Nothing benefits a woman’s mental health like a good girlfriends trip! Because of this having a girlfriends trip to Pella, Iowa, should be at the top of your list! A Visit to Pella, Iowa is proof that you don’t have to head to the big city to have lots of options for things to do! They have a vibrant downtown area and boast loads of locally owned businesses serving up the very best food, merchandise, and service!
While portions of our trip were hosted by Visit Pella, Iowa and other establishments, all thoughts and opinions of this post are 100% accurate and my own. For more information, please see the Disclosure Tab.
Stay At Royal Amsterdam Hotel
There are several options for accommodations in Pella, Iowa, but nothing tops the Royal Amsterdam Hotel. This hotel recently went under extensive renovations and is gorgeous! The rooms all have amazingly high ceilings and the finishes are clean, crisp, and are gorgeous!
Plus, they kept the use of actual keys! When was the last time you used a key at a hotel?!
This beautiful hotel is the perfect place to get-together with your girlfriends as the rooms are very large and spacious and well decorated. We loved the view from our room of Molengracht Plaza, which is inspired by Dutch culture and architecture and includes a working canal and drawbridge.
The staff at the Royal Amsterdam is among the best I’ve met! We had a personal, unique situation occur while we were there and the staff went above and beyond to be accommodating! It’s a definite must for your visit to Pella, Iowa.
Plan more Iowa Girls Trips!
Visit the Wijn House
3 years ago, Tara & Jeremy Kolhaas decided to venture into owning their own business in Pella, Iowa, and after looking at the needs of the community, opened “The Wijn House“. Wijn is, of course, Dutch for wine! The Wijn House serves several different purposes for the community!
They have chosen to only carry Iowa made wines., which makes them an extra special retail store where you can buy wine by the bottle! Or, you can enjoy their wine bar where you can partake in their wine sampling! For $5, you receive 5 samples. Each week they have a pre-selected group of wines they are sampling. Then, purchase your favorite wine by the glass and enjoy their back room to continue visiting or play games!
Their specialty is offering wine slushes! We were lucky enough to enjoy a glass of their Strawberry Mango wine slush complete with whipped cream and sprinkles. It was beyond delicious! We slurped up every last drop!
You’re welcome to stop by with your friends for a glass of wine and visit or enjoy one of their special events! Check out more by visiting their web page and Facebook page!
Have Coffee at Brew Coffee House
Pella is not hurting for coffee shops, but our pick is Brew Coffee House! The owners decided 7 years ago to open a new business in town and chose a coffee shop! They decided to set up a place that was more mature and focused on the professionals in town. They wanted it to be a place that a business meeting could be held. And they’ve achieved just that. During our visit, we witnessed business meetings, meet-ups with girlfriends, and a bible study. The Brew Coffee House also offers a “meeting” room of sorts in their loft that can be reserved.
The coffee is delicious and piping hot. They offer a breakfast sandwich and a yogurt parfait plus a large array of baked goods which are provided by a local baker! Whether you select one of their teas or a signature drink (like the Dutch Letter Latte), you will be happy with your selections and your time at Brew Coffee House.
Visit the Vermeer Windmill & Pella Historical Village
A historic stop during your visit to Pella, Iowa? I promise that you’ll enjoy your time at the Vermeer Windmill & Pella Historical Village. For a low fee, you get access to both and a guided tour of the windmill!
he Windmill was brought to Pella in 2002 to represent the Dutch culture of Pella. It is now the tallest working windmill in North America. While it is similar to the historic windmills in the Netherlands, it is taller than most to catch the wind of Pella. And, the view from the 5th level of the mill of downtown Pella is one you don’t want to miss!
The other stop on the tour that is super neat is their miniature village! It’s all hand done and by all volunteers! It represents different season in the Netherlands along with the different regions and their traditions. Some of the vignettes are amazing! The amount of detail in the displays is like none other.
