I am currently at the Hotel Millwright in Amana, Iowa enjoying a bit of history and some excellent root beer.

The Amanas were a religious community who lived self-sufficiently for over 100 years through farming and crafts and factory production. They disbanded their communal experiment in 1932. Their main trade now is tourism, as they have much of the old infrastructure still.

The Hotel Millwright is at one of the old woolen mills. There’s a lot of history represented with old looms, pyramids of thread spools, and sewing machines throughout. There’s floors are polished concrete and exposed ductwork gives it a hint of industrial feel while still being welcoming.

The restaurant on site, the Tavern, serves upscale burgers and imaginative entrees. I had cinnamon bread French toast and it was divine. I can’t recommend this place enough.