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Our Hotel Blog

Welcome to the best hotel blog - The Continental Hotel Iowa blog. Catch up on our hotel news and local community events. We want you to stay in the loop when you stay with us, so this is our take on what to do and see in the Centerville, Iowa area.

May
19
posted by: The Continental Hotel on: May 19, 2025
A large Centerville sign welcomes visitors to the historic square district in Centerville, Iowa. Designed and crafted by local artists with the support of local business Centerville Produce. Photo by Alison Fraser

 

Small Town, Big Art

 

Nestled in southern Iowa, Centerville may be a small town, but it boasts vibrant public art that reflects its rich history, beautiful natural resources, and community spirit. From captivating murals to larger-than-life statues, here are some must-see public art highlights in Centerville.

 

A dragonfly sculpture in the Butterfly and Pollinator Garden in Morgan Cline City Park. 

Bee-autiful Garden Sculptures

 

The Butterfly and Pollinator Garden developed by the Centerville Garden Club features beauty of both the natural and man-made varieties. A certified Monarch Waystation, the garden features native wildflowers and four unique metal sculptures of insects by local business RAW Metal Works.

 

Other Walldogs murals on the Centerville square include one honoring movie star Norma Talmadge and the town's tradition of Pancake Day. Photo by Alison Fraser

 

Walldogs Mural: "Around the World in 91 Hours"

In 2014, Centerville's downtown was transformed by the Walldogs, a group of talented sign painters and muralists who brought the town's history to life through art. This Walldogs mural honors Albert Lodwick, a Mystic, Iowa native who played a pivotal role as Howard Hughes' flight engineer during the 1938 global circumnavigation.

 

Clockwise from upper left, murals located at The Continental Hotel courtyard, Flower-Tique, Esthetics by Mak, and Owl Pharmacy. Photos by Alison Fraser 

 

Hidden Treasures: Alleyway & Side Street Murals

Local business owners in the Centerville main street district have deep pride in their community. So much so, they’ve even added hidden works of art to their buildings along back alleyways and side street, at their own expense. Some of our favorites include:

  • an Owl on the back of the 100-plus-year-old Owl Pharmacy,
  • flower-focused works by local artist Elmer Morelos on the back of Flower-Tique and The Continental Hotel
  • and a set of black-and-white angel wings reminding us all that while Centerville isn’t heaven, it IS Iowa.
The Union Soldiers Monument and Appanoose County Freedom Rock are just some of the memorials to military veterans in our area. The Welcome Home Soldier Monument in neighboring Albia is another we recommend visiting.

 

Military Honors & Patriotic Art

Recently repainted to honor notable service members from Appanoose County, the Appanoose County Freedom Rock is one of 99 memorials throughout Iowa by artist Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II.  

 

On the other side of the Courthouse lawn, the military honors continue with the Union Soldiers Monument. This monument was constructed in 1869 and is one of the oldest in the state. Bronze tablets attached in 1927 list 300 Civil War veterans from the area.

 

 

Road trip idea! Take a classic car along the Historic Hills Scenic Byway, adding a loop around Rathbun Lake and stopping here for a photo op.

State Street Station

A former Sinclair gas station, the building is now preserved by the Historic Preservation Corporation. In addition to the restored station featuring two old gasoline pumps and a tire pump, it features a Sinclair DINO and a mural honoring the early ages of the automobile.

 

 

Volunteers of the History Stitchers who hand-sewed each panel of this massive tapestry. Photo by Iowa Media Network

 

 

Community Effort: Centerville Tapestry

The most recent addition to the area’s community art is the Appanoose County Historic Tapestry, a 100-foot-long tapestry chronicling the history of the county. Hand-sewn over the course of 10 years by the Appanoose County History Stitchers, a group revived and celebrated traditional
textile arts—such as lace tatting, embroidery, and hand-stitching.

Given the delicate nature of textiles, the tapestry is on display at the PACT Visitor’s Center, which will be open  every Saturday from May 24-September 20 from 10 am-2 pm for viewing. 

 

 

A mural commemorating the first Hollywood film shot partially in Iowa.

