’t have let me get started as I made him late to call in his grocery order. If you go to the store and something isn’t in I’m sorry, Joe was only being a good host. Today I had an outstanding lunch at Sharks, fair prices and more food than I could eat. I got myself heading south again on the Great River Road and ended up at Rocky Waters Wineries, Kyle was in and we got to talking about anew wine festival in June “Top of Illinois Wine Festival”, this will be great. For those of you who haven’t stopped at Rocky Waters, come on what are you waiting for this place is beyond description. Go this weekend! I went to Savanna to end my day and as usual had a great visit, stopped in to Poopie’s, The Iron Horse Social Club and had a nice visit at the caboose information center. So many great people that love what they do, make my days an absolute riot. I can hardly wait for tomorrow.

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 (Note: you may view Dave's previous journal entries below by clicking on the button located in the upper right hand corner of the text box to expand and view the contents.)

 Monday, May 10 2010…I’ve gone north of the border and landed in Platteville, WI today. I had a great start the day as I was able to stop by the radio station and spend some time live with Brent Johnson on X107, the extreme. It’s always great fun to go into the studio. The guys are great to work with. I enjoyed my visit at the Rollo Jameson and Mining Museum, Stephanie was a great help in showing me around even though she was doing what they do best and that was giving tours to a school group. Thanks for all the great information and I look forward to seeing you later in the year around July 4^th for your celebration. After that I got to meet Jack the new director of Platteville’s main street program. What a life that man has lead and the knowledge he brings to the table, should be an exciting time in Platteville. While in Platteville I had to stop in and visit with John from the CFA (Center for the Arts). I picked up the brochure for the Heartland Festival and noticed the word tenth on it, like in 10 years! Wow where does the time go. John has a spectacular calendar this year go to their website at heartlandfestival.com for the whole summer schedule. I am going to end my day here at the Platteville Chamber for “National Travel and Tourism Week” for a presentation for tourism. Rumor has it I’m one of the speakers, I’m a little bashful but I’ll try to get through it. Tri-States have a great day and I’ll check in tomorrow.

Tuesday May 11,2010…I had a great start to my day when I stopped in to visit with Constance and Libby at Railway Café and got into great conversation about the benefits of Tri-State Tourism. Libby took many cards to distribute to the restaurants that she works with. Thanks, Libby. From there I stopped in to visit with Ed from the Galena Chamber one of our great partners. I then went to Country Inn and Suites and met with Linette. I have worked with Linette before and have always found her to be such a positive person and always looks at how we can make it happen.The morning finished with visits to At Home in Galena, Fried Green Tomatoes, Vignettes and Honest John’s. Always a great time in Galena visiting with business owners, I always leave energized from their positive energy. I stopped in to the Galena Gazette and worked with Jim and Mark before heading east to Elizabeth, IL. Once in Elizabeth I first went to the Apple River Fort. The Fort was closed on Tuesday but I have been there on numerous occasions and think the site is terrific. I am always appreciative of these great sites in the area, All of these sites have one thing in common and that is great passion and commitment from volunteers to raise money increase awareness and make things happen. Thanks to all who have made the Apple River Fort a reality. From there I was off to meet TCEDA Executive Director, Randy Prasse. Wow, folks pay attention to this organization as they have a plan and they are going to be difference makers in our area. Randy is a wealth of knowledge and totally a “Big Picture” kind of guy. I was very happy to learn that tourism is absolutely a piece of the economic puzzle in Randy’s vision. We also share another passion. Keep our local kids in the area after graduation. You don’t need to leave the area to find success in this world. After a great meeting with Randy I am on way to Stockton to introduce myself to business owners in Stockton.

 Wednesday May 12, 2010 It’s meeting day today, first off I went to the Dubuque CVB tourism breakfast at the Holiday Inn. It was a great event a ton off important information was shared, I had the chance to visit with some great folks and the food was outstanding. I was very impressed with the presentation and want to thank Keith, Kelly, Stacy and their staffs for being such great hosts. From there I motored over to Galena for our Tri-State Tourism Council monthly meeting at Fried Green Tomatoes. What a meeting it was with 30 people from all three states making the effort to get there. That effort is never under appreciated. Thanks to all who attended. We have a lot on our agenda for the upcoming months but I am confident that we will achieve all of our goals as we have great passion from our organization and a great get it done mentality from all who attend. Please keep on task with providing us information for our website. I spent the afternoon following up with prospective members. Meeting days can be great days when you surround yourself with positive people and feed off of their energy. What a great day

