July 20, 2015, Monday, Amana, IA
Day 81

Departed Des Moines for the 30 minute drive to Maytag Dairy Farms in Newton, IA. A film and then a tour of the shipping area was followed by a sampling of cheeses including the Maytag Blue Cheese.  So delicious I bought 2 wedges (one for now and one for the freezer) even though Rosemary won’t eat blue cheese.  More for me! Next was another 30 minute drive to Pella, IA, home of the Historical Village and Vermeer Mill. A Dutch community dating to the 1840's was started by Dominie H.P. Scholte. Many buildings have been preserved and restored. The town windmill was reconstructed. We toured the village (including a neat miniature Dutch Village) and the windmill including a walk around the platform four stories up. But the best part of Pella was a visit to the Jaarsma Bakery. In operation over a century, the pastries were incredible.  We bought several including one called “letters” which is a flaky “S” shaped pastry filled with almond paste, the signature item in this town.  Although a photo does not do it justice, I am including it anyway.  Good enough that I would consider this a required stop on our future trips out west. Next was a 10 minute drive to the Tassel Ridge Winery for a tasting. 2 bottles of Iowa White Blossom (the Le Crescent grape) purchased. After 90 minute drive, checked into the Amana RV Park.