Melinda Stockwell (left) teaches a class on making letterpress tags and coasters as part of the Villages Folk School. The class is held at Calico Press in Birmingham, north of Keosauqua. Photo courtesy of Midwest Wanderer.
Looking for a fall weekend getaway that gets a little hands-on and where you might learn a new skill in the process?
The Village Folk School in Keosauqua might be the perfect fall getaway—as well as the perfect place to make Christmas gifts.
Located in southeast Iowa in the Villages of Van Buren County, the school has classes yet this fall on subjects such as outdoor painting, rug-making, crochet basics and crafting a leather ornament. Some of the classes include materials.
Find experiences that run a half day (such as the leatherwork), a full day or over a weekend. If you’re looking for an overnight, book a room at Hotel Manning in Keosauqua or at one of the chain options in Fairfield, about 30 minutes away. Build in time to cruise the rolling hills—this weekend the area celebrates its Fall Scenic Drive Festival. And make sure to stop by Sunrise Bakery for fruit hand pies, homemade noodles or bread (the owners are Amish).
Find class, pricing and booking information here. For more tourism information, including restaurants and parks, visit the Villages of Van Buren website.
