About this Event
What if your perfect fall day was already planned for you?
Join Erin Huiatt of Des Moines Parent and Tricia Rivas of Trixie's Salon & Spa for an unforgettable day exploring the best of Cumming, Iowa aboard a private trolley. We've carefully curated every stop so all you have to do is climb aboard, meet new friends, and enjoy a day celebrating the people and places that make Central Iowa so special.
From fresh coffee and donuts to pumpkin patches, apple orchards, shopping, gardens, handcrafted spirits, and delicious food, this experience is all about slowing down, discovering local gems, and creating memories along the way.
Whether you come with your best friend, your spouse, your mom, or simply treat yourself to a solo adventure, you'll leave with a full heart, new favorite places, and a bag full of fall goodies.
Your Autumn Adventure Includes:
Private trolley transportation throughout the day
Coffee & donuts at The Merc
Admission to Howell's Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch, including:
- Access to all farm activities
- A private tractor ride to an exclusive pumpkin patch
- One pumpkin to take home
- One complimentary beverage
A tasting experience at Iowa Distilling Company
Time to explore Ted Lare Garden & Gift, including the seasonal Art Show
Admission to Wilson's Orchard & Farm, including:
- Farm admission
- Tractor rides
- A half-peck of fresh-picked apples
- One complimentary beverage from the Ciderhouse
A Local Loop tote bag to collect your purchases and seasonal goodies throughout the day
We'll finish the afternoon by gathering for an optional meal together at Wilson's (meal available for purchase separately).
Tentative Schedule*
9:00–9:45 a.m. – The Merc
10:00–11:30 a.m. – Howell's Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. – Iowa Distilling Company
1:00–2:00 p.m. – Ted Lare Garden & Gift + Art Show
2:15–4:00 p.m. – Wilson's Orchard & Farm
4:00–4:30 p.m. – Optional dinner together
*Schedule is subject to change.
About The Local Loop
The Local Loop was created with one simple goal: to bring people together while supporting local businesses.
Each experience highlights a different community across Central Iowa through thoughtfully selected businesses, unique experiences, and meaningful connections. Every guest will receive a printed itinerary featuring each business, along with their social media handles, making it easy to continue supporting these incredible local businesses long after the day is over.
While sharing your experience on social media is completely optional, we love celebrating local together and encourage guests to post photos and tag the businesses they visit throughout the day.
About Erin Huiatt
Erin Huiatt is the owner of Des Moines Parent, Central Iowa's leading family resource dedicated to connecting people with local businesses, events, and experiences. A passionate community builder and author, Erin loves showcasing the hidden gems that make Iowa special and creating opportunities for people to gather, explore, and support local. Through The Local Loop, she's excited to help guests discover new favorites while building meaningful connections throughout Central Iowa.
About Tricia Rivas
Tricia Rivas is the owner of Trixie’s Salon & Spa, founder of City Vibe, Rural Heart, and a passionate advocate for small businesses and rural communities. Whether she’s traveling Iowa’s backroads, mentoring entrepreneurs, or connecting people with hidden gems, Tricia believes every local business has a story worth sharing. She loves bringing people together, creating meaningful experiences, and reminding others that some of life’s greatest adventures are found just off the beaten path.
Event venue & nearby stays
Middlebrook Mercantile, 4125 Cumming Avenue, Cumming, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.