The Best Places for Breakfast in Iowa
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right?! And, here in the Midwest, we show our love for people by cooking for them. So, toss those two things together and you get excellent food! So of course, we have decided to gather the best places to get breakfast in Iowa into one post for you!
Sevens – Clear Lake, Iowa
305 Main Ave – Clear Lake
Located in downtown Clear Lake, Sevens is famous for a lot of things like a great place to grab lunch, dinner, a drink, or enjoying breakfast! Their menu spans from egg platters, omelets, pancakes, different versions of eggs benedicts, biscuits & gravy, and more! Of course no breakfast is complete without hot coffee, a mimosa, or Bloody Mary. Their servings are big, made with fresh ingredients and everything is delicious.
10 Great Things to Do in Clear Lake
Continue “The Best Places for Breakfast in Iowa”A Sweet Place to Stay in Bellevue, IA: Bakery Suite at Field of Chocolate Dreams
We’ve been traveling to Bellevue, Iowa for 2 years now. We visit this quaint town, located along the Mississippi River, a couple times a year and love our visit every time. While staying in Bellevue there are several choices of places to stay including a resort, campgrounds, tiny home rentals, and Air B&B’s, etc. However, if you want a place with lots of space, an amazing location, and high-end finishes, you need to book a stay at the Bakery Suite above Field of Chocolate Dreams.
21 Places to Visit in Iowa
I can’t believe we’re already at the end of 2020, but that’s ok! We’re all ready to leave this year in our rearview mirror and move on to 2021. I’m also already planning where I want to visit, so I
Chick Fest in Charles City: A Fun Girls’ Day
If you feel like you’ve done all the typical girls trips and are looking for a day full of shopping, good eating, special activities, and more then head to Charles City, Iowa, for Chick Fest. Thank you to Charles City
Plan a Stay at the Red Fox Hotel & Event Center
Who doesn’t love an overnight stay that makes you feel revived, refreshed, and fantastic?! How about a stay that includes not having to leave the hotel for food or drink?! That’s exactly what you get when you plan a stay at the Red Fox Hotel & Event Center in Waverly.
While we were hosted during our stay at the Red Fox Hotel, all thoughts are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
History of the Red Fox
The Red Fox Inn was originally constructed in the 1970’s in Waverly, Iowa. It was a prime event center in it’s time with 100+ guest rooms, a banquet room, restaurant, and bar. Over the next 30ish years, many people celebrated special events, spent their wedding nights, and more at this Eastern Iowa spot. Then, it fell into disrepair and was almost doomed for destruction when new owner Nick Graham (and some friends) worked with the city of Waverly to give it a new life.
Continue “Plan a Stay at the Red Fox Hotel & Event Center”The Best Places for Outdoor Dining in the Midwest
I’ve always enjoyed outdoor dining, however eating outside in the Midwest isn’t always feasible thanks to our ruthless winters! However, some establishments have figured out how to have fantastic outdoor seating during the pleasant months! Whether you’re looking for rooftop dining, lakeside (or riverside) dining, the Midwest offers it all! Check out this list of the best places for outdoor dining in the Midwest
13 Things to Do in Charles City, Iowa
Things to Do Charles City, Iowa offers so many great things to do! It is a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway! Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, great eats, shopping, historical stops, or more, you’ll find
Great Eats: the Best Iowa Restaurants
Iowa, the land of corn, pigs, and nothing else right?! I love living in Iowa and the great restaurants are just the tip of the iceberg! Four different season, Iowa-nice people, and wide open spaces are just of my favorite things about living in Iowa. A lot of people think you have to travel to a big city, or even out of state, to experience really good eats. However, this just isn’t true! There are so many great places to grab a bite to eat in Iowa we’ve combined them into the Best Iowa Restaurants! I’ve even broke it up based on region! You’ll find Eastern, Central, & Western regions!
The Mississippi River & 15 Great Stops in Bellevue
Bellevue, Iowa, is located along the Mississippi River and the Great River Road in Iowa. It’s quickly become one of our favorite weekend getaway destinations over the last couple years! Sure, the Mississippi River is a great reason to visit (along with Lock & Dam #12), but Bellevue has so much more to offer! Actually, we have 15 Great Things to Do (and places to Eat) in Bellevue for you! So, pack your bags!
Things to Do
While we love just relaxing and watching the river roll on by (along with the barges), there are many things to do in Bellevue!
Continue “The Mississippi River & 15 Great Stops in Bellevue”The Top Things to Do in Franklin County
Situated in the middle of North Central Iowa is Franklin County. This rural community with a population of about 10,000 may not be your first choice of places to spend a weekend, but we think they offer some great things! Slow down and enjoy a day or weekend here. Check out what we think the top things to do in Franklin County area!
Beeds Lake State Park
Franklin County is home to one of the most photographed dams in Iowa and maybe the Midwest. Beeds Lake is not only home to this spillway, but also offers a campground, great fishing spots, hiking trails, and more! My personal favorite thing to do at the lake is to walk the trail around the lake and across the causeway! It’s a great spot to spend some time!
