Ottumwa Stories: Start a New Holiday Tradition – Take a Weekend Getaway to Ottumwa!

Published December 1, 2021

There is so much to do in Ottumwa and Wapello County this holiday season that you’ll definitely want to turn your trip into a weekend getaway! Keep reading for some great new holiday traditions you can start while you’re here, then visit meetottumwa.org/your_ottumwa_weekend to learn even more.

New Holiday Tradition #1 – Attend our local events. From world-renowned shows and musicians to great local theater and concerts, your whole family will find something to enjoy. Click HERE for our current events calendar.

New Holiday Tradition #2 – Head to Main Street Ottumwa. You’ll find everything merry and bright this holiday season in the Main Street Ottumwa downtown district. We have many restaurants that spotlight our cultural diversity, local shops and boutiques with one-of-a-kind treasures inside and so much more to see, do and sample. Click HERE for descriptions and maps of everything Main Street Ottumwa has to offer.

New Holiday Tradition #3 – Explore Ottumwa and Wapello County. Home to the American Gothic House, the Bald Eagle Watching Trail, Pioneer Ridge Nature Area and the Wapello County Trail System, it will take the whole weekend to see and do everything. Click HERE for even more attractions and activities, with something for all ages and interests.

New Holiday Tradition #4 – Stay in our one-of-a-kind accommodations. In addition to your favorite rewards hotels, Ottumwa features the historic (and haunted) Hotel Ottumwa downtown, with attached café and Tom Tom Tap. The beautiful Oak Meadow Delight Bed & Breakfast’s elegant amenities offer visitors true comfort, relaxation and a fabulous hot breakfast. Click HERE for a list of all our accommodations.

New Holiday Tradition #5 – Dine around the world in Ottumwa’s local restaurants. Ottumwans represent more 50 countries, and many of them are featured in our local restaurants. From award-winning Latin cuisine, Vietnamese and even Ethiopian, to family-owned icons and great American barbecue, your family can find it all in Ottumwa. Click HERE for a detailed list of restaurants and driving directions.

Still not enough? Our YouTube channel is full of videos to show you how we do the holidays here. Check them out HERE. We can’t wait for you to come join us.