 

Conclusion

Centerville, Iowa, offers a rich collection of public art that tells the story of its people, history, and cultural heritage. Whether you're strolling through downtown to admire the murals or exploring historic buildings, the town's artistic spirit is sure to leave a lasting impression.

 

December
12
posted by: The Continental Hotel on: December 12, 2024

 

Winter is the season for slowing down, cuddling up, and being merry! On the charming town square in Centerville, Iowa, The Continental Hotel is hidden gem you won’t want to miss.

 

Check out our three winter specials and give yourself a reason to getaway.

 

Hygge Hideaway

 

Cuddle up with the gang for a cozy getaway. Once you’re here, you won’t want to leave! Escape the winter blahs without going too far and enjoy some quality together time.

 

Package Includes:  

  • Two Night Stay in One of our Two-Bedroom Suites (comfortably sleeps 3-6 adults).
  • Includes a hot cocoa gift basket and a jigsaw puzzle
  • Package only $300.
  • While you’re here, don’t forget to check out our restaurant, Lucile’s!
  • Package available November 1-March 31 only

To redeem, use code HYGGE.

 

Romance Package

 

Give the gift of a getaway—perfect for the holidays, an engagement, or Valentines Day!

 

Package Includes:  

  • Two Night Stay in one of our Executive King Suites overlooking the charming Centerville square.
  • Includes a bottle of wine from our selection at our restaurant, Lucile’s.
  • Total package costs only $280! Package available for stays November 1-March 31.

To redeem, use code ROMANCE.

 

Eat, Sleep, and Be Merry

 

The Continental Hotel and our restaurant, Lucile’s, are a great pair. If you are part of a great pair—besties, spouses, or sisters—this package is for you.

 

Package Includes:  

  • A one-night stay in one of our Queen or Double Queen Suites
  • $50 gift card to our restaurant Lucile’s
  • Package for just $185.
  • Package available for stays November 1-March 31. (Please note, Lucile’s is open for lunch and dinner 6 days a week, so plan your trip accordingly.)

To redeem, use code BEMERRY.

 

 

September
3
posted by: The Continental Hotel on: September 03, 2024
Just some of the notable figures to have visited The Continental Hotel.

Famous Visitors to The Continental Hotel, Past and Present

 

With a history that dates to 1866, The Continental Hotel is a charming old building. But history is more than just beautiful architectural details. To get the full impact, it helps to imagine what the building and the city was like in years past. To think about the feet that treat our halls in eras long gone. 

 

Using digital newspaper articles and other resources made available by our friends at the Appanoose County Historical and Coal Mining Museum, we know of many influential figures in American culture and history that set foot inside The Continental Hotel to dine, speak, or sleep. 

 

In approximate chronological order based on when they lived in or visited Centerville, Iowa, the following are well-know individuals who made their mark on the history of The Continental Hotel. Some of them you may have heard of. Others may be new to you. All have interesting stories you should know:

 

Jesse and Frank James

Jesse and Frank James were infamous outlaws and leaders of the James-Younger Gang. 

 

In June 1871, legend has it that James and gang members stayed at The Continental overnight. On June 3, 1871, the James gang rode to nearby Corydon and robbed Ocobock Brothers’ Bank. 

 

As they rode out of Corydon with $10,000, they passed a large town meeting at the local Methodist church. Unable to restrain themselves, James, Frank and their gang shouted to the crowd, “You better check the bank!”

 

 

Susannah McKee

Susannah McKee was known as the first businesswoman in Centerville. She and her husband, Alexander, constructed the Jefferson House Hotel in 1866. 

 

On February 9, 1893, a furnace in the basement of the hotel started a massive blaze in the hotel, which had 100 guests at the time. Susannah McKee stayed in the building to evacuate her guests. She was forced to jump from a third-floor window. She died shortly after from her injuries. 

 

A group of local women commemorated McKee by commissioning a portrait of her and displaying it later that year at the Chicago World’s Fair.

 

Buffalo Bill Cody

William Frederick Cody, aka Buffalo Bill, was an American soldier, bison hunter, and showman born in Le Claire, Iowa. He founded Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, a show that displayed cowboy themes and

episodes from the frontier and Indian Wars.

