These tips will help you plan a creative fall drive through Iowa.

Iowa trip guide

The annual Artisans Road Trip happens the first weekend in October. A detailed brochure, with maps, directions and descriptions of all artists' work is available online, by mail or at area businesses. Some artists open their homes just once a year for the tour, but others have regular business hours (712/336-4456; www.artisansroadtrip.com). For general information, contact Okoboji Tourism (800/270-2574; www.vacationokoboji.com).

Featured artists

Jesse Bogenrief An expansive blown-glass studio in Spencer. Open weekdays and Saturdays (712/580-5556; www.bogenriefstudios.com).

Beth Cathcart Hand-built and wheel-thrown pottery on view at the artist's farm outside Linn Grove. By appointment only, except during tour (712/299-5248; www.rockingmpottery.com).

Dennis Dykema Sunny Iowa landscapes, on view in the artist's Spirit Lake studio. By appointment only, except during tour (712/339-9393).

Hank Hall Wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery, plus other local artists' work, on view at Art on 16th, in Spirit Lake. Classes also available. Open weekdays, some Saturdays or by appointment (712/330-6007).

Diane and Wendell King Colorful jewelry and hand-wrought steel and stone tables at the artists' farm outside Dickens. By appointment only, except during tour (712/835-2673; www.peonyfarm.com).

William Lieb Geometric sculptures, on view in the artist's light-filled Spirit Lake home. By appointment only, except during tour (712/336-4410).

Perry Polson Lathe-turned wood bowls and custom work, at Wild Wood Studio in Spencer. Open weekdays (712/363-3554; www.wildwoodturning.com).

Brad Travis Wood- and gas-fired wheel-thrown pottery, on view in the artist's studio, just east of Spirit Lake. By appointment only, except during tour. Note: Brad will not participate in the 2008 tour, but he plans to be back next year. His work will be on view at Hank Hall's studio (712/336-4891).

Other noteworthy stops

Mark and Jeanne Bogenrief Respected stained glass artists, with a studio in Sutherland. Open weekdays; call for guided tours (712/446-2094; www.bogenriefstudios.com).

Barbara McGee Equine and Western paintings, plus portraits and landscapes, at a McGee Gallery & Framing in Peterson. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Call ahead to confirm (712/295-6315; www.horsesbymcgee.com).

Lakes Art Center In Okoboji, a gallery and performing arts complex (712/332-7013; www.lakesart.org).

Leonard Olson Hand-turned, exotic wood kaleidoscopes in Pomeroy. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays and the second Saturday every month (712/468-2420; www.kaleidoscopefactory.com).

Lynn Swan Woven paper and fiber art in Spencer. By appointment only, except during tour (712/260-0357).

Dining

Fresh Bistro A stylish spot in Spirit Lake, serving steaks, seafood and pasta for dinner (712/336-3700; www.getfreshcatering.com).

The Market A health food store and Mediterranean cafe in Spirit Lake, with comfy seating and mellow world music playing (712/336-2520).

Martini's Bar & Grill An appealing sports bar in Storm Lake, with an expansive menu and nice touches, such as homemade salsa (712/732-7852).

Shaky Tree Coffee In Spencer, a gathering spot for local artists, with live music many weekends (712/580-3033; www.shakytree.com).

Lodging

King's Point Resort In Storm Lake (the southern end of the tour), an attractive, newer property with indoor and outdoor water parks. From $129 (712/213-4500; www.kingspointeresort.com).

The Wild Rose Inn of Okoboji Centrally located on the trail map, with appealing grounds, spacious rooms and homemade cookies. From $109 (877/855-7673; www.wildroseresort.com).

Originally published September/October 2008

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