607 Guest House

05/30/2026

Looking forward to catching a glimpse of the Big Boy as it rolls into Boone, Iowa tomorrow afternoon! 🚂

The legendary Union Pacific Railroad steam locomotive will make a "no public access" overnight stop in Boone on May 31 before departing June 1. While the overnight stop itself is closed to the public, railfans can still enjoy several trainspotting locations in and around Boone to watch Big Boy roll into town and depart for its next stop to the City of Grand Mound, Iowa. (See their page for event details)

📍 If you're traveling to Boone to see Big Boy arrive or depart, we still have availability tomorrow night at The 607 Guest House. It's a great opportunity to make a weekend of it and experience one of the most anticipated rail events of the year and stay in a "train-themed" vacation rental.

05/29/2026

This weekend in Your Boone & Beyond Guide, you can hear the roar of the engines 🚂, take in scenic views while golfing ⛳, climb through treehouses 🌳, stroll beautiful gardens 🌺, and wrap up the evening with a Margarita Pub Crawl 🍹.

From train lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of the Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 — the world’s largest operating steam locomotive — as it begins its historic Union Pacific Railroad coast-to-coast journey celebrating America’s 250th anniversary 🇺🇸, to the excitement and roar of the Boone Speedway 🏁, there’s no shortage of activities for those who love powerful engines and unforgettable experiences.

If relaxing outdoors and soaking in Iowa’s beautiful weather ☀️ is more your style, this weekend is the perfect time to explore the area’s scenic side. The clubhouse at Don Williams Golf Course is now open, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the picturesque nine-hole course overlooking Don Williams Lake.

Nature lovers can also explore two incredible nearby gardens: Iowa Arboretum & Gardens and the whimsical Treehouse Village 🌲, or visit Reiman Gardens as they debut their new “Big & Small” exhibit this weekend 🦋🌻.

After a full day of adventure, relax and unwind in downtown Ames with a unique Margarita pub Crawl 🍹✨ and enjoy the lively local atmosphere.

Stay in the center of it all at The — your home base for exploring Boone & Beyond 🏡. (More links in the comments)

Thanks for traveling our way,
Your Host, Alison ❤️

05/26/2026

Thank you Visit Boone County, IA for the feature 🙌 We’re honored to be part of the amazing places that make Boone County such a special & unique destination.

Be sure to follow the 607 Guest House for exclusive specials, discounted stay opportunities, local favorites, upcoming events, and fun things to do throughout Boone County and beyond. Your next Iowa getaway adventure might be closer than you think ❤️

Stay in comfort and style at 607 Guest House

Whether you’re visiting Boone County for a weekend getaway, local events, or a relaxing retreat, this cozy guest house offers the perfect home away from home with charm, comfort, and convenience.

05/22/2026

☀️ Memorial Day weekend — often considered the official kickoff to summer — has arrived. It’s a time when families trade packed schedules for open roads, patio dinners, hiking trails, festivals, and time spent together. As we enjoy the long weekend and the freedoms that allow us to gather, travel, and celebrate, we also pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. 🇺🇸❤️

From small-town shopping and scenic train rides to live music, festivals, and outdoor adventures, there’s plenty happening around Boone & Beyond this weekend.
✨️Featured this weekend in Your Boone & Beyond Guide:

🛍️ Summer on Story | Downtown Boone
Local shops, small-town charm, community fun, and the perfect excuse to stroll downtown and kick off summer. A Shops on Story event

🚂 Opening Weekend for the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum
Climb aboard for one of Iowa’s most iconic experiences and take in breathtaking views from the historic High Bridge.

🐦 Birding at Friends of the Ledges
The Cliff Swallows are returning! A perfect opportunity to unplug, hit the trails, and maybe even discover a new hobby in bird-watching.

🎶 New Live Music Venue | Ames
Mary Jane's Ames is bringing live music and nightlife energy to the area this summer from live bands to karaoke.

🍷 Spring Fest at The Cellar Winery | Madrid Wine, music, relaxing views, and a laid-back way to spend a spring afternoon.

🎉 CelebrAsian 2026: The Story of US : Asian Heritage Festival | Western Gateway Park, Des Moines
A vibrant weekend filled with culture, performances, incredible food, music, and celebration.