Continue “The Top Things to Do in Franklin County”Eat Gluten Free in the Midwest at these Delicious Stops
One thing I’m asked for over and over is the best places to eat gluten free in the Midwest! If you’ve followed along for a while now, you know that I have a gluten allergy. I was diagnosed in November 2019 and have been working to adjust my eating ever since. Eating at home is easy as I have complete control of the groceries that I keep in the house and how food is prepared. But sometimes when traveling, eating gluten-free can be a challenge! (It’s amazing how many places offer only fried foods & sandwiches!) Thankfully, over the last several years, I’ve found several delicious places to eat that either offer Gluten-Free specific menus or have lots of menu options that are gluten free!
*Note – I cannot guarantee that cross contamination does not happen at any of these restaurants as cross contamination. For your own allergy/intolerance, please make sure to consult each of the restaurants before dinning there!
Select A State for Gluten Free Eating
- Missouri Gluten Free Eats
- Minnesota Gluten Free Eats
- Iowa Gluten Free Eats
- Willie’s – Hampton, Iowa
- Montage – Cedar Falls, Iowa
- The Pub on the Cedar – Charles City, Iowa
- Central Perk – Estherville, Iowa
- Waterfront Grille- Okoboji, Iowa
- Twin Span Brewing – Bettendorf, Iowa
- The Map Room – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Starboard Market – Clear Lake, Iowa
- KB Emporium – Clear Lake, Iowa
- Urban Pie – Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Piggy Back Smoke Shack – Osage, Iowa
- River Ridge Brewing – Bellevue, Iowa
- Your Pie – Various Iowa Locations
- The Drift – Winterset, Iowa
- Seneca Street Saloon – Webster City, Iowa
- Main Street Cafe & Bakery – Ankeny, Iowa
High Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
One thing I am passionate about, as much as I am traveling, is eating healthy. I often meal prep on the weekends to help me stay on track with a healthy lifestyle during the week. I also love cooking, so these things often collide. Breakfast is a fickle meal for me….I struggle getting in a high amount of protein, but also something that is tasty and lower fat. Recently, I developed the recipe for these Cottage Cheese Egg Bites, which are also high in protein!
Plan a Day Date in Charles City, Iowa
Outdoor fun, historic stops, locally owned shops, a brewery, and more makes Charles City, Iowa, a great destination for a day date! We love weekend getaways and vacations as much as the next couple, but sometimes life happens and those kinds of trips just aren’t possible, which means its time to plan a day date. Thankfully, Charles City, Iowa, is a great place to have a day date full of activity with your special someone. And, lucky for you, we have just the itinerary for you!
Thank you to Charles City Chamber of Commerce for hosting our day date in Charles City. All thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For full details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
10 Things to do in Decorah, Iowa (and Surrounding Area)
The northeast area of Iowa is known as the Driftless area due to its terrain that was caused by it not being glaciated and now it offers beautiful landscape of bluffs and valleys. Nestled in the center of this area is the community of Decorah, Iowa. From the great outdoors to delicious food, breweries, and much more there are many things to do in Decorah and we’re highlighting our favorites!
Plan a Visit to Northwest Iowa: The Best Stops
Where do you head to experience great food, shopping, outdoor recreation, and more?! I make a plan to visit Northwest Iowa! Whether you stop in Fort Dodge, Okoboji, or Estherville (and a few in between), you’ll enjoy your adventures in this part of the state!
Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge has a lot to offer those who love the arts & the outdoors plus history!
Things to Do:
- Visit the Painted Silos – People drive from hours around to view these stunning hand-painted silos, so you don’t want to miss them!
- Create at Studio Fusion – Head to Studio Fusion to paint ceramics or fuse glass.
- Explore The Fort Museum – Learn about the original Fort Dodge and the role it played in the Civil War along with history of Iowa and the area!
- Venture out to Veterans Memorial Park & the Children’s Forest – Located north of Fort Dodge a few miles is a beautiful park dedicated to honoring the Veterans and giving kids a place to explore!
Lakeside Inn & 10 Great Things to Do in Clear Lake, Iowa
Clear Lake, Iowa is known for being a quintessential Iowa lake town during the summer months! But, it’s not the only time to visit Clear Lake and Lakeside Inn, which is located on the south shore of Clear Lake. It is the perfect place to stay while you explore this community regardless of what time of year you visit!
Thank you to Lakeside Inn for hosting us during our stay. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
Lakeside Inn – A Clear Lake Staple
The Lakeside Inn was built several decades ago and instantly became known as a staple to the Clear Lake community! For the next several decades, it saw many friends & families use this great lakeside location to make memories. But, lets be real…after more that many years and visitors, it was tired. Thankfully, the newest owners of the Lakeside Inn saw the potential and decided to give it new life!
Continue “Lakeside Inn & 10 Great Things to Do in Clear Lake, Iowa”The Best Historic Hotels in Iowa
Through all of our travels around the Midwest, we have fall in love with staying at historic hotels. There are lots of great spots around the country, but you’ll find the best Historic Hotels in Iowa. While we are still working our way around the Midwest checking out all the great stays, we feel like we’ve found quite a few that meet our standards for historic.
