Where to eat, drink, shop and relax in charming LeClaire on the Mississippi River

This small Iowa town along the Mississippi River is known for being the birthplace of Western icon Buffalo Bill and, in the past decade, the History Channel show “American Pickers.”

LeClaire sits on the western bank of the Mississippi River just north of Bettendorf.

Take a walk down Cody Road — adorned with stereos attached to trees playing songs like “Mr. Sandman” — which runs parallel to the Mississippi River and find antique stores and gift shops, places to drink and eateries with impressive views.

Where to eat in LeClaire

Dine in a home that dates back more than a century with the Crane & Pelican Cafe, located at the Dawley House, which maintains its original chandeliers, fireplaces and pine floors. The stately brick home, built in 1851, formerly served as the residence of Daniel and Sabina Dawley and their nine children, according to the restaurant. Expect a menu of American fare including slow-roasted beef brisket, Cajun pasta — topped with blackened chicken, sirloin steak, or salmon over rigatoni noodles — pecan-crusted salmon, sandwiches such as a blanched asparagus with cream cheese served on rye, and for dessert, homemade ice cream. Stop by on Sundays for a buffet brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: 127 S. Second St., LeClaire

Another option: If you’re looking to dine with a view, Steventon’s, located at 1399 Eagle Ridge Road, is the choice since it overlooks the Mississippi River. The fine-dining restaurant with American cuisine skews more toward surf and turf — think filet mignon, ribeye, scallops and salmon. You could make a meal of the tuna tartare tower, smoked salmon cakes or oysters, either on the half shell or baked with Parmesan cheese and Creole sauce. Sit on one of the two decks, keep warm by the firepit when the temperatures drop and order the show-stopping Greek cheese, set on fire table side with the help of a little 151 rum.

Where to catch a drink in LeClaire

Mississippi River Distilling Co. was founded in 2010 and has since expanded into Davenport. The distillery makes gin, vodka, liqueurs and whiskey, serving them in drinks at the LeClaire location, which the distillery also calls a cocktail house. Try drinks such as a honey whiskey-based lemonade, bourbon peach tea, a vodka Mississippi mule and more.

Location: 303 N. Cody Road, LeClaire

Another option: Green Tree Brewery, 309 N. Cody Road, is Mississippi River Distilling Co.’s neighbor. Like the distillery, the brewery offers great views to accompany your drinks, which include perfect-for-the-summer IPAs spiked with mango and blood orange or a hefeweizen beer named after the brewery in German, Grüner Baum.

Where to find the perfect gift in LeClaire

Aunt Hattie’s Fanciful Emporium has something for everyone, including men — you’ll get that reference once you visit. While you may find some vintage goodies, expect to discover loads more whimsical, wacky gifts that will make you chuckle, or question whether you need it, like a cookbook from rapper Snoop Dogg.

Location: 102 S. Cody Road, LeClaire

Another option: The Western-inspired boutique Cody Road Trading Post sells apparel, décor, knick knacks and more at 110 ½ N. Cody Road.

More Iowa travel: Headed to the Amana Colonies this summer? Here's where to visit from restaurants to shops.

Where to shop in LeClaire

A visit to LeClaire wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Antique Archaeology, whether you're an “American Pickers” fans or not. The store is owned by Mike Wolfe who, in the History Channel series, is accompanied by friend Frank Fritz in earlier years and now his brother Robbie Wolfe as they travel and discover fascinating finds across the country. Antique Archaeology houses items from the show and "American Pickers" merchandise from vintage motorcycles, signs and décor to apparel.

Location: 115 ½ Davenport St.

Another option: Shop for antiques inside a home over a hundred years old. Mississippi Cottage Antiques, 606 N. Cody Road, is located in a house built in 1915 that overlooks the Mississippi River. Find vintage canes, silver dollars, antique furniture, glassware and perhaps least expectedly — home-grown catnip. The two-story shop has five distinct rooms upstairs, including one dedicated to military and war items such as knives and clothing.

What to do in LeClaire

You won’t miss the Buffalo Bill Museum in part because of the Lone Star Steamer docked, enclosed and on display next to the museum. The 19^th century steamer, designated a National Historic Landmark, is the only example of a wooden-hulled boat built in traditional Western rivers fashion in America today, according to the museum. The museum is named after LeClaire-born William Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, the American soldier, buffalo hunter and showman responsible for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West touring show. In addition to Cody, the museum also features the history of the Mississippi River and early American life and settlers.

Location: 199 N. Front St.

Another option: Step off dry land and go sight-seeing with Riverboat Twilight. Guests will travel north on the Mississippi River, passing by Rapids City and Port Byron, Illinois, as well as Princeton, Iowa. The Victorian-styled boat has outdoor decks for passengers to enjoy the views. Learn more about Mississippi River towns and their history on the hour-and-a-half trip, which departs and docks in the Port of LeClaire.

Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: The best places to eat, drink and shop while visiting LeClaire, Iowa