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The Week in Social 11/29 - 12/03

The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.


Boone Named No. 7 Most Affordable Ski Town

If you are longing for a winter wonderland escape, you don’t have to travel far to experience the quaint charm of a ski town. Boone was ranked as one of the Ten Most Affordable Ski Towns by Realtor.com. Boone is not only known for its affordability, but its wide variety of outdoor recreation. Seven Oaks Recreation features 11 ski and snowboard runs along with snow tubing. Plus, you can relax after hitting the slopes by enjoying local craft beer on heated patio lounges.

Boone also shines in warmer weather with convenient access to the banks of the Des Moines River for canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Nearby Ledges State Park also offers great hiking and camping.


Best Holiday Events in Council Bluffs

Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County provide some of the best holiday activities Iowa has to offer. Looking for some quality time with Santa? Visit the Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center on December 11 to eat a tasty breakfast, make crafts, take pictures and hear Santa read stories. If you are a train fan, you will love seeing the Holiday Model Trains at the Union Pacific Museum.

What would the holidays be without listening to some favorite tunes? You can attend the Holiday Celebration with the National Composers Orchestra, listen to the Neola Community Choir or enjoy the Council Bluffs Community Band. If you want to participate in the singing yourself, you can visit Full Fledged Brewing Co. for a Beers & Carols Sing-A-Long on December 19.


12 Great Towns for Holiday Shopping

If you are looking for a festive excursion, check out these 12 Great Towns for Holiday Shopping. Explore European holiday traditions in Pella to taste some Bisschopswijn Mulled Wine and Cider Spices, or visit Decorah to find some Norwegian treasures or Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village and New Bohemia Main Street District. For live entertainment, check out Valley Junction in West Des Moines on Thursdays to enjoy Jingle at the Junction, featuring free horse-drawn trolley rides, ice carving demonstrations, appearances from Santa and live music.


Free Drive-Thru Holiday Display

Thousands of holiday lights brighten Newton with a free drive-thru holiday display. The collaborative community event is hosted by the City of Newton Parks and Friends of Newton Parks. After relocating the previous year due to the derecho, the beloved display returns to Maytag Park for its fourth year. Visitors can drive through the park beginning at 6 p.m. each night and enjoy the lights through the end of the year. Drivers are asked to keep their lights turned on low, remain in their car and watch for those directing traffic.

Published December 07, 2021

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