From scenic train rides and outdoor exploration to festivals, shopping, live music, and cultural celebrations, this Memorial Day weekend is full of opportunities to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the simple moments that make the start of summer feel special.

Thanks for traveling our way,
Your Host, Alison

05/19/2026

The results are in! 🌽🧈
First — a huge thank you to everyone who voted, shared, encouraged, and supported along the way. 💛

I’m excited to share that “Got Butter?” — a design inspired by my farm-kid roots — placed 3rd in the 2026 Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation T-Shirt Contest!

👕Many have asked if shirts will be available — and they are! The Top 5 finalist designs can be purchased for a limited time through May 29, with proceeds supporting the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds through the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.

If you order a shirt, I would absolutely love to see it! Snap a picture, tag the 607 Guest House, and show where “Got Butter?” travels. 🌽✨

Thank you again for supporting local. I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected as both a finalist and 3rd place winner in a contest connected to such an iconic Iowa tradition.

-Alison

Thank you for voting for your favorite design in the 2026 T-Shirt Contest. The winning design will be sold at our merchandise stands during the Iowa State Fair, August 13-23.

For this year’s contest, as in the past, the Blue Ribbon Foundation allowed the use of any and all forms of art, from hand-drawn ideas to AI-generated pictures. We appreciate all the feedback we received during this year's contest and will review our rules prior to 2027.

If you can’t wait until August, you can purchase any of the top 5 T-Shirts online now. The store is open through Friday, May 29. All orders will be shipped June 15.

Your purchase supports the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mission of renovating the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Thank you.

Shop Online: https://www.ordergroupwear.com/blue_ribbon_foundation/shop/home

05/15/2026

Your Boone & Beyond Guide ✨
Graduation weekend is here, and first — congratulations to all the graduates celebrating across Iowa this weekend! 🎓

If you’re visiting from out of town and looking for ways to enjoy the area between celebrations, this weekend’s Boone & Beyond Guide is all about exploring...

🕵️‍♀️Our Local Downtowns!

🛍 Spend the afternoon strolling through Downtown Boone with boutique shopping & live jazz, head over to Downtown Ames for 515 Day festivities, or take a quick drive to Madrid for the farmers market kick-off and Vintage Store Day featuring some unique finds & I heard something about a Trolley & Wine!

One of the best parts about small-town Iowa is the way local businesses come together to create community — from boutiques and vintage stores to markets, coffee shops, and live events. There’s something special happening in every downtown this weekend.

And if adventure is calling, there’s always more to explore beyond the main streets too. Test your physical limits in a Gladiator Assault Challenge -with complimentary mud baths!

✨ Some Features in this weekend’s “Your Boone & Beyond Guide”
Jodi's Hometown Boutique & West 5th Vintage
The Daily Boss
Seven Oaks Recreation - Boone IA
Madrid Iowa Downtown Farmer's Market
Sugar Valley Emporium & Charters on Vine LLC

Whether you’re planning your stay or already counting down the days, make this your go-to guide for getting the most out of your time here.

Thanks for traveling our way,
Your Host, Alison

#

05/14/2026

✨ Summer Kick Off Sale at the 607 Guest House ✨

Now through the end of May, enjoy 20% OFF your Airbnb stay at the 607 Guest House with a minimum 2-night booking.

Whether you're planning a Memorial Day getaway, a Rail Explorers USA adventure, or simply a relaxing escape, this is the perfect time to experience historic charm, walkable Downtown Boone, and all the unique touches that make the 607 Guest House special.

🚂 Discount automatically applied at Airbnb checkout
🏡 Applies to remaining open May 2026 dates
📅 Minimum 2 consecutive night stay required
❌ Does not apply to already booked reservations & not combinable with other discounts or coupons.

Not looking for a 2-night stay? Check out our VRBO listing for last-minute deals on shorter stays.

Limited dates remain — book your summer escape before they’re gone!
📷 by Creative Cousins Photography & Design

05/12/2026

Meet the artist behind the “Got Butter?” design. 🌽🧈

Over the past day, I’ve seen a lot of conversation surrounding art, creativity, and the use of digital media in design. Rather than focus on negativity, I thought I’d simply introduce myself and share the story behind the piece that I submitted.