This stop on your girlfriends trip is a bit more educational, but it’s also quite fascinating and a great way to break up the eating and drinking!
Spend Time Shopping Downtown
What kind of girls weekend is it if there isn’t shopping?! Lucky for you and your friends, downtown Pella is jam-packed with lots of options for shopping! We stopped at only a small fraction of the stores available to browse and spend your money in, but these were our favorites:
VanVeen Handmade Chocolates & Confections
A stop at VanVeen Handmade Chocolates & Confections is a must for anyone when visiting Pella! The large variety of homemade chocolates is endless! And the quality is superb! Did I mention they offer samples every day?!
Blush & Simple Treasures
These two shops occupy two different store fronts, have two completely different “vibes”, are owned by the same people, and are equally fabulous.
Blush tends to offer more chic contemporary décor while Simple Treasures is more modern farmhouse. I loved items at each store and came home with a few treasures from each! Staff at both stores were super friendly as well, which always makes for a great shopping experiences.
Jaarsma Bakery
No visit to Pella, Iowa, is complete without a stop at Jaarsma Bakery. This bakery has been a staple in the community since 1898 and is known all over the state and Midwest for their Dutch letters! Not only is Jaarsma’s a bakery, but also a great place to find Dutch trinkets and souviner type itesm.
When you’re ready to find some baked goods, the options are endless. From cookies and brownies to traditional donuts, they have a plethora of options. Of course they are best know for their Dutch specialties like Dutch Letters. A stop at Jaarsma’s is a must and your family will thank you!
Plan to Visit Pella, Iowa
If the above mentioned things aren’t enough for you, head to Tassel Ridge Winery for wine samples and tours! We recommend spending the $10 and doing the wine and chocolate pairings! We also recommend grabbing supper or lunch at George’s Pizza & Steakhouse, which has been a staple in the Pella community since the 1970s.
These are just a few highlights of a visit to Pella and we know you’ll enjoy these plus so many more!
Whether you take your girlfriends or head on a weekend getaway with your hubby, you won’t be disapointed by a visit to Pella, Iowa. Not only is the shopping great, the coffee hot, the baked goods superb, and accommodations top notch, there is a variety of things to do!
Thank you to Visit Pella for covering our stay at the Royal Amsterdam and a basket of goodies from Jaarsma Bakery. Thank you to the Pella Historical for covering our admission to the museum and Vermeer Windmill. Finally, thank you also to The Wijn House and Brew House Coffee for their hosting!
More Girls Trips & Weekend Trips in the Midwest
A Weekend Getaway to New Ulm, Minnesota
A Weekend in Mankato: 5 Must Do’s
How to Spend 36 Hours in Sedalia, MO
5 Ways to Have an Amazing Girls Getaway in Audubon County Iowa
PIN It for Later
I LOVED our time in Pella! I want to go back next spring.
I agree!!! Girls trip for Tulip Time?!
The Amsterdam hotel is a but pricey.Nit all can afford to stay there and still be able to Shop Pella.
You are correct! There are some other great options in PELLA as well!!!
I am always looking for great girlfriend getaways and what a gem this cute town is! Those boutiques would get me in trouble!
This town looks so cute! I love the fun shops in downtown and winery. I’ll need to add this to our travel list. Thanks
It’s an adorable town! They’ve done a great job at maintaining the Dutch feel! It’s a great stop!!
Wow! Being from Minnesota, I’ve heard of Pella, but never knew how special and unique it was! I’m definitely going to propose this as an upcoming girls weekend for me and my friends! Thanks!
It would be a great destination from MN. It’s such a fun spot and a great getaway!!
This town is so cute and my friends would love your itinerary. I’ve already Googled the distance from Chicago….adding this to my list of places to visit.
It’s definitely a ladies haven and worth the drive!!
I’d love to visit when the canal has water in it, and go up the windmill! Looks like such a cute little town!
You would love the uniqueness of it! I definitely want to return for tulip fest! We may have to road trip together!!