Thursday May 13, 2010…I started the visiting a vineyard, why not? I went to one of my favorite spots in the tri-states the Galena Cellars Vineyard location north of Galena. This location gives you such a great feeling of relaxation right when you turn into the driveway. Standing on the front porch of the beautifully restored farmhouse you have views that stretch for miles. You can see six S.W. Wisconsin water towers as well as the “M” in Platteville. You will also see the Iowa bluffs, the perfect location for the Tri-State Traveler. Stand in Illinois and see Iowa and Wisconsin. A bit too early for wine so back to town I went. I met with Janelle from Keefer Creative. She is one of those people who make us un organized people feel even a bit more inferior. Janelle has a great marketing company she runs and is very innovative in her marketing approach. Mark from the Hotel Julien was my next visit, Mark is a man on a mission, I am always so impressed with him and his professionalism and marketing expertise. By the way if you haven’t been to the Hotel Julien, get there. Words simply don’t do it justice. I’ll start with spectacular you take it from there. After that meeting I met with Penny from Boone’s Place. Penny is a person that I won’t even try to keep up with her energy. She is so involved in committees in Galena that you can almost always count on seeing Penny when you attend a meeting in town. One thing becomes crystal clear when you talk to Penny is she wants to see the whole area thrive and her passion for Galena is contagious. These type of people are the kind of folks that make organizations excel. I have had such a great day today and I think a lot of it has to do with the positive attitudes of those I meet. Thanks to all!

(Note: you may view Dave's previous journal entries below by clicking on the button located in the upper right hand corner of the text box to expand and view the contents.)
 

Monday May, 17 2010…Today I got to visit Belleview, IA, what a beautiful main street. I went south and west out of town about 10 minutes and made a morning stop at Brush Creek Winery with Keith and Sherry. What a pleasure it was to hear them talk about their labor of love. They really are so committed to the wine making and their customers that success is inevitable. The property and tasting room are so relaxing that everyone visiting is sure to have a great time. I spent rest of the morning visiting shop owners on main street and was very impressed with the friendly folks and the pride they had in their shops. John is the president of the chamber of commerce and was most helpful with guiding me down the street. Marilyn at Country Cupboard has a great shop and let me tell you her chocolate covered caramels are outstanding. Lindsey at the Happy Bean mixed me a great drink of her choice, myself I pretty much go for my coffee decaffed and black. Her selection was right on the mark. I also had a chance to visit with Diana from the Book Worm and had great conversation about the store and the community. I look forward to a visit in the next month and have a chance to see Colleen and tour the town with her. On the way home I stopped in St. Donatus at Kalmes’ and it was packed. I know why, the food was outstanding and the staff was very friendly. I headed north after my late lunch and stopped in to see Sam at the Trappist Monestary. If you haven’t been to the property I suggest that you make the time and visit the casket factory has public tours at 11:00 and 2:00. For those of you that appreciate wood working you will be very impressed with the process. Have a great day all!

Monday May 24, 2010…I start the week with ventures to some of the tri-states eco-tourism treasures. With the Memorial Day Weekend upon us I thought it would be cool to take in some outdoor favorites. Today in Dubuque I went to Eagle Point Park for a view from above. Eagle Point Park is a place where I would leave some time for. Don’t be in a hurry as there is a lot to take in. From there I stopped at the Matthias Ham House, what a great stop the greeter was dressed in period clothing and they were in the process of giving a tour to a school group. I will defiantly visit again. I went to one of my favorite spots along the river and went to the AY McDonald Park along the riverfront. While there I saw folks fishing (No luck yet), walking and biking while calling in to the radio station I saw an eagle and a drake mallard fly by. This was all in about 10 minutes. I also enjoy visiting the lock and dam while I’m on the river. After a visit on the river I was off to the Shalom Retreat Center as I wanted to check in with Sister Eileen and see what was new for the summer that group travelers might be interested in. Stopped in to see Chris at Shamrock Jewelers, the Fenelon Elevator and the new location at the Calico Bean, it looks great! While downtown I wanted to check in with Bob at Stone Cliff Winery, they started their Saturday Night movies in the ampitheater- this week they show “Take this job and shove it”. Keeping on task of eco-tourism I then made my way out to Swiss Valley and was very impressed with the new interpretive center. I had two great hosts. Jenny and Brian were a wealth of knowledge and so easy to work with. I wasn’t aware of all of the great opportunities that they have to offer from hiking and biking, walking and running, as well as boat landings and fishing holes. I even got a couple of secret spots that I may have to try this weekend. Thanks to both of you for all of your help. This was a great day and I have some real great contacts for future ideas.