Green Travel Destination: Fairfield, Iowa

A town located in rural southeastern Iowa might not be the first place that comes to mind when you're looking for a green travel destination. But this creative and progressive community is one of the Midwest's best kept secrets and a shining example of a sustainable community.

According to the Fairfield Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Fairfield, Iowa has more homes utilizing solar energy and other green building techniques than any other city of Iowa. The town of Fairfield has a 2020 Go-Green Strategic Plan that is built upon the belief that sustainable living improves the quality of life for all. They have initiatives in the works that address everything from transportation to energy use.

The town's dedication to green living is best demonstrated at the Abundance Ecovillage located just outside of town. The Abundance Ecovillage embraces off-the-grid living, green construction techniques and organic gardening. Homes in the village feature green roofs, solar and wind power, rainwater collection systems, sustainable landscaping and gardening techniques.

Travel Green: Fairfield, Iowa Things to Do

During the summer months, take time to explore the freshly grown organic vegetables, fruits and flowers featured at the Farmers Market. Catch one of the annual events like the All Things Italian Festival held each June. Or enjoy a performance at the newly- built Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts.

On the first Friday of each month, discover the works of local artists at the First Fridays Art Walk in downtown Fairfield. Unlike most small towns, Fairfield has a variety of restaurants offering everything from ethnic cuisine to down-home cooking.

Fairfield also boasts an extensive recreational trail system that's ideal for biking, walking, jogging or cross country skiing in the winter. You can also take in the scenic countryside by canoe or kayak on the Cedar Creek Water Trail.

Possibly one of the most unexpected things you'll find when exploring the Fairfield area is Iowa's newest town, Maharishi Vedic City. Located north of Fairfield, Vedic City is home to Maharishi University of Management which offers degree programs in sustainable living, arts, sciences, business and humanities. Students of the university have the opportunity to learn Transcendental Meditation techniques and participate in a consciousness-based education. All of the buildings in Vedic City follow Vedic architecture principles that are believed to promote health, happiness and good fortune.

If you go to Fairfield, Iowa: A Green Travel Destination

If you travel to Fairfield, Iowa consider staying at the Sweetwater Luxury Bunkhouse. The house is available for rent and provides you with a glimpse of luxury off-the-grid living. The green-built home utilizes wind and sun for electricity, geothermal earth tubes and filtered rainwater for water. It's located within the Abundance Ecovillage and minutes from downtown Fairfield. Other lodging options in the area include hotels, campgrounds, inns and the nationally-acclaimed spa, The Raj.

Fairfield, Iowa is located 50 miles west of the Mississippi River and 90 miles to the south of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Fairfield is located 25 miles from the Amtrak stations in Mount Pleasant and Ottumwa and within driving distance from Chicago, Des Moines, St Louis or Kansas City.

Sources:

Sweetwater Luxury Bunkhouse http://www.sweetwaterfairfield.com/

Abundance Ecovillage http://www.abundance-ecovillage.com/

Travel Green - Fairfield Iowa http://www.travelfairfieldiowa.com/this-is-fairfield/sustainable-living/

Fairfield, Iowa: Go Green http://www.fairfieldgogreen.com/