Black Hawk Hotel – Cedar Falls, Iowa
The Black Hawk Hotel located on main street in Cedar Falls and has been there for over almost 160 years. It began back in 1853 as a stagecoach hotel and tavern. The hotel, important to Cedar Falls as it was a growing town as it is located just a half block from the Cedar River, which was crucial to industry at the time. It has gone through several changes, but the history is maintained. The rooms are done to keep the history and character, but provide modern amenities like TV, whirlpool baths, and more!
Continue “The Best Historic Hotels in Iowa”A Weekend Getaway in Mason City, Iowa: 6 Things to Do
Who wants a weekend getaway with a big-city feel, but not the big city crowds or traffic?! Well, we think a weekend in Mason City, Iowa, is just what you are wanting then. We have 6 stops that will make for a great weekend with your special someone. Check them out.
** Special thanks to Visit Mason City, Iowa for hosting us during our visit. All thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and our own. Please see the Disclosure Tab for full details.
Mason City, Iowa
The Best Places to Stay in Iowa for a Couples Getaway
Looking for a romantic getaway with that special someone in your life?! We have several great places to stay in Iowa that are perfect for everyone, but especially couples. You’ll find historic hotels, cool Air BnB’s, and more here in Iowa. Pick one of these great stops and I’m sure you’ll have a great weekend.
Plan a Fun Filled Weekend to O’Brien County, Iowa
Great food, beautiful landscape, and sleeping in a grain bin….sounds like a great place to visit, right?! You’ll find a weekend of fun and great things to do in O’Brien County, Iowa with all of this and more! Located in Northwest Iowa this county is about 14,000 people. And those people are some of the friendlies you’ll meet. They are also offering you a weekend full of fun and great things to do! Check out all these great options to fill your weekend with.
**Thank you to Tour O’Brien County and their partners for hosting us during our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and true. For more information, please read the Disclosure Tab.
Fun Things to Do in O’Brien County
Continue “Plan a Fun Filled Weekend to O’Brien County, Iowa”Rail Explorers in Boone, Iowa: A Fun Time
We are always looking for new and fun things to try and thankfully, the Midwest is FULL of these types of things! One of the most recent and best additions to Midwest fun is Rail Explorers in Boone, Iowa! Check out why!
Boone, Iowa – Rich in Railroad History
Boone, Iowa, is a community that has a rich history in the railroad dating back to 1893. Since then there has always been a railroad in the community. There is still an active cargo rail through town but also the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum was originally constructed in 1984 using a lot of interior materials from a historic depot in Rockwell City. The first dinner train ran along the rail in 1999. Its been offering entertaining train rides ever since!
The #1 Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Iowa
I have a saying….”Ice Cream never lets me down!”. And when I say that ice cream shops in Iowa never let me down, it’s a fact! As someone who has a gluten allergy, I have to forgo cookies, muffins, donuts, and other baked goods on regular basis. But…when we are out exploring, I can always eat ice cream! 😉 Thankfully, Iowa is full of numerous amazing ice cream shops to enjoy! We’ve spent the last several years visiting a lot of them, so of course we had to put together the #1 Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Iowa!
For the purpose of this guide to ice cream shops in Iowa, we’ve organized it alphabetically!
Belmond Drive-In – Belmond
The Belmond Drive-In may be known for it’s award winning breaded tenderloins, but their ice cream is delicious too with soft serve treats including soft serve ice cream, Blitz’s (think similar to a Blizzard from DQ), shakes, malts, floats, and sundaes!
Continue “The #1 Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Iowa”Plan a Winery & Brewery Tour of Madison County, Iowa
Covered bridges and the John Wayne Birthplace might be what Madison County, Iowa, is known best for, but the hidden secret?! They have an abundance of great wineries & breweries to enjoy! After spending a weekend in their beautiful countryside recently, we can safely say that you and your special someone need to plan a winery & brewer tour of Madison County, Iowa.
*Special thanks to the Madison County Chamber of Commerce for arranging samples, food, and accommodations for our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own. For more details, please check out the Disclosure Tab.
Madison County, Iowa
Madison County is located in southwest Iowa, about 30 minutes from West Des Moines and offers beautiful rolling landscape. It is a booming community, but not overpopulated, so we’re sure you’ll enjoy the opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy your visit. Winterset is the county seat and the hub of all activities (and very centrally located), so it’s a great place to book a room and make it your home base for your trip.
Continue “Plan a Winery & Brewery Tour of Madison County, Iowa”Great Family Friendly Weekend Getaways to take in the Midwest this Summer!
The Midwest is a great place to spend time during the summer. It is full of many great family friendly weekend getaways. Sometimes busy families don’t have time to head out on week-long vacations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore! We’ve been there in life, so I rounded up some of our favorite family friendly weekend getaways in the Midwest for you and your family to enjoy.
Charles City, Iowa
First in our list of family friendly weekend getaways is Charles City, Iowa. This community of 7300 people offers kayaking, golf, mini golf, delicious eats, history, and bike trails.
Continue “Great Family Friendly Weekend Getaways to take in the Midwest this Summer!”Visit Owatonna, MN: 6 Great Stops
Located in southern Minnesota, you’ll find Owatonna. It’s a booming community with a lot going for it! From good food, coffee, chocolate, history, shopping, and more….you’ll find plenty to do. If you’re looking for a fund day trip from North Iowa or central Minnesota, we highly suggest planning to Visit Owatonna, MN!
