Downtown Harlan, Iowa

Hotels

Hotel Tips

Policies vary on the availability of pet friendly rooms to it is wise to be open, honest and upfront during the booking process. You may find yourself kicked out or even paying a large deposit if you are not in a pet-friendly hotel and bring one anyway. New ADA laws are fuzzy though as service animals are not required to be documented and proprietors are legally not allowed to ask if the animal is a pet vs. a service animal.

Not all online booking systems are fully integrated with hotel reservations systems so there is a chance that smaller hotels are hand entering your stay from a fax machine which leaves room for errors. Book directly with hotel to avoid any problems and ask for a price match if you find a better price online.

Always announce during booking if the trip is for a special event, anniversary or reunion. Group rates can be pre-negotiated and you may qualify for a lower cost and better upgrades for your stay. If you are the one setting up the event, always work directly with the front desk manager to make sure the best service is offered to your party.

Things To Do

Harlan is the place to plan your wedding. You'll be spending a lot of time downtown as there are so many wonderful shops to find invitations, photographers, bakers, caterers and jewelers. Planning your wedding will be a breeze with so much support from local merchants to make a perfect and memorable day.

Harlan has several options for shopping for specialty food items that are not found in regular grocery stores. Shops tailored for "foodies" offer tastings of the products as well as scheduled culinary classes to perfect your skills. Shop for infused oils, salts and spices from around the World!

Harlan hosts several events per year for your listening enjoyment but visit your piano shop to learn how to play and possibly purchase your grand, upright or digital piano. Don't forget the specialty work involved such as tuning and moving which are performed by skilled technicians.

Why Do You Love Downtown?

Bob Puthoff
I'm sending some clients there this Summer and want to get them a discount card to shop. Thanks!

Rebekah Nelson
I'm visiting for the first time next week and I'm considering relocating to Ashland. I've heard so many great things about it!

Megan H.
I love being able to browse a variety of my favorite restaurants and bars, all within easy walking distance of convenient parking. Enjoying local fare and live music downtown after a grilling day at the office makes every day feel like the weekend.

Gina Christ
Old time charm; friendly people

Heather
Community, responsiblity, friends who feel like family. Every downtown has it's own culture, something not experienced in the mall or at big box stores. Merchants are the cornerstone of our local economies.

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