I don't have first hand experience, but have heard people talk about enjoying the Redstone Inn. I don't know about restaurants for a romantic dinner, there is a good little coffee shop with sandwiches (Cafe Manna Java) in the downtown area.

There are also quite a few b&bs in nearby Galena, which is always fun to visit and has some very good restaurants.

Dubuque does have several B & B's to choose from, but they would probably all fall into the more "cutesy" category you said you didn't really want.

There is a Holiday Inn Downtown that is nice - nothing super special, but nice. It would be convenient to the Bluff Street shopping, riverboat gambling, dog track etc.

As the previous poster mentioned, Galena would be a good option also. Once again, their B&B's would probably be of the more 'cutesy variety, but there also several place that rent more private cabin type facilities. Galena would also have nice shopping, etc. to fill your free days.

In Dubuque, you should have a meal at Bricktown. The food is good and atmosphere fun. There is also a pizza place in the same building. Shot Tower also has very good pizza.

In Galena, be sure not to miss Vinny Vanucci's if you like Italian food.

If you happen to be golfers, there are some very nice public courses in the area also.

Over the last three months I spent 7 weeks in Dubuque and thoroughly enjoyed the entire town.

If you want to stay downtown I would recomend the Holiday Inn as standard, but very friendly and clean, and the Redstone Inn for a B&B. Be sure to save the corner of your toast for Maddy, the Australian shepard that waits in the lobby.

Do not miss the best restaurtant in town, Pepper Sprout, on Main near the Holiday Inn. Owner/chef Kim adds personal touches to creative, seasonal dishes. The menu changes 4 times a year, so I can't recomend individual dishes, but the vension on this spring's menu was memorable.

Another good choice is DaVinci, at 9th and Bluff. Recently opened it is owned by the same people as Bricktown mentioned in another post.

If you like live music there are many venues in this town. Pick up the week entertianment newspaper, 365, of schedules.

Enjoy.

I would stay away from the Redstone Inn. I can't believe people would recommend it! I went there to check out the rooms for a stay for my wedding and they are decorated and haven't been updated since the 70's. Nasty horrible shag caperting and everything. Way over priced as well. There is a b&b, I think it is called the Ryan House, that if you are looking for a b&b stay, would probably be your best bet. The outside is a little dingy looking, it is in process of being renovated. Other than that, We just had a new Hilton open up next to the dog tracks. I have never stayed there, but the restuarant, Houlihan's, is very good.

I would check out the new Quiet Walker Lodge 8 miles outside of dubuque. It is a rustic log B&B surrounded by forest.