Planning a Trip to Visit Owatonna
We all follow that social media account that makes us want to explore their community, right?! For some time now, it’s been Owatonna for me. So, when I knew I needed a “brain break” from my full-time job and a girls day with my mom, I decided to plan for us to visit Owatonna! We ended up exploring 6 different stops that we think are a must!
Central Park Coffee Co
What great girls day doesn’t start with great coffee?! We headed to Central Park Coffee Co located in downtown Owatonna for ours! This quaint coffee shop offers a variety of seating so whether you need to work at a table or relax in a casual chair to just visit with friends, you’ll be comfy! They not only offer an expansive coffee and espresso menu, but also breakfast and lunch items! We watched a plate loaded with waffles and fruit go by that looked amazing! I chose the White Lavender and it was delicious, white chocolate & lavender flavor! Central Park is a great way to start your adventures!
7 Ways to Have a Great Weekend in Cedar Falls, Iowa
We all know those communities that we’re familiar with, but never spend time being a tourist in! Thankfully, after a weekend in Cedar Falls, Iowa, we’ve changed that!
I’ve spent my entire life traveling the one hour from our home area to Cedar Falls for shopping purposes, but never spent any time exploring the rest of the community. So, recently, when our friends at Cedar Falls Tourism invited us to spend a weekend exploring, we jumped at the opportunity! And what we found was a pure delight!
Thank you to Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitor’s Bureau and the Black Hawk Hotel for hosting us during our stay. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own. For full details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
Getting There
Getting to Cedar Falls is very easy thanks to its location along Highways 20 and 218. If driving isn’t for you, then you’ll find the Waterloo Regional Airport super handy!
If you’re traveling by car….
Des Moines, Iowa – 1 hour, 54 minute drive time
Minneapolis, Minnesota – 3 hours, 8 minute drive time
Chicago, Illinois – 4 hours, 24 minute drive time
Kansas City, Missouri – 4 hours, 35 minute drive time
Book a Funky Staycation at the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, IA
We are all about staycations, especially in the winter because you never know what the weather is going to do here in the Midwest!! Thankfully, Iowa is full of great staycation destinations including the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City. And with it’s modern funky vibe, it’s extra special!
A special thanks to the Highlander Hotel for hosting us on our staycation. All thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and my own! For full details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
Continue “Book a Funky Staycation at the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, IA”10 Reasons You Need to Visit Kansas City, KS
Looking to take the family on a weekend getaway in the Midwest or even a family vacation, maybe a couples getaway?! I’ve got 10 Reasons You Need to Visit Kansas City, KS. Kansas City is full of great reasons for a visit including being historically rich, lots of entertainment, great food, and wonderful places to stay!
Grinter Place Museum
We love visiting historic homes on our travel and the Grinter Place Museum was no different. The home belonged to Moses & Annie Grinter. It holds a lot of history connecting the Delaware Indian Tribe to the Kansas City area. It is owned by the Kansas State Historical Society who tell the story of the Grinters and the Delaware Indians.
Continue “10 Reasons You Need to Visit Kansas City, KS”The Ultimate Guide to the Best Iowa Breweries (and Cideries)
Micro and local breweries are booming everywhere and Iowa is no different. In fact, there are so many of them that we’ve visited and love. So, I thought it was necessary to create the Ultimate Guide to the Best Iowa Breweries! We threw in a couple cideries too because we love them too! (They are listed alphabetically for organization!)
Warm Up with a Winter Weekend in the Quad Cities
Who’s ready for a fun winter weekend getaway right here in the Midwest? Well, we have just the trip for you in the Quad Cites. Whether you’re traveling with kiddos or just headed out for a couples getaway there is plenty to do. Check out our guide to a weekend in the Quad Cities and plan your trip now!
A huge thank you to Visit Quad Cities for hosting our weekend getaway. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic. For full details, please see the disclosure tab.
The Quad Cities
In case you aren’t familiar with them, the Quad Cities are made up of Davenport & Bettendorf, Iowa; and Moline & Rock Island, Illinois. They are split by the Mississippi River, but it’s hard to tell where one of these booming towns ends and the other begins.
Continue “Warm Up with a Winter Weekend in the Quad Cities”15 of the Best Places Along the Mississippi River
Road trips are one of our favorite things and road trips along scenic drive make them even better! So, of course we know some of the Best Places along the Mississippi River to stop at! You can imagine how much we love traveling along the Great River Road which traverses Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and more along the Mississippi River! Check out these stops for an epic road trip!
1. Maiden Rock Apples, Winery, & Cidery – Stockholm, Wisconsin
This unassuming cidery is a great place to spend some time! Get to know the owners, learn their story, and taste their ciders & wines. Plus, stroll through their gift shop and we’re sure you’ll find some extra special treats.
My Favorite Gluten Free Eats
After being diagnosed with a gluten allergy several years ago, I’ve been eating my way through all sorts of different snacks, pastas, breads, treats, and more trying to find the very best of each. I figured it was time to share my favorite gluten free eats with all of you!
The Best Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa
Winter in Iowa can be so long! Thankfully, Iowa is also full of great destinations to help you escape. Historic hotels, delicious eats, unique art, and museums can all be found while visiting this great destinations. It’s time to schedule one of these great winter weekend getaways in Iowa!