 

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show came to Centerville on September 29, 1899. According to the local paper, “Never has Centerville entertained a larger and more noisy crowd.”

 

Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington was an educator, author, orator, and influential leader for African-American rights.

 

On January 20, 1900, Washington dined and stayed at The Continental Hotel after delivering a speech to a standing-room-only crowd at the Centerville armory.

 

In his speech, Washington described how despite being born into slavery, he had gained an education and become an educator himself. He encouraged the audience, made of white and black attendees alike, to work together towards a more equitable future.

 

Francis Marion Drake

Francis Marion Drake was a merchant, lawyer, banker, and politician. He became the 16th Governor of Iowa. 

 

Drake’s life reads like an epic novel. He sought his fortune in the California gold rush, was shipwrecked in the Pacific, fought in the Civil war where he survived capture by the Confederates, and helped bring railroad service to the Midwest.

 

In 1903, Governor Drake gifted Centerville it’s public library. This building with the beautiful dome still serves as the library today. Governor Drake is buried in Centerville’s Oakland Cemetery. 

 

William Jennings Bryan

Williams Jennings Bryan was a politician from Nebraska that was a three-time candidate for President of the United States. Called “The Great Commoner,” he also argued against teaching evolution in schools as the prosecutor in the Scopes Trial. 

 

Bryan visited Centerville and nearby towns multiple times campaigning. We know he dined at The Continental, and that he stayed overnight at the hotel on Saturday August 12, 1916. He registered in room 18 (which no longer exists as a single room) “and immediately retired; therefore scarcely anyone knew he was here.”

 

Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan Macy

Helen Keller was an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer whose achievements were especially notable because she was deaf and blind. Her teacher, Anne

Sullivan, taught teaching Helen to sign and speak.

 

Keller and Sullivan spoke in Centerville on August 20, 1916. The fact that Keller “knows what she talks about,” was noted in the local paper’s description of her speech, since “common knowledge” of the era incorrectly correlated physical disabilities with a lack of intelligence.

 

Oscar V. Payne

Oscar V. Payne was an inventor and engineer.

 

His most famous invention was the Thompson submachine gun, aka “Tommy Gun.” The weapon, while favored by soldiers, criminals, police, and civilians alike, is infamous for its use by Chicago gangsters of the 1920s.

 

Payne was born and raised in Centerville. He no doubt joined his family for numerous meals at the popular restaurant at The Continental Hotel.

 

Norma Talmadge

Norma Talmadge was an actress and movie producer of the silent film era.

 

In 1921, Talmadge produced and starred in the film The Wonderful Thing. The film, about the daughter of an American hog farmer who brings a dose of reality to an aristocratic English family on the decline, was partly filmed in Appanoose County.

 

During filming, Talmadge and other stars of the film were guests of The Continental Hotel. A mural on the Centerville square commemorates Talmadge’s film today.

 

J.C. Penny

James Cash “J.C.” Penney was a businessman and entrepreneur who founded the J.C. Penney stores in 1902.

 

A J.C. Penney opened in Centerville September 12, 1922 and operated on the square for over 70 years.

 

Penney made multiple visits to Centerville to check in on the operations of his store here. He also attended two Pancake Days, even flipping pancakes himself.

 

 

Rosa Cunningham

Rosa Cunningham was an was an American soldier, part of the first group of women to serve in the Army in roles other than nurses, and civil rights advocate. 

 

Cunningham was inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame in part for her role as president of the Iowa chapter of the Business and Professional Women (BPW). 

 

Centerville’s BPW club was founded at The Continental in 1928; Cunningham was present as 120 women signed the chapter’s charter in the hotel dining room. The Continental provided meeting space for the local BPW for many years.

 

Fred Burke

Fred "Killer" Burke was an armed robber and contract killer responsible for many crimes during the Prohibition era. He is considered a prime suspect in the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929.

 

Burke, under an assumed name, married a local girl, Bonnie Porter, at the Lutheran Church in Centerville in 1930. 

