A Visit to Perry

Welcome to Perry, Iowa! Today, we’re exploring this charming town known for its rich art and culture. But first, we’re fueling up at Courtyard Cafe for a day full of adventures. Courtyard Cafe in Perry, Iowa is the quintessential spot to kick off your morning. Nestled behind Hotel Pattee, it welcomes guests with a warm, casual charm, exceptional coffee, and inviting outdoor seating that captures the small-town spirit. With great drinks, friendly service, and a relaxing atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to savor your first sip and start your day just right. Next up is some shopping and we started at Backwards Boutique. It’s filled with trendy women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, plus a great selection of collegiate apparel. After breakfast, it’s the perfect spot for a little shopping. Just around the corner, you’ll find the Mary Rose Collection. This shop is packed with beautiful handmade creations by local artists. It’s the ideal place to pick up a unique treasure to remember your trip to Perry. Support local art by stopping into Betsy Peterson Designs. You can browse through hand-painted original designs and pottery made by her family members. You’re sure to find the perfect inspirational gift for someone special…or for yourself. While you’re out and about, be sure to visit Scottish Fox for more unique finds. They offer everything from home décor, to jewelry, to outdoor décor. For lunch, we headed to Mex-to-You, a fun and authentic Mexican restaurant with so many options it’s hard to choose. My recommendation? You can’t go wrong with the tacos! And just a few steps away is Frio, an ice cream parlor, because who can resist dessert?

                             

If you’re a biking enthusiast, you’re in luck! Perry is right on the Raccoon River Valley Trail, and in April of 2024, 9-mile extension connecting the High Trestle Trail opened, making it even easier to explore the area on two wheels.

We were lucky enough to be in town during the Farmer’s Market. It was a great way to experience local vendors and see the community come together. We even stumbled upon a quaint little Sinclair store, restored to look just like it did in the past.

                           

One of the highlights of Perry is its vibrant downtown art scene. Local artists have decorated the alleys, buildings, and streets with incredible artwork. Be sure to check out the sculptures, especially at night when they’re beautifully lit.

                                   

Our stay in Perry wouldn’t be complete without a night at the historic Hotel Pattee, one of the finest boutique hotels in the world. Each of its 40 rooms is uniquely decorated and themed. We stayed in the Mexican suite, complete with a large, jetted tub, and also got a peek at other rooms like the George Soumas suite, the Louis Armstrong suite, and the Japanese room.

When you’re not relaxing in your room, you can go bowling in their private basement alley, unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a drink at the Inter-Urban lounge before having dinner at the Pattee Café, all without leaving the hotel!

Perry offers a variety of dining options downtown, like the Mandarin Café, Casa de Oro, Common Wealth Provisions, and the Tin Pig. For live music, dinner, and drinks, head to the Proletariat. And don’t miss La Poste, a beautiful event venue with a bar, lounge, and even a handlebar happy hour.

                           

Thanks for going off the beaten path with us in Perry, Iowa! Stay tuned for our next adventure!