When you visit Four Mounds, and I hope you do, serenity will sweep over you as soon as you enter the winding drive. The gentleman’s farm estate was established by the George A. and Viola Burden family of Dubuque, Iowa, in 1908 and bequeathed by the family for charitable uses in 1982. Since 1987 the sixty acre estate overlooking the Mississippi River has been managed by the Four Mounds Foundation.

picnic basket at Four Mounds fashion show

picnic basket at Four Mounds fashion show

I was fortunate to attend ‘A Fashion Soiree and Sangria Picnic’ sponsored by the Four Mounds Women’s Fellowship. Four local boutiques (DBQ Fashions, Graham’s Gal, HJ’s Fashion Emporium, and Gotta Have It) modeled fun fall and winter fashions. The Women’s Fellowship provided beverages and picnic baskets for attendees. Skies with a play of sun and shadow blessed the evening with soft and dreamy light. I had to remind myself I came to see the fashions and not just the river beyond.

in Four Mounds flower garden

in Four Mounds flower garden

Four Mounds hosts weddings, conferences, parties and individual guests. Bed and Breakfast guests have the option of staying in the 1908 Arts and Crafts inspired mansion, the Colonial Revival White House or the Marvin Gardens Cabin. All have wonderful views of the Mississippi River and extensive grounds. Proceeds from rental and guest services go towards funding the numerous philanthropic projects operated or supported by the Four Mounds Foundation. Some of these programs include the HEART Program, Youth Empowerment Services, Community Gardens, Winter Farmers’ Market and Summer Day Camp.

Four Mounds truck

restored Four Mounds truck