 

While Burke’s habit of using pseudonyms means no one knows for sure, legend has it that he was a regular guest at The Continental as he shuttled across the Midwest committing crimes. 

 

Mack Garner

Mack Garner, was a jockey who won the 1934 Kentucky Derby as well as the 1929 and 1933 Belmont Stakes.

 

Garner began riding at the age of 14 and a year later was leading jockey in races won and purses earned. 

 

Born and raised in Centerville, Garner hailed from a family of horse racers. Garner’s father and great-grandfather were jockeys, as were four of his five brothers and his nephew. A 1933 edition of the Daily Iowegian noted that despite his busy racing schedule, Garner returned to visit his hometown every year.

 

Himie Voxman

Himie Voxman was a musician, music pedagogue, university administrator, and composer. He is most well-known for his work for clarinet. 

 

The Voxman Music Building at the University of Iowa, where he attended school and worked as faculty and an administrator from 1933-1980, is named for him.

 

Voxman was born and raised in Centerville. Even then, he was torn between his love of music and love of science. He was recognized as the top of his class in both physics and geometry.

 

Countess Vera de Muller

Countess Vera (Elgin) de Muller, known as Vera Martin, was one of the world’s top models in the 1920s and 30s. 

 

Born and raised in Appanoose County, de Muller appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan, Ladies Home Journal, and Saturday Evening Post. She gained her title upon marrying Count Marcel Francois de Muller.


Vera often returned to Centerville. On June 28, 1934, she appeared on the stage of The Continental’s sister property, The Majestic Theatre, to speak about her life as a model.

 

Albert Lodwick

Albert “Al” Lodwick was the flight operations manager for Howard Hughes’ epic 3-day 19-hour 17-minute flight around the world. Lodwick is credited with many innovations in radio communications, fuel depots, and weather reporting that laid the foundation for modern international air travel.

 

A 1934 Daily Iowegian article tells with breathless delight how though the marvel of modern aviation, Lodwick was able to eat breakfast in St. Louis, lunch in Kansas City, and dinner with his parents in Mystic, a six-mile drive from the Centerville airport, all in one day.

 

Simon Estes

Simon Estes is an operatic bass-baritone. He was part of the first generation of black opera singers to achieve widespread success.

 

He has performed at the world’s most prestigious opera houses in some of the most challenging operatic roles. Notably, he sang the title role in Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman and he sang Porgy in the New York Metropolitan Opera’s first production of Porgy and Bess

 

Estes was born in Centerville and his father worked at The Continental Hotel.

 

Mark Felt, AKA Deep Throat

William Mark Felt Sr. was Associate Director of the FBI. Felt served as an anonymous informant, nicknamed “Deep Throat,” who provided reporters information about the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. 

 

On May 22, 1962, Continental Airlines Flight 11 exploded over Centerville, killing all 45 people on board. Felt, then in charge of the FBI’s Kansas City field office, stayed at The Continental while investigating the crash. (Which was caused by a suicide bombing committed as insurance fraud.) 

 

Rocky Marciano

Rocco “Rocky Marciano” Marchegiano was a professional boxer who held the world heavyweight title from 1952 to 1956 and is the only heavyweight champion in professional boxing history to retire undefeated.

 

Marciano was the inspiration behind the Rocky Balboa of the Rocky film franchise.

 

Marciano served as marshal of Centerville’s 1965 Pancake Day parade, at the invitation of Tony Varese, an Appanoose County-born insurance company president.

 

 

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden

Then-Senator Joe Biden visited The Continental Hotel on a campaign stop on November 24, 2007. This was the second of his three Presidential campaigns.

During his visit, Biden spoke on his positions on the issues of the day, including the war in Iraq, health care, domestic violence and the environment.

 

Biden’s wife, now First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, followed up with her own visit to The Continental as part of the same campaign, on July 20, 2007.

 

First Lady Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is a lawyer who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. 

 

On November 28, 2007, Obama delivered a speech in the crowded lobby of The Continental Hotel as she campaigned for her husband, Barack Obama, who would later become the 44th President of the United States.

