Vintage Wines And Finds Only Get Better With Age At Iowa's Farm Creek Antiques
By Ben Jones|Published March 17, 2021
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
A former cigar shop in Eastern Iowa is home to a business with a few surprises. Farm Creek Antiques and Wine Cave in Maquoketa is actually two shops in one. Upstairs, you’ll find an antique store that has a big selection of unique items, including some vintage pieces with Iowa roots. Downstairs you can discover vintages of a different sort. It’s a wine cave and it’s incredible – another world that you simply have to experience.
The shop dates to 1875 and has been carefully restored and updated. It has its original tin ceiling, limestone walls, lantern lights and a coal chute. Look down and you'll notice a quilt-style floor.
The owners have transformed the building's basement into a cool wine cave with touches like stools made from antique milk cans. It's a good place to relax - it serves wine, craft beers, spirits, dessert martinis, pizza and more.
The cave features live music on Saturday nights. Musicians say the cave has great acoustics. It's the perfect cozy spot to enjoy a beverage and a show.