The Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, located at Bill Colwell Ford, is giving away gift cards for each week during their #12WeeksOfSummer Giveaway. To qualify, all you have to do is come in to the Quick Lane and get your vehicle serviced.
Here at the Quick Lane we love road trips, so we're encouraging our customers to take road trips around the Cedar Valley. To help you out, we're giving away weekly prizes to local hot spots in the Cedar Valley AND we've created road trip itineraries for you to use! Our itinerary for June is Agricultural Adventures.
Experience life on the farm…big green tractors and engines, beautiful barns and sprawling gardens. Enjoy an agricultural adventure in the Cedar Valley.
Day 1
Begin your day and fuel up with breakfast at Morg’s Diner. A Waterloo staple since 1960, this locally-owned diner offers handmade hash browns and some of the biggest pancakes in Iowa. But, make sure you arrive early because this place is a favorite among the locals and often fills up fast. Find them on Facebook: Morg's Diner
Discover the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of tractor and engine design and manufacturing at John Deere, specifically in the Cedar Falls-Waterloo area. In addition to the interactive exhibits and galleries, you’ll find an impressive array of John Deere tractors and memorabilia on display. johndeereattractions.com
Next, explore the historic Ice House Museum. Built in 1921, this unique round building once stored ice cut from the Cedar River. Learn about the ice harvesting story and how the Cedar River shaped business, culture and daily life in Cedar Falls. cfhistory.org
Grab a bite to eat and experience a slice of Iowa at Barn Happy, a family-owned restaurant located in a great old dairy barn built in 1925. Open March through December, Barn Happy offers made-from-scratch soups, sandwiches and pastries. Make sure you save room for one of their delicious homemade baked goodies…you won’t be disappointed. Stay awhile and explore an array of antiques, Iowa gifts and specialty foods. barnhappy.net
End
the day with a visit to Hansen’s Dairy, a seventh generation family
farm in nearby Hudson. Tour the dairy farm, meet the kangaroos and see exactly
where Hansen’s milk and other products come from. Or, stop by one of their
local stores for some of their yummy, old-fashioned ice cream treats. hansendairy.com
Day 2
See even more big green machines at John Deere Engine Works and John DeereTractor Cab Assembly Operations. Both facilities offer free, trolley tours with guides taking you through each stage of the manufacturing process. Watch as tractors are assembled, painted and made ready for the fields. And, be sure to visit the Deere Crossing gift shop for apparel, gifts and more. johndeereattractions.com
Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at the Farmer’s Pick Buffet. They partner with local farmers and regional growers to bring you the freshest and most flavorful foods. You’ll find over 80 delicious items to choose from, including their amazing Simply Yummy desserts. theislewaterloo.com
Relax,
unwind and escape to an oasis of natural beauty at the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. From mosaicultures to stunning daylily displays, you’ll
find thousands of flowers and plants to explore at this 35-acre site. Visit
their Welcome Center or take a walk through one of their many gardens. cedarvalleyarboretum.org
Cap the day off with dinner and drinks at one of the area’s newest restaurants – Basal Pizza. This isn’t your ordinary pizzeria though. Basal Pizza features wood-fired pizza, salads and sandwiches, local craft beers and more in a fun and fresh environment. basalpizza.com
Stop by the Quick Lane this summer for your chance to win a gift card to one of these amazing places in the Cedar Valley. And don't forget to LIKE the Cedar Valley Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Facebook page to participate online in the #12WeeksOfSummer Giveaway!
Itineraries created by the Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Bureau