 

In her speech, Obama talked about wanting her two daughters to grow up in a country guided by hope, compassion, and empathy.

 

 

Other Notable Names

The above are some of our most well-known visitors—or if not known to you before, had interesting stories about their time in Centerville that might enrich your visit. But it is by no means a comprehensive list. Especially with the long history of the Iowa Caucuses, our small town seems to have had more than its fair share of political leaders stop in.

 

Below are other famous people who we know visited The Continental Hotel or lived in Appanoose County and passed our way:

 

  • U.S. Senator Albert B. Cummins
  • Union leader John L. Lewis
  • U.S. Representative Russel Sage
  • Horticulturist Dr. Griffith Buck
  • Sculptor Nellie Verne Walker
  • James Steven, author of “Paul Bunyon”
  • Iowa Governor Robert D. Blue
  • Senator Harold Hughes
  • Second Lady Muriel Humphrey, wife of Vice President VP Hubert Humphrey
  • Senator Ted Cruz
  • Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee
  • Vice President Al Gore
  • U.S. Representative Bill Richardson
  • Members of the Oak Ridge Boys, a country music group
  • Cyclist Lance Armstrong
  • Iowa Governor Terry Branstad
  • Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
  • Donald Trump Jr., son of President Donald Trump
  • Senator Amy Klobuchar
  • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

We are always looking to deepen our historical knowledge of The Continental Hotel. If you know of someone else you think should be on our list, please contact admin@thecontinental.info.

May
31
posted by: The Continental Hotel on: May 31, 2024

The Continental Hotel in Centerville, Iowa is definitely off the beaten path. 

 

In the heart of Appanoose County, it is a two-hour drive from Des Moines, Iowa and a four-hour drive from Kansas City or St. Louis, Missouri. But it is well worth the effort. Here are seven reasons to make the trip.

 

The view of the Centerville, Iowa town square from the third floor of The Continental Hotel.

A Bustling Town Square

 

The courthouse square in Centerville is filled with shops, restaurants, and businesses. And there is always something going on! From Bike Night to summer Farmers Market to Municipal Band Concerts, there is always a community activity going on. 

 

A postcard of The Continental Hotel from the early 1900s.

 

Steeped in History

 

The Continental Hotel looks almost exactly like it does today as it does when it was built in 1893. Especially on the outside. Even on the inside, we’ve kept many of the gorgeous details in our lobby, from original tin ceilings to mosaic tile floors, to the front desk itself. 

 

But we’ve made some important changes too. The lobby, which used to serve as a station for the local trolly system (yes, that was a thing!) is now a bar. Where we once had 100 small rooms—imagine a twin bed, nightstand, and shared wash closet down the hall—we now have 28 spacious, modern suites, indoor plumbing and Wi-Fi included!

 

A Walldogs mural celebrating the Centerville native who planned Howard Hughes's flight around the world.

 

Public Art & Memorials

 

Centerville is fortunate to be home to several beautiful murals and public art displays. From multiple community-created pieces by the Walldogs to nature-focused statues in the Morgan E. Cline City Park’s pollinator garden, our per-capita of public art is impressive.

 

The Drake Burger is a popular choice at Lucile's.

 

One of the Best Burgers in Iowa

 

Lucile’s, The Continental Hotel’s in-house restaurant, was recognized for having one of the top 10 best burgers in Iowa in both 2020 and 2024. Made with 100% locally sourced ground beef, our burgers are made how burgers should be. Big, thick, and juicy. 

 

Nothing beats the heat like a cool drink at Lucile's at The Continental Hotel.

 

Crafted Cocktails Enjoyed on the Patio

 

If alfresco dining is your thing, Lucile’s at The Continental Hotel has two great options—our secret-garden-style back patio, and our front porch. 

 

With our bar stocked with a wide variety of spirits, our friendly bartenders are happy to whip you up a drink of your choice. We also have the best selection of craft beer in Appanoose County!

 

Fishing is fine at Lelah Bradley Park, Lake Rathbun, or Lake Sundown.