Charles City
Whether you love food, shopping, history, art, or just relaxing, Charles City is the spot for you to spend a weekend getaway in Iowa.
Continue “The Best Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa”The Best Ice Cream Shops in the Midwest
If you’re on a quest to find the best ice cream shops in the Midwest, then you’ve come to the right place! I love ice cream and no road trip is complete without it. The Midwest is full of amazing locally owned ice cream joints and my fellow Midwest Travel Bloggers have helped me by compiling them all in one spot! For your ease, I have organized them by state!
Continue “The Best Ice Cream Shops in the Midwest”Fun Things to Do in Fort Dodge: A Passport
We’ve been visiting Fort Dodge, Iowa for a couple years now and we know how many great places there are to explore, so we thought it was only right to put together a Passport for you to follow to make the most out of your visit! There are so many things to do in Fort Dodge that we challenge you to check off each stop on the passport! Make sure to snag the FREE download at the end of the post to make the most of your trip!
We’d like to thank Fort Dodge Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Brookstone Inn & Suites, and Community Orchard who hosted portions of our trip to Fort Dodge. Regardless, all thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
Studio Fusion
Looking for great fun, year round? Studio Fusion is the place to stop! Paint your pottery, fuse glass into different creations, or attend one of their painting classes! It’s a great way to spend a couple hours and the staff and owner are super helpful!
Painted Silos
No matter time the year that you visit Fort Dodge, a stop by the Painted Silos is a must. Painted by Guido Van Helten, this mural is larger than life and the detail is unreal! Pictures don’t even really do it justice. Take time to walk around and examine the entire thing. Take it in close and from further away!
Plan a Day Trip to Fort Dodge, Iowa
Continue “Fun Things to Do in Fort Dodge: A Passport”The Best Fall Recipes
Fall is my very favorite season. I love the warm days, crisp nights, and all things fall like pumpkins & more! I also love all things fall recipes. To me, nothing is better than when the air is cooler and you can have the windows open while baking and cooking with delicious smells wafting through the air! With my love for all things fall, it seemed only right that gather up all my favorite and best fall recipes into one place!
Gluten-Free Harvest Granola
Honey, maple syrup, pepitas, and dried cranberries all come together with gluten-free oatmeal to make this delicious fall flavored granola! It’s homemade so you know exactly what’s in and you can customize to your liking!
Continue “The Best Fall Recipes”The Best Wineries, Breweries, & Cideries in the Midwest
I think it’s safe to say that microbreweries and wineries are gaining more popularity. Thankfully, we have some of the best wineries, breweries, and cideries in the Midwest! No need to travel to the metropolitan areas. From Minnesota to Wisconsin, & Iowa we are full of great places to grab a drink, enjoy a brew or wine, and relax! Check them out!
Oh My Osage, Iowa! 10 Reasons to Visit
Osage, Iowa, is a town around 3,500 people located in northeast Iowa. It may not be the place that you would typically seek out for your weekend getaway. But, I guarantee that there is plenty of things to do in Osage, Iowa, that will make your travels worth it!
A huge thank you to the Osage Chamber of Commerce for hosting our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please check out the Disclosure Policy tab!
Location
As previously mentioned, Osage is located in northeast Iowa and is situated along 2 state highways making it easily accessible. It’s also relatively close to a couple regional airports. This means you can fly in and road trip there and back, enjoying the Iowa countryside!
If you’re traveling by car…
- Des Moines, IA – 148 miles – 2 hours, 10 minutes drive time
- Minneapolis, MN – 134 miles – 2 hours, 12 minutes drive time
- Kansas City, MO – 341 miles – 4 hours, 50 minutes drive time
- Chicago, IL – 338 miles – 5 hours, 25 minutes drive time
Food Tour of the Iowa State Fair
Everyone has their own reasons for visiting the Iowa State Fair! For some its the livestock, for others its the grandstand shows, but for me, it is definitely, the Iowa State Fair FOOD!
Visiting the Iowa State Fair
It’s a tradition for T and I to attend the Iowa State Fair at least one day each year! It’s our date day or weekend and something we look forward to sharing with each other! We often do the same things at the fair…see the same things, and even eat the same fair foods, our favorites of course We’re creatures of habit and honestly ok with that!
The Varied Industries Building, Pioneer Hall, and the Shoppers Mart underneath the Grandstand are always a must for us. We also enjoy watching the FFA Parade of Champions and the Governor’s Charity Steer Show.
But, really…the Iowa State Fair is all about the food, right?! So, what do we eat? Well, it’s usually a lot of the classics, but I also try to taste one new item each year. It’s usually new to me, but not necessarily the fair. So, what do we love?!
Grab our Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair!
Continue “Food Tour of the Iowa State Fair”The Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in Southeast Iowa
The Midwest is full of lots of great day trips & weekend getaways. Iowa alone has a plethora of them! Southeast Iowa is no exception to this rule! Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, we have something for you! Wineries, breweries, museums, good food, and more! Check them out!
*Note – For the purposes of this post, Southeast Iowa is considered anything South of Highway 20 and East of I-35!
