The Amana Society of Amana, Iowa, was founded in the 1850s when a group of German immigrants settled in a lush river valley in east central Iowa. They called their new home Amana after a passage in the Song of Solomon meaning to remain faithful. They established seven villages known as the Amana Colonies and lived communally, embracing a pure and simple way of life, including pride in workmanship, a home in the heartland and sharing good food with good friends. Visitors to the colonies may purchase blankets, smoked meats, chops, furniture and treats. The Holiday Inn Amana Colonies offers the same services of other Holiday Inn hotels with update rooms and the Harvestfest restaurant that serves family-style meals or coffee shop-style snacks.