This is a neat Studio that specializes in the stunning local photos of David Thoreson. It is…read morelocated in Arnolds Park, across the street from the Central Emporium. David is also an Adventure Sailor, writer and educator. David recently completed a sailing trip in the Arctic that focused on the issue of climate change. See www.bluewaterstudios.com

Gayle and I happily returned to A Piece of Work this summer. The place looks a little more filled…read moreout and there were plenty of new items that caught my attention. I ended up with a really nice forged metal frame, another piece of Bogenrief glass, and a handsome money clip piece from Bladesmith. There were also a few bonuses this year. We were here for the 1st Friday Art Walk and then a week later the place was happy busy during Spirit Lake Days. I also got to meet Perry Polson (handsome wood pieces) and Dan Ruf (photography) and chat about their work. Of course the biggest plus abut A Piece of Work is finding so much great art at a fraction of California prices.

Don't forget the dessert !!!!!! Great location along with…read moreoutdoor seating . Check their calendar! Live music Excellent wine list Local art work / photography with some great stories!

It was late afternoon, and after a scheduled meet-up with an old High School friend went South,…read moreGayle suggested we hop in the car and enjoy a beer together at West O. I had already made my annual pilgrimage to West O the day before, and suggested something more to her liking - Wine. Since my last visit the Wine Bar and Art Gallery, the space has expanded into David Thoreson's Blue Water Studio. David actually owns the entire building and if you look behind the door in what I call the "Livingroom" addition, you'll see that his work space is alive and well. There's also an upstairs, but I have no idea what David has going on up there. As this is the 25th Anniversary of Blue Water Studios and the Wine Bar, all the art work on the walls is David Thoreson's, and what a stunning collection it is! Gayle and I hung out, enjoyed a couple glasses of wine, and wished we were here during the weekend to hear their live music offerings (played outside on the patio). Gayle and I were impressed with the wine selection, generous pours, and at a reasonable price, in addition to the comfortable space to enjoy them. And as much as I love West O, this was the right place for us to hang out and spend some time together.

Very interesting art work of a man's vision on how to serve a mother and son. The lady who gave the…read moretour was excellent and very caring on what she knew about the people and shrine. Thanks to the director For helping us finding the camp site and water, asking us the next day how things were. Thanks to the lady in gift shop for being so kind to help us get some one to give us a jump start. And the man who helped. Found this place amazing. Quiet camping. Very relaxing. All in all everyone should or needs to enjoy this wonderful place. Thank you for everything

Such an amazing experience! Pictures do not do it justice. Make sure you do the free tour when you…read morego, I believe they run on the hour, check their website for times. Don't miss the church. Free tours. Donations accepted but not required. Plenty of parking available, lot and street. They also have a nice gift shop.

The last of 2 reviews for the Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC) was 10 years ago? This place is a…read morereal treasure, and this place has always been on my "must go" list when I'm visiting the Iowa Great Lakes. It's located right next to the Okoboji Summer Theatre, with its impressive building sitting on a nice piece of land with a pretty northern view. Gayle and I are members, even though we live way out here in Genoa Nevada. Gayle and I fell in love with the Iowa Art shown here years ago, and as we've contacted some of the artists (particularly Hank Hall and Daniel Ruf), we've grown to deeply appreciate the imagination, professional skill, and great friendships coming from their work. PLAC is a well-regarded anchor for these regional artistic endeavors, via their gift shop, annual auction, and specific exhibits. On the main floor, PLAC has a nice gift shop and a couple nice galleries. The front one changes themes fairly frequently, while the one in the back has featured Russian impressionism for at least the last few years. There's another gallery downstairs and a hallway that features the work of local artists. If I lived in the area more regularly, PLAC offers classes, children's programs, and a fairly impressive live entertainment calendar.

My sister is an artist, so I knew we had to head out and check this one. Very lovely permanent…read morecollection...as well as lovely local artist collections. It was a beautiful building, had friendly staff, and was free when we went!! (Thursdays!) Great way to add a bit of culture to a stay at the lake.

Loved the artwork and the owner is super talented and interesting. I love my new pieces!read more

From the owner: Welcome to Hallstrom Glass Studio and Art Gallery. HGS Gallery representing over 30 local and…read moreregional artists in a variety of mediums. We carry Stained Glass, Fused Glass, pottery, oil paintings, mixed media, jewelry, watercolor, printmaking, and photography. The gallery offers traditional and contemporary styles. Hallstrom Glass Studio is located in the gallery and is operated by gallery owner Lori Ann Hallstrom. The glass studio offers custom stained glass designs, Antique Reproduction, and Restoration. Select the tab above for more information about Hallstrom Glass Studio. In addition to Original Artwork, HGS Gallery offers antique furniture and custom made wood furniture from recycled wood .

The Bijou Gallery is located within a strip shopping center that is across the street from Goodies…read moreHandmade Candies. The space used to be occupied by a Curve's gym that Gayle used once during one of our Summer trips. The owner is Kathyrn Buckley, who used to run a similar enterprise in Kansas City. The Bijou Gallery is a handsome gift shop that features Iowa and other artists. I've visited twice this summer and came away the last time with a nice wood desk/clock piece from Tim Anderson of Twilight Zone Designs. Of course, I was tempted by other items, that there's always next time.

I love this bar. Friendly locals. Cheap prices. Good service. They also get great bands through…read more Check the schedule at http://www.downtownpomeroy.com/byron's/ for live music. Highly recommended.

My friends and I made the 4 hour trip from WI to check out Byrons bar last weekend. The initial…read moredraw was the fantastic band Harper and the Midwest Kind, but after only a few minutes inside the bar, we were fans of the venue itself. It was apparent upon arrival that it is a favorite place for locals. (On a Sunday night in the middle of nowhere, the place was pleasantly full) The bartenders are friendly and prompt. Byron himself held a place behind the bar, and as soon as he saw our new faces, he came right over and started a chat. What a nice fellow. It became very apparent he does what he does for the love music, and being able to offer a place for like minded people to come together for great live music. We had a great time. For anyone who loves live music - Byrons Bar is a must; maybe even a pilgrimage. Keep dancing Byron, cheers to you! And your friends from WI will definately be back!