This Saturday the Living Loess Family Tour features Garden Grove eatery and Harvest Studio for a truly nature filled experience.  In addition to the beautiful vistas of the Loess Hills this time of year, the scent of lavender, the pleasures of aronia berries, wine art, gourmet food, jewelry, and the appreciation of hardwood creations- the July Living Loess Family Tour Day August 18 features the Garden Grove restaurant and Harvest Studio mini-classes.

The Garden Grove restaurant just on the outskirts of Crescent, Iowa, is a local- “you’d better get in line early” favorite.  With mouth-watering menu selections, the Garden Grove is an experience in itself.  Plan ahead this Saturday so as to not miss this unique culinary delight.

An unidentified woman using the art technique which will be taught this Saturday at harvest Studio during the Living Loess Tour 9am-3pm. (Pott. Co. Conservation/photo)

The second opportunity is a special class using charcoal and pastel sticks on large pieces of brown paper.  Using the side of the drawing stick gives more freedom of expression.  Stop by Harvest Studio this Saturday for a free mini class on this technique.  The artist, Cynthia Gehrie, is offering a 10% discount on paintings and prints this Saturday only.  For more details, log onto www.harveststudioonline.com.

Plus, all the traditional Living Loess attractions will be open August 18.  Living Loess is a collaboration of nine artisan attractions located within 20 miles of each other nestled in the Loess Hills in Pottawattamie and Harrison counties in western Iowa.  The group opens its doors every third Saturday of the month from May to October offering programs and discounts to the public.  All nine locations will have special activities Saturday, from 9am-3pm.

Visitors are encouraged to pickup a passport at any of the Living Loess stops.  After the passport is signed by all nine entities, they will be entered into a drawing at the end of the season to win a handcrafted Hope Chest from Loess Hills Wood Works along with products and gift certificates.

Living Loess attractions include: Gallaher Designs, Garden Grove Eatery, Harrison County Historical Village and Welcome Center, Harvest Studio, Hitchcock Nature Center, Honey Creek Creamery, Loess Hills Lavender Farm, Loess Hills Woodworks and Sawmill Hollow Family Farm. The Living Loess Tours inaugural season last year was very well received.  Hundreds of visitors enjoyed this hands-on experience in the beautiful Loess Hills.

The group also offers individual group tours upon request for groups 15 or larger.  To schedule a group tour call 1-800-228-6878.  For more information on Living Loess, log on to www.livingloess.com or call 712-642-2114.  Brochures are also available in the Council Bluffs Chamber Visitor Center, 149 W Broadway in downtown Council Bluffs.

(Press Release – Pottawattamie County Conservation Board)