For full schedule, click here.

At a time when many Iowans are looking for an affordable way to get away this summer, Lt. Governor Patty Judge has the solution – travel in Iowa. 

Yesterday, the Lt. Governor kicked off Travel Iowa ‘09, a 67-stop statewide tour designed to highlight some of Iowa’s many unique, fun, and affordable attractions.  She is calling on Iowans to stay around home this summer, and in the process invest their money in Iowa’s communities to support local businesses and jobs.

“Iowa has many fun, unique, and exciting attractions, events, and festivals for you and the entire family. With many of the events and attractions in our state costing very little, and often times free, taking an Iowa vacation is a fun and affordable way to have some fun and relax, without breaking the bank.”

Lt. Governor Judge began the tour Thursday with a visit to the Blank Park Zoo, one of Iowa’s most-popular attractions.  Next week, the Lt. Governor begins five days of travel throughout the state, taking her from the Missouri River to the Mississippi, with several stops in between.  Over the course of the summer, the Lt. Governor will visit more than 65 attractions and events statewide, and is asking Iowans to come join her on the tour when it is in their area.

 ”Beginning next week, I will travel from one corner of the state to the other, visiting some places that are familiar, and some many have yet to discover. I hope that Iowans can join me during my travels.  But most importantly, I hope they can get out this summer, see all our state has to offer, and take an Iowa vacation.”

To see a map of tour locations, visit the Travel Iowa ‘09 Blog at traveliowa.blogspot.com.  Here, Iowans can learn more about the places and events the Lt. Governor will visit, find resources for planning their own vacation, and follow along as the Lt. Governor travels the state.