 

Immersed in the Great Outdoors

 

Our rural culture is steeped in a love of nature and the outdoors. Appanoose County is known as a great place to hunt, especially whitetail deer, turkey, and pheasant. There are also multiple excellent lakes for fishing and boating in the area. 

 

We are accessible to all these adventures—we know our guests love to get out and about! But after being in a tree stand all morning, there is no better place to come to unwind at the end of the day. 

 

One of our rooms overlooking the Centerville square.

 

Super Comfy Beds for a Great Night’s Sleep

 

After enjoying all Centerville and Appanoose County have to offer, you’re sure to be exhausted! 

 

There is no better place in Southern Iowa to rest your head than one of the beds at The Continental Hotel. We pride ourselves on keeping our rooms obsessively clean. And our friendly staff are sure to make you feel at home!

 

The Continental Hotel today looks much as it did over 140 years ago!

Discover The Continental Hotel for Yourself

 

These are just seven reasons to visit The Continental Hotel in Centerville, Iowa. If you visit Appanoose County, you’re certain to discover your own!

December
18
posted by: The Continental Hotel on: December 18, 2018


Did you know that whenever you stay at The Continental Hotel or dine at Lucile's Steaks and Spirits, you support nonprofits in Appanoose County? 

That's because The Continental and Lucile's are supported by the Morgan E. Cline Foundation as part of its work to promote community development and historic preservation in Appanoose County. Any profits are reinvested in local nonprofits through charitable grants.

In 2018, the Morgan E. Cline Foundation awarded a total of $90,000 in new grants to: 
 
  • 18-80 Club, a local senior center that is the homebase for a program for free meals for seniors.
  • City of Exline for maintenance of its public areas, parks, and cemetery.
  • Drake Public Library Foundation for computer and technology upgrades.
  • Historic Preservation Corporation for maintenance and repair of the historic trolley.
  • Appanoose County Coalition for the Arts for its work to preserve buildings on the historic Centerville square.
Learn more about how the Morgan E. Cline Foundation supports a thriving Appanoose County at MorganClineFoundation.org.
 
September
6
posted by: The Continental Hotel on: September 06, 2018

This post originally appeared on the Travel Iowa blog at https://blog.traveliowa.com/view-post/6-Reasons-You-Have-to-Check-Out-Pancake-Day-in-Centerville-this-September.

On Saturday, September 29, 2018Centerville will celebrate its 70th annual Pancake Day.
Established in 1949 as a way for local businesses to say thank you to their customers and employees, Pancake Day (thanks to the monumental organizational effort of the Centerville-Rathbun Lake Area Chamber of Commerce) continues to draw crowds in the thousands for free pancakes and a packed agenda of activities. While we can’t cover them all in one blog, here are 6 reasons not to miss this year’s Pancake Day:
1) Free Pancakes!
Think there is no such thing as a free breakfast? Think again! This year, Centerville’s Pancake Day expects to serve 20,000 free pancake breakfasts. (Of course, if you want to upgrade to gourmet pancakes with chocolate chips or real fruit topping, you can for just $4.00.)
Just looking at past Pancake Day footage is enough to get you drooling. This year, the pancake tent opens at 9 AM and local volunteers will be flipping fresh pancakes before your eyes until 1 PM. Get there early if you plan to go back for seconds!
2) A Chance to Meet the History-Making Simon Estes
Simon Estes, the world-famous operatic bass-baritone brought down the house—and barriers for African-American performers—in theaters around the world. He has performed for presidents, popes, and celebrities including Bill Clinton, Richard Nixon, Boris Yeltsin, Yasser Arafat, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
Born and raised in Centerville, Estes is returning to marshal the Pancake Day Parade at 1 PM. Fans will have a chance to meet Estes and request autographs at The Continental Hotel following the parade.
3)  Live Music from Country Artist Adam Cunningham
Adam Cunningham, a contestant on The Voice Season 13, will perform live at Pancake Day at 2:30 PM. This Grandview native’s repertoire of Southern rock, country, folk, and Christian music is sure to get your hands clappin’ after the flapjacks have stopped flippin’.
If you haven’t checked out “Sing It Again,” his first single since his time on The Voice, be sure to download it for your playlist for your drive down.
Planning to make a full weekend out of Pancake Day? Don’t miss Fast Henry, which will be performing live on Friday, September 28 at 8 PM.
4) Iowa History 101
Featuring artifacts like the NASA flight suit worn by Peggy Whitson, an exhibit on the world’s first digital computer, and multi-media components headlined by Mike Wolfe, the star of TV’s “American Pickers,” Iowa History 101 brings history to life…in a Winnebago. A 38-foot, blue, Iowa-built Winnebago, to be exact.
This State Historical Museum of Iowa traveling exhibit will be joining the Pancake Day celebration as part of the museum’s History on the Move program. It is sure to be a “moving” experience!
5) Shopping (Because You Have to Walk Off Those Pancake Calories Somehow)
The “World's Largest City Square” offers an eclectic mix of shopping including apparel, antiques, and gift shops. And there is no better day to explore them all than Pancake Day!
Stay on the square to hit MystiqueBrown’s ShoesThe Hall Tree, and more. Or, take a break from the crowds to visit The Shoppes at Bradley Hall, an exquisitely-maintained historic mansion with four stories of shopping to explore.

