Landing at Southeast Iowa Regional Airport in Burlington gives you an easy home base, with river towns and Lincoln country close by. Burlington climbs the bluffs above the Mississippi River, a brick-and-limestone town with steep streets, a working riverfront, and a long history as Iowa's first territorial capital. The pace is unhurried and the views from the hilltops are wide.

Standout experiences around Burlington: - Walk or drive down Snake Alley, the zigzag brick street that claims to be the crookedest in the world - Stroll the Heritage Hill historic district and its Victorian mansions overlooking the river - Picnic at Crapo Park and look across the Mississippi from the bluff - Explore the limestone caves at Starr's Cave Nature Preserve - Catch a summer baseball game with the Burlington Bees - Watch the Snake Alley Criterium, a punishing bike race up the famous street each Memorial Day weekend - Order a loose-meat sandwich and a slice of pie at a diner downtown - Watch barges lock through on the river from the riverfront walk

Burlington is a good launch point for a loop through the river valley. Fort Madison and its reconstructed 1808 fort are 25 minutes south, the historic Mormon town of Nauvoo, Illinois sits across the river about 45 minutes away, and Mount Pleasant hosts the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion every Labor Day weekend, a half hour west. The Quad Cities and Iowa City are each about 90 minutes out. Early September brings steam engines and antique tractors to Mount Pleasant, and summer evenings bring everyone down to the river. Give Burlington a weekend and you will leave with stronger calves and a good story.