Dubuque lies within the Coulee Region. Also called the "driftless" area, it sits beyond the reach of glaciers that flattened the land to the north during the last Ice Age. Deep river valleys, rolling hills and bluffs give the region its beauty. It's a 300-mile drive from the Twin Cities.CHECKING IN
Some highlights among the many motels, inns and cabins:
Hotel Julien Dubuque, a luxurious 150-year-old hotel, completely renovated (200 Main St.; 1-800-798-7098; www.hoteljuliendubuque .com).
Four Mounds Inn, a B&B on 60 acres with hiking trails and a rope course (4900 Peru Road; 1-563-556-1908; www.fourmounds.org).
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, 25,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and hotel on the Port of Dubuque (350 Bell St.; 1-866-690-4006; www.grandharborresort.com).
DINING
For an upscale bite and a long list of cocktails and wines, try these two downtown spots:
L. May Eatery (1072 Main St.; 1-563-556-0505; www.lmayeatery.com; closed Tuesday and Wednesday).
Pepper Sprout (378 Main St.; 1-563-556-2167; www.peppersprout.com; closed Sunday and Monday).
For lunch or a casual dinner with live music, in a 110-year-old former German bank: the Bank Bar and Grille (324 Main St.; 1-563-584-1729; www.bankdbq.com).