6) More Picture-Perfect Americana Than You Can Shake a Selfie-Stick At
Kiddie parade? Check. A queen contest? Check. A beautiful historic square? Check. Crisply waving American flags? Check. Shutterbugs, people watchers, and travelers of all sorts are sure to glimpse a moment at Pancake Day to melt their hearts. If you do, remember this year’s hashtag: #PancakeDayStrong!

 
May
24


This post originally appeared at blog.traveliowa.com/view-post/7-Little-Known-Reasons-to-Escape-to-Centerville-Rathbun-Lake-This-Summer.

When it comes to fun and affordable summer getaways, the Centerville-Rathbun Lake area packs an outsized punch. If you’re like us, you can’t stop the feeling that sunshine and long days are here at last. To make the most of your fleeting summer vacation, check out these Centerville-Rathbun Lake area attractions.
 
1.    Hardcore Wildlife. Our “monster” walleye was only the most recent beast to garner national news coverage. (It’s still out there, waiting to be turned into a real-life Billy Bass.) But that’s not all. Our whitetail deer are so epic, the Governor’s Deer Hunt is hosted annually in Appanoose County. Need more evidence? What about this giant snake stealing a hooked fish. Not since the creation of the Mexican flag has an image of nature on the prowl so perfectly captured the essence of a region.

2.    Surprising Foodie Culture. A pop-up restaurant in Centerville, Iowa? Check. Get it while you can. An ironically-themed food truck serving awesome food with names inspired by your favorite movies? Yep. Fruity Pebble cupcakes? We’ve got those, too. Fancy some trendy Thai rolled ice Cream? Visit Ching Dow for this season’s coolest treat. Like high-end cuisine and lakeside views? Take a dinner cruise on the historic Jon Anderson White Riverboat.

3.    An Entire Day Celebrating the Best Breakfast Food Known to Humans. Pancake. Day. Just looking at past Pancake Day footage is enough to get you drooling. Hosted annually since 1949, Pancake Day is a delicious ode to the breakfast food that Stone Age cooks, the ancient Greeks, and Thomas Jefferson all agreed was top of the stack. Do yourself a favor. Mark your calendar now: Pancake Day is always held on the last Saturday in September.

4.    Fixer Flipper Picker-Upper Roadshow Paradise. Have your inspiration boards all set on Pinterest? Then head on down to make your dreams a reality. If shabby chic and vintage is your thing, don’t miss the Southern Iowa Junk Jaunt, held in the spring and fall each year. Or, take your shopping to scale at The Shoppes at Bradley Hall, featuring four stories of shopping in an exquisitely maintained historic mansion, or The Gypsy Quarter, which has three floors of the latest home décor and clothing.

