Author: Katy Flint

Iowa

The #1 Guide to Ice Cream Shops in Iowa

— Katy Flint4 Comments
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!

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Iowa

Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair!

— Katy Flint10 Comments
Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair!

One of the most anticipated and exciting events in Iowa is the Iowa State Fair. T and I have been visiting the fair our entire marriage as we both enjoy fairs (both county & state). We have been to several, but as the theme of the Iowa State Fair suggests this year, “Nothing Compares”! Since we consider ourselves somewhat experts, we thought we’d share our “Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair” with you!

Parking at the Iowa State Fair

There are several options for parking at the Iowa State Fair. Of course you can park on the grounds them selves, which usually runs around $10. You can also choose to park in the yard of the surrounding homes. This usually varies from $10-$20 per car, but sometimes you can find a spot just a block or two from the fair and it’s a quick walk to one of the gates.

Read more: Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair!

The third option is to use the Dart system and park for MUCH cheaper.  DART is Des Moines public transit system and they run shuttles from three different large parking areas right to the gate of the fair. We use the Southeast Polk High School parking lot for a couple reasons, including that is easy to get to without a lot of traffic and I knew exactly where we were going.  With this shuttle system, you park hop on the bus for a total of $2 per person! If you purchase your fair gate tickets in advance, you will only pay $1 per person! And yes, those prices are round trip!

What to See: The Highlights

If you only have one day at the fair, you definitely can’t possibly see it all.  There is so much to see and it is spread out, so we decided to share our Highlights of the Iowa State Fair (or the “don’t miss” items!)

The “Big” Animals

It is Iowa, which means we know our farm animals and one of the highlights is the “BIG” animal contests. They are all in the same building, so definitely make sure to stop by and see the Big Bull, Big Boar, and the other oversized animals!  It’s quite entertaining for everyone…including someone who was raised on a farm!

state fair
The Big Bull weighing in at over 3000 lbs.
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Iowa

Plan a Winery & Brewery Tour of Madison County, Iowa

— Katy Flint8 Comments
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.

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Weekend Getaways

Great Family Friendly Weekend Getaways to take in the Midwest this Summer!

— Katy Flint4 Comments
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.

Get Outdoors in Charles City, Iowa
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Midwest Travel

Visit Owatonna, MN: 6 Great Stops

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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!

Casual & comfy seating available at Central Park Coffee in Owatonna
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Iowa

7 Ways to Have a Great Weekend in Cedar Falls, Iowa

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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!

weekend in Cedar Falls

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

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Iowa

Book a Funky Staycation at the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, IA

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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.

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Midwest Travel

10 Reasons You Need to Visit Kansas City, KS

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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

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.

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Misc.

Win at Suppertime with “Adventures in Meal Planning” by Jenni Ward

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Suppertime is the epitome of frustration for wives and mothers all over this great world! We are catering to several different food preferences, we are crunched on time, and up against a plethora of other challenges. I don’t know how many times I’ve related to the Facebook post that says “no one told me the hardest part of being a grown-up was deciding what to make for supper!” I’m pretty sure you can all relate too! Thankfully, my friend Jenni, has come up with a super helpful guide to help you win at meal planning with her new book, “Adventures in Meal Planning“.

Adventures in Meal Planning
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