A Day in LeClaire, Iowa

Our last day in Iowa was spent in the town of LeClaire, right on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. What brought us there was the husband’s wish to check out Antique Archeology from History Channel’s “American Pickers.” We found so much more.

We did indeed head to Antique Archeology, joining the many visitors at opening on Sunday morning. The LeClaire shop had some items ‘picked’ from the show, especially in the older, stuffier building. Many of the items though, especially in the newer building were souvenir type items, such as canvas totes, tees, and wooden ornaments featuring the Antique Archeology logo.

The real gem of our visit, beside the stunning view of the river, was the Wide River Winery. Started in 1997 in Clinton, it was named for the widest part of the Mississippi. The LeClaire tasting room is one of three locations, the third being in Davenport. A mere $8 purchases a souvenir wine glass and 5 samples of fantastic wine with names inspired by the founders’ law occupations. I tried my five (and then some), and I would recommend them all:

Search, Seizure, Sangria- a white sangria of moderate sweetness.

White Collar Crime- a super smooth, buttery Chardonnay

Caught Red-Handed- a dry red made from petite pearl grapes. I’d be caught red-handed drinking this “best of the Midwest” winner.

Felony Red- a fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon and the makers’ flagship wine

Guilty Pleasure- this red features decadent chocolate and raspberry flavors. It can go with dessert, or be dessert.

These and more can be purchased at wideriverwinery.com, or if you’re lucky enough to be in the Midwest, at select retailers. I would have loaded up my checked bag, but I was out of room and out of weight. I had to settle for the souvenir glass.

There was plenty more to see in LeClaire and up the Mississippi.  Unfortunately, we were short on time, so we’ll have to save those visits for the next time we drive America’s Scenic Byways.