A Stay at The Black Hawk Hotel – an Escape in Cedar Falls, Iowa
Historic hotels have become our favorite stays and a night at the Black Hawk Hotel in Cedar Falls, Iowa, recently was no exception.
We were given a gift certificate for Christmas to the Black Hawk Hotel and I couldn’t wait to use it as this has been on my “must-visit” list for awhile now! We decided to use it on a Friday night for a quick getaway before T started spring fieldwork. The gift certificate we were given was part of a holiday promotion in which we were able to get the best available room, 2 free drinks from the bar, and an early check-in and early check-out time! (Watch their social media channels for different promotions!) Lucky for us, the best available room was a queen spa suite. WIN!
This post contains affiliate links for your ease! More details can be found on the Disclosure page.
Continue “A Stay at The Black Hawk Hotel – an Escape in Cedar Falls, Iowa”Great Places to Visit in Northeast Iowa
Looking for places to explore in the Midwest?! We recommend checking out these 14 places to visit in Northeast Iowa! From day trips to weekends, quick stops to long road trips, there is a lot to see and do! We’ve got great places to eat, overnight stays to book, and more! Which one will you plan first?!
Note: For the purposes of this post, Northeast Iowa is defined as North of Highway 20 and East of I-35.
DYERSVILLE – Field of Dreams & More
The Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
Ready to travel? We’ve gathered up this list of the very best in Midwest Weekend Getaways to help make your planning easier! You’ll find them grouped by state, but I’ve also noted which ones are the best for families, couples, girlfriends getaway, and more! I hope you’re excited to get exploring!
The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Cedar Rapids, IA
You know we love finding those places made for a great weekend getaway! So, of course, after our recent trip, I knew I needed to provide you with the Guide to a Weekend in Cedar Rapids, IA!
It’s no secret that I’ve lived in Iowa my entire life. One place that I never thought about exploring, let alone spending a weekend was Cedar Rapids. We drove through it regularly, but rarely stopped. To be honest, I had never even considered googling things to do there. So, when I had the chance, I jumped at the opportunity to spend a Weekend in Cedar Rapids and I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am that I did! And I’ll tell you over and over that you need to plan a weekend too!
Thank you to Cedar Rapids Tourism for hosting us during our stay! Regardless of that, all thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
6 Great Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa & Missouri
Continue “The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Cedar Rapids, IA”26 Things to Do in the Midwest: A-Z
Some people call the Midwest the flyover states, but these 26 Great Adventures are here to prove you wrong! We have the complete list of things to do in the Midwest from A-Z!
This post contains affiliate links for your ease. More details may be found on the Disclosure page.
The Midwest is a great place to socially distance and enjoy time away! Check out this variety of things to do in the Midwest!
Continue “26 Things to Do in the Midwest: A-Z”Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole
Who doesn’t love a great tator tot casserole?! And a delicious, hearty, and easy breakfast casserole?! It’s a match made in heaven! I promise this Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole will become a staple in your home for these reasons!
*This post contains affiliate links for your ease. More details can be found on the Disclosure page.
Weekends & Breakfast
I love weekends because I usually don’t have to set my alarm clock! I love weekends because I get to drink coffee out of my favorite mug! I also love weekends because I get to lounge around for at least an hour in my sweats with said coffee mug! But, most of all, I I love weekends because I get to actually make breakfasts! No grabbing something on the go on the way to work on weekends!
6 Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa & Missouri
Continue “Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole”Tips for Visiting Branson
To say that we enjoy visiting the Branson, MO area might be an understatement! We enjoy it so much that we have visited three times in a 1 year time span! Planning any family vacation or trip can be overwhelming and now that we consider ourselves “pros” at visiting Branson, we thought we would share some tips to help you plan your visit.
Christmas Fun in Ames, IA: Winter Wonderscape
Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit this year?! Thanks to Reiman Gardens you can have some Christmas Fun in Ames, IA and get in the Christmas spirit!
Favorite Holiday Recipes: Cook the Very Best for Your Family
If you’re like me, you bust out your very best to celebrate the holidays! That’s why I have rounded up all my favorite holiday recipes for you in one easy spot!
Continue “Favorite Holiday Recipes: Cook the Very Best for Your Family”Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Not everything that I bake or make in my kitchen is healthy! In fact, typically the health foods are for me and the junk food is for the boys in my family! Lately these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are at the top of the list! I think they’ll be one of your new baked go to’s now also!
This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, please see the Disclosure Tab.
Gluten-Free Harvest Granola: A Delicious Treat
Granola and yogurt has been one of my most favorite combos in the past 6 months! Finding gluten free granola is harder than one might think, especially in a small town! So, I developed my own recipe to enjoy with my yogurt! I hope you enjoy this Gluten-Free Harvest Granola!
Great Winter Weekend Getaways in the Midwest
Winter is knocking at our doorstep here in the Midwest! This also means people traditionally think of this as the time to go away to a warmer place! We are lucky because we have so many options for great Winter Weekend Getaways here in Iowa and other Midwest states!
While the Midwest may not be the ideal vacation spot in the middle of winter for everyone, they do offer several spots that offer great accommodations, things to do, and awesome places to grab a bite to eat!
Check out the Best Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa!
Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: A Fall Treat
While everyone in the country is crazy over pumpkin all fall long, I’m all about the apples! I’ll create any recipe, adapt any recipe, and enjoy any recipe made with apples! This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is perfectly fall!
Gluten-Free Baking
I was diagnosed with a gluten allergy about a year ago! After undergoing several months of lab work, testing, and procedures, the allergy was finally found after I started breaking out in total body rashes! Since going completely gluten free, it’s amazing how much better I feel! My body is reacting to foods as it should be and I have my life back! YAY!
Continue “Gluten-Free Apple Crisp: A Fall Treat”The Best Christmas Gifts for Women
Can you believe that we are thinking and planning for Christmas already?! For year that’s been anything but normal, it’s gone exceptionally fast! Don’t worry though, I’ve got a list of the best Christmas gifts for all ladies right here for you! I’ve included some more splurge type items along with some more budget friendly items. I also only included things that I personally love!!
This site generates income via partnerships with companies and purchases made through links to them. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See more info HERE!
Zulay Milk Frother & Heater
Every lady loves a good coffee shop style drink! It can be hard to achieve that at home. And while we all love visiting coffee shops for a treat, we don’t always want to spend the money or leave the house! Thanks to the Zulay Milk Frother & Heater, you can make your favorite drinks at home! With 4 different modes, any drink is virtually possible. Any lady who loves coffee will love this gift!
Continue “The Best Christmas Gifts for Women”Spend the Weekend In Vacation Okoboji!
If you’re from Iowa, you know Lake Okoboji! So, when I learned I got to spend the weekend visiting, I was super excited. Then, I learned about all the things to do in Vacation Okoboji that aren’t on the lake. So, it doesn’t matter what time of year you can travel to this lake destination, you’ll have plenty to do and stay busy. Whether you’re looking for land or water, Okoboji is a great place to spend a weekend getaway in Iowa! Plus, you’ll find amazingly delicious food, which you know is so important to me!
A Perfect Girls Day: 4 Reasons to Visit Estherville, IA
Women today are busier than ever and are in need for a getaway! Shopping, architecture, good food, and nature are the perfect reasons to plan a visit to Estherville, IA! No girls day is complete without each of these things, so you’re bound to have a perfect day!
Thank you to the Estherville Chamber of Commerce for hosting our visit. All thoughts & opinions are 100% truthful, authentic, and my own. Please see the Disclosure Tab for more information!
Estherville, Iowa
Estherville, Iowa, is located in northwestern Iowa with a population of a little over 6,000 people. This means it has several amenities to offer not only it’s residents, but also it’s visitors! Lucky for you, it means you can have a great visit there!
The Ultimate Guide to Clearwater, Florida
You don’t have to leave the United States to find white sand beaches, beautiful ocean waters, and lots of things to do! Clearwater, Florida offers all of these things and my friends at hotels.com have asked me to put together the Ultimate Guide to Clearwater for you.
2 Day Itinerary for The Great River Road: Explore the North Mississippi River
The fall is a great time for a road-trip. Changing leaves and cooler temps are just around the corner, here in the Midwest. This itinerary for the Great River Road is a great way to celebrate! One of the very best places to roadtrip to see beautiful views, colorful leaves, and more is along the Mississippi River by driving The Great River Road.
The Great River Road is a National Scenic Byway that travels along the Mississippi River from Itasca State Park near Park Rapids, Minnesota all the way south beyond New Orleans in Louisiana! Now, there is no way to drive this beautiful road in a weekend, so we recently spent 2 days driving through parts in Minnesota & Iowa. We found some great stops and have put them together into a leisurely 2-day itinerary for you!
25 Things to do Outdoors in Iowa
Everyone wants to be outdoors as much as possible, I get that! So, I’ve put together a list of 25 things to do outdoors in Iowa! We think you’ll find one or two or five to spark your interest!
Get Outdoors in Iowa
This list is in no particular order and none of these great ways to get outdoors in Iowa is better than the next! Do them all! 😉
Continue “25 Things to do Outdoors in Iowa”My “Must Have” Amazon Products
This site generates income via partnerships with carefully selected companies, brands, and/ or purchases made through links to them. The COVID-19 Pandemic has not been good for my Amazon shopping or my wallet, but….such is life! I found several items
15 of the Best Family Friendly Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, TN
Planning family vacations can be stressful, but with this guide to the Top 15 “Family Friendly” Things to do in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, we’ve taken the stress off you! My friends over at Hotels.com want you to be able to relax and enjoy your time with the family, so they’ve asked me to share this list with you!
COVID-19 Disclaimer – As travel is still uncertain, please keep your own safety in mind along with the safety of others! If feel comfortable traveling, please do so responsibly! We have a few tips to follow if you do decide to travel at this time:Wear a face mask, make sure to have hand sanitizer handy and wash hands frequently, check websites before you travel for updates, policies, closures, etc. And finally, book a hotel with free cancellation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute!
Continue “15 of the Best Family Friendly Things to Do in Pigeon Forge, TN”7 Don’t Miss Stops In & Around Duluth for Couples
If you’ve never spent time in Northern Minnesota along the shores of Lake Superior, you really don’t know what your missing! T and I recently spent a couple days exploring this area and came up with 7 things that we think are perfect in Duluth for couples!
