Bowie's Tavern

Just got back from staying the weekend here for a wedding. Bowie's Tavern and Inn is owned by Dunleith Plantation (a 3 minute drive away).

BAR: Strong drinks and wonderful appetizers. The loaded nachos and spinach dip were yummy, and the chips that went with them were great too. The only thing I didn't like was the bruschetta came out looking like pizza bites and wasn't too good. The bar crowd was interesting- definitely a casual, all types of people and ages atmosphere. A live band played both nights I was there, and they were ok. I was with a group of close friends so we had fun, especially since we were visiting and staying in the rooms above the bar. There are several big screen TVs with great views from any seat, so it was fun watching football when possible!

ROOMS:

Each room has a king size bed, huge jacuzzi tub with separate shower, and tons of space! 3 of the 4 rooms overlook the Mississippi River, and those 3 balconies are connected to make one long, big balcony with tables and chairs. Very nice to sit out and enjoy the view, have a drink, relax. You have to make reservations through Dunleith as well as check in and out there. Breakfast is at Dunleith too in the Carriage House, and I highly recommend it. Gorgeous place and delicious food. Mine was complimentary because of the wedding I attended, but breakfast is normally just $9 (all you can eat buffet) and well worth it! Who knows, maybe you can negotiate it. My room was absolutely perfect visually. I LOVED it, especially the massive jacuzzi tub with strong jets.

BUT BEWARE- Do not stay here if you plan to go to bed early. When the bar is hopping, the room is LOUD because it's right above the bar with just a wood floor in between. I couldn't go to sleep until after 2am all weekend because once the bar shut down, then all I could hear were the employees moving tables and chairs around cleaning up the place. I would not stay here unless you plan to go out because this is not a restful place to stay. Like I said, I was assigned to stay here for a wedding, so I was up late all weekend anyways with friends, but I would probably opt for the huge Grand Hotel next door or the Best Western by the bridge. I'm a light sleeper and could hear every single thing going on in the bar below my room. However, there is 1 room that is not directly over the bar and quite peaceful (my friend stayed in that room) so I would ask for it if I had to stay there again!

Owned by the same family as The Castle restaurant, Bowies offers a sweet little venue for miniature bands to display their musical abilities, or lack thereof.  There is a huge bar where the staff is ready and willing to wet your whistle with every imaginable type of alcohol.  They also offer a fine selection of gut-wrenching bar foods for those late night when you just don't give a f**k.