I’ve always been an artist at heart — working across many different mediums throughout my life. From sketches and oil paintings to pottery, crafting, furniture restoration, occasional poetry, and now digital marketing and design for our businesses, creativity has always been part of who I am.

As a small business owner of The 607 Guest House, I’ve learned that part of building a business is learning how to visually tell stories and create something people remember. Art takes many forms, and throughout history it always has. Sometimes it’s paint on canvas. Sometimes it’s sculpture. Sometimes it’s photography, music, architecture, fashion, advertising — or even a $6.24 Million Dollar banana duct-taped to a wall that sparks conversation around the world. Art is often less about the medium itself and more about the idea, emotion, memory, or conversation it creates.

For the 2026 Iowa State Fair T-Shirt Contest hosted by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation, the concept, creativity, symbolism, and design direction behind “Got Butter?” were entirely my own. The computer was simply the medium I chose to work within.

The contest also required designs to remain within specific screen-printing parameters — including a maximum of five colors and artwork that would translate clearly for apparel screen printing production while remaining eye-catching from a distance. Because of those requirements, I chose to work digital to create strong contrast, clean separation between colors, and bold visibility suitable for screen printing. (Among other design guidelines.)

But the heart behind the design came from somewhere much deeper.

I grew up on a small beef cattle and row crop farm near the Mississippi River along the Illinois/Iowa border. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of being a true farm kid — spending time with cattle, fields, and fair season traditions. I still remember brushing the curls on the top of one particular cow’s head who became more like a pet to me than livestock, walking beans and even detasseling.

The corn in the design represents both our crop farming roots and memories of sweet corn during fair season. And the phrase “Got Butter?” — Well… what’s sweet corn without butter? What’s the Iowa State Fair without the iconic Butter Cow? And what’s a Midwestern farm upbringing without a little humor from a dad and true farmer who always had a joke to tell?

At the end of the day, I’m simply grateful to have been selected as a finalist and thankful for everyone who has supported, voted, encouraged, and shared kind words throughout this experience. 💛

Thank you for taking the time to meet the person behind the design. (I've included some of my past works.)

05/11/2026

A little behind-the-scenes fun from the owner of the 607 Guest House! 🎡🧈

I took a chance and entered the 2026 Iowa State Fair T-Shirt Design Contest hosted by the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation… and I’m officially a FINALIST! 🤯

My design is:
✨ “Got Butter?” ✨

If you’d like to support a small-town Boone creative, voting is open THIS WEEK ONLY — May 11–15!

To vote:
👍 Click the "Got Butter?" image
👍 Bottom will say “Design C: Alison Purtle – Boone, IA”
👍 Like the specific design photo to cast your vote!

Currently sitting in 3rd place, and every vote means so much. Thank you for cheering me on! 💛

05/08/2026

Your Boone & Beyond Guide ✨
Let’s see what’s happening this Mother's Day weekend…

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms 💐 We’re designing a weekend centered around celebrating you and spending meaningful time together.

Tonight, get ready for music and amusement rides in downtown Boone. Celebrate National Train Day this weekend with a unique brunch experience aboard the train 🚂 Grab Mom and the kids and check out a wild zoo adventure featuring fully animatronic animals — and don’t forget the famous deep-dish cookies 🍪

Or maybe Mom would rather slow down and wander a little this weekend:
🧀 A fun charcuterie workshop
🌷 A stroll through the aisles of the farmers market in Ames
🍷 Or wrapping up the weekend with wine and live music

No matter your style, this weekend has something for everyone. Get out and enjoy it — Monday will be here before you know it.

✨ Featured in this weekend’s “Your Boone & Beyond Guide”
Visit Boone County, IA
Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & Museum
I Heart Cookies back up
Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards
Letter Eats By B
Ames Main Street Farmers' Market
The Cellar Winery
Find more area events at Discover Ames

Whether you’re planning your stay or already counting down the days, check back often and make this your go-to guide for getting the most out of your time here.

Stay tuned—your next favorite spot might be closer than you think. Get ready to explore! Exploring local events and supporting small businesses go hand in hand.

Thanks for traveling our way,
Your Host, Alison