5.    Wet Hot Iowa Summer. Everyone knows life is better by the lake. And we’ve got a couple to choose from. At 11,000 acres, Rathbun Lake is the obvious go-to for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The expansive Honey Creek Resort provides fantastic lakeside lodging options as well as an 18-hole championship golf course, recreational activities, and a restaurant. The smaller and quieter reservoir at Lelah Bradley Park is the local’s choice for fishing and hiking. Plus, the spacious cabins along the water’s edge are a great spot for a family reunion, glamping-style. Prefer your water chlorinated? Head over to the Centerville city pool which features two waterslides, kid-friendly water features, and a classic, old-school high dive.

6.    The World’s Largest Square. Forget Times Square in New York City. According to locals, Centerville boasts the world’s largest city square. If you ask around, some may elaborate on the claim with terms like “continuous” and “town”. But does it matter? The square is big, adorable, filled with shops, and the retro sign makes for great photo ops.

7.    Event of the Century. Forget Meghan and Harry. Host your own party to remember at one of our fantastic event venues. Both Bessie’s Barn and the soon-to-open Valley View Events Center offer rustic charm at prices that will make you say “I do” to escaping the city. Always wanted to see your name in lights? The Majestic Theater is a unique choice for events with its historic theater and upstairs prohibition-style bar and ballroom. 

April
17
posted by: The Continental Hotel on: April 17, 2018

Our in-house restaurant, Lucile’s Steaks & Spirits, is currently closed for renovations. In the picture above, you can see what our kitchen look like right now!
 
As we recently shared, Lucile’s was named the restaurant to visit in Appanoose County by Travel Iowa early this year.
 
So why close for renovations? Isn’t being recognized as one of 99 restaurants to try in Iowa enough? Short answer: no.
 
While we are thrilled to be recognized for our historic charm and quality food, we knew we owed it our customers and staff to do a back-of-house kitchen renovation. Because while our guests might never see the kitchen itself, it has a huge impact on their dining experience. From determining what we can offer on our menu to attracting experienced cooks, the kitchen sets the tone for the entire restaurant.
 
The footprint of our kitchen has been the same since 1893, when menus, diner expectations, and building codes were very different. By slightly expanding our kitchen and bringing in all-new equipment, we are creating a dining experience that we believe will serve our guests for decades to come!
 
But what about today? Don’t worry, if you’re visiting Centerville or staying at The Continental in the near future, we’re still working hard to provide quality food options in the area. During the renovations, our hotel guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning that includes hot options like pancakes and biscuits and gravy, as well as fruit, yogurt, and hot coffee.
 
We’ve also opened Lucy’s Pop-Up Restaurant, a temporary l
unch and dinner restaurant just a few doors down. You can see our menus and hours at facebook.com/LucysPopUp. We’re excited to continue serving our customers and community on the historic Centerville square. And to keep as many of our valued staff employed during the renovation as possible. We hope you’ll stop by. Remember: the pop-up is temporary, so you’ll have to experience it while you can!
March
19
posted by: The Continental Hotel on: March 19, 2018


Spring is finally here, and with it, a slew of Centerville events. As the weather gets warmer and the days longer, our community blossoms with a variety of activities. If you are planning a trip in the next few months, be sure to check out one of the following events:
 
Dueling Pianos: March 24
Presented by Main Street Centerville at 6 PM at The Majestic Theater.
Easter Egg Hunt on the Square: March 31
Held on the Court House lawn, with three separate hunts for children of different ages.
Second Saturday: April 14
The second Saturday of the month is always a day for great deals in Centerville’s historic shopping district. View their Facebook page for more details.
Glenn Miller Orchestra: May 4
Presented by the Centerville Concert Association at 7:30 PM at Simon Estes Auditorium.
Uptown Downtown Tours: May 12
Presented by Main Street Centerville, this is a chance to see the upper stories of historic buildings on the square, from historic
hotels, to private apartments and more.
Adult Prom: May 18
Presented by Centerville Young Professionals at Honey Creek Resort.
Bike Night: May 25
Featuring live music from The Boys.
Wine and Fine Art Fest: June 9
Presented by the Rathbun Lake Area Chamber of Commerce on the Court House lawn.
Southern Iowa Junk Jaunt: June 8-10
Three days of shopping deals on antiques, primitives, and more.
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