If you’re looking to take the entire family, there is plenty to do that you could spend several days, but since we avoided most of the kid friendly places they are not being included here! Don’t worry, family or a couple, you’ll have a great time!
Continue “7 Don’t Miss Stops In & Around Duluth for Couples”Get Outdoors in Charles City, Iowa
Summers in Iowa are a great time to get outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway with your special someone or with the family, there are endless options of things to do outdoors in Charles City. Golfing, bike trails, kayaking, and more are at your fingertips here! We’ve gathered up some great options for you plus great places to eat and stay so you can enjoy your time in this community! Check out these great ways to get outdoors in Charles City!
Continue “Get Outdoors in Charles City, Iowa”Great Bike Trails in Iowa: Explore the State on 2 Wheels
While most people think of corn, pigs, and wide open spaces when they think of Iowa, there really is much more to our state! These great bike trails in Iowa are just the beginning of lots of outdoor things to do here!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned bike rider or enjoy it a little at a time, Iowa has one for you! You can use these trails to explore the communities they connect or just to burn some energy and get a workout in! Bike trails are a great way to explore with the family at very little to no cost. Iowa has a large system of bike tails all over! Here are the great ones we have found!
Continue “Great Bike Trails in Iowa: Explore the State on 2 Wheels”North Central Iowa Freedom Rock Tour (And Other Great Stops)
Iowa is full of so many great places to explore. One of the great ways to see the state is to conduct your own Freedom Rock Tour. The Freedom Rocks are something truly unique to Iowa and are great for kids and adults of all ages and backgrounds. We have created this North Central Iowa Freedom Rock Tour (and Other Great Stops) to have a great time this summer seeing a great part of the state!
The Freedom Rock Development
Back in 1999, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II painted the first Freedom Rock in Adair County near Menlo, IA. He was moved to do so after watching “Saving Private Ryan” and wanted to honor veterans and soldiers in some way. Not long after that, the Freedom Rock Tour was formed and he began painting rocks in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Originally, Sorensen painted the Freedom Rock as a thank you and was not paid to do so. Once the Tour was formed, he began this as his full-time job (as well as serving as a representative in the Iowa House). Now, communities raise funds to have the murals commissioned.
Continue “North Central Iowa Freedom Rock Tour (And Other Great Stops)”The Very Best Midwest Weekend Trips for All Travelers
Ready to travel? We’ve gathered up this list of great Midwest Weekend Trips to help make your planning easier! You’ll find them grouped into three categories: couples, outdoor lovers, and families! Some may possibly overlap, but regardless you’ll find great trip options!
Tips for Traveling in the “New Normal” World
The spring of 2020 has brought so many changes to our world thanks to COVID-19. So, I thought I’d share my tips for traveling in the “new normal” world! I’ve found them to be helpful to me while planning and executing trips this summer and I hope you do too!
Fudge Brownie Pie – A Family Tradition
Anything chocolate will be loved in our house and this Fudge Brownie Pie is no exception. It’s the perfect amount of sweet with a rich fudgy center! I’m sure your family will love it as much as mine!
Branson for Families: 6 Reasons it’s Perfect
It’s no secret that we’ve been to Branson MANY times! When you love visiting somewhere, you return right?! I still find myself fighting the stigma that Branson is where the retired folks go, so I thought I’d share 6 reasons that Branson is for families!
*Please note that due to COVID-19 not all places may be open or operating at full capacity. It is best to call ahead when making plans. Please also keep in mind all recommendations of local and federal governments while traveling and exploring. Please only travel when you feel it is comfortable for you and your family.
Go-Karts & Mini Golf
Go-Karts
If your kiddos are anything like ours were when they were younger, any vacation that included go-karting and mini golf was a hit! Branson does not have shortage of either of these features! Branson is home to the Track Family Fun Parks. We’ve visited several of these during our visits and while the lines may be long at certain times, they are definitely worth it! 2 and 3 story go-kart tracks like the Heavy Metal High Rise, The Wild Woody, or even the Rookie Go-Karts, your family of all ages are bound to have a great time!
Continue “Branson for Families: 6 Reasons it’s Perfect”Shrimp & Rice Veggie Bowls
When I can’t travel, I bake & cook. When I bake & cook, I eat things that aren’t healthy for me. Thankfully, these Shrimp & Rice Veggie Bowls are not unhealthy for me and I’m currently obsessed with them, so I thought I’d share them with you!
I’ve always enjoyed cooking. My mom had me in the kitchen with her at a very young age helping her and working alongside her. She also empowered my brother and I to cook for ourselves (safely of course) at a young age as well as to enjoy food, try new things, and explore different flavors.
Continue “Shrimp & Rice Veggie Bowls”My Favorite Midwest Eats
We get the privilege of traveling to some pretty neat places! I’ve also gotten to eat a lot of great food, so I thought I’d put together my Favorite Midwest Eats.
When we’re traveling, food can make or break the trip for anyone, but this is especially true for me! I LOVE food! I LOVE to eat and I love to try new foods and meals! In the last several years, we’ve come across many great eats while traveling! I decided to put them all into one easy post for you to review and then hopefully include in your next roadtrip!
Continue “My Favorite Midwest Eats”