Day Trips Archives - Flint & Co

Plan a Day Date in Charles City, Iowa

July 31, 2023July 30, 2023 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

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.

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Day Trips

The Best Wineries, Breweries, & Cideries in the Midwest

August 30, 2021October 22, 2023 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

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!

breweries wineries cideries in the Midwest

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Day Trips

Food Tour of the Iowa State Fair

July 28, 2021August 4, 2022 — Katy Flint12 Comments

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!

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Day Trips

Fall Fun at Enchanted Acres, Sheffield Iowa

July 22, 2021July 30, 2021 — Katy Flint10 Comments

Enchanted Acres located near Sheffield, Iowa is a great place to spend a day in the fall! Kids, adults, and everyone in between will find something enjoyable at this pumpkin patch & hobby farm!

I’ve been to Enchanted Acres several times due to my love for Shannon, her pumpkin patch, and all the goodies there, but it was great to be back and know that the fall season is upon us.

The Big Red Barn

The center of Enchanted Acres is Shannon’s Big Red Barn. It is home to the Market Place Café, a shop full of homemade jams & other treats plus an abundance of fall & Halloween Décor. Personally, I’d pick up a jar of the strawberry jam. Shannon’s mom makes all the homemade jams and they are top notch! Grab a delicious sandwich, a baked treat, or their signature hot apple cider. Inside the big red barn, you can also pick up smores kits to make your own treats over the fire nearby!

Just two of the several varieties of jams & jellies that Shannon's mom home makes! — Just two of the several varieties of jams & jellies that Shannon’s mom home makes!

Looking for more outdoor adventures this fall?! Snag my guide to 25 Things to Do Outdoors in Iowa!

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Day Trips

Plan a Visit to West Central Iowa: 3 Day Itinerary

May 9, 2021May 7, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

I’ve fallen in love with West Central Iowa! It holds some of the very best gems in Iowa. From wineries, rich Danish culture, good eats, and more you’ll be ready to plan a visit to West Central Iowa! And with this 3 day itinerary, it’s easier than ever! Ready to pack and get going? (Make sure to download the checklist at the end!)

Day 1: Elk Horn

On Day 1, start your visit to West Central Iowa in Elk Horn. This Danish community has so much to offer! Of course, the focus and center point of this community is their authentic and historic Windmill, but that is just the beginning!

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The Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in Southeast Iowa

April 26, 2021March 28, 2023 — Katy Flint2 Comments

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!

getaways in Southeast Iowa — Goldie’s in Prairie City

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The “Must Have” Guide to Coffee Shops in Iowa

March 22, 2021July 20, 2023 — Katy Flint2 Comments

I love coffee and love visiting new coffee shops and they automatically get bonus points if they are locally owned joints! I’ll pass Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts any day of the week for a mom & pop coffee shop! Thankfully, Iowa is loaded with lots of great coffee shops! I’ve collected them all here for your convenience and even categorized them by region! So, schedule a road trip to enjoy them all (not necessarily all at once) and enjoy a hot (or cold) cup of joe!

Coffee Shops in Northeast Iowa

Rustic Brew – 117 1st St NW, Hampton

Not only is this a locally owned coffee shop that serves delicious lattes, mochas, frappes, and a large variety of flavored chai tea, but it’s also a microbrewery. Start with coffee and a scone, stay for lunch with a great sandwich or their homemade special, and finish your day with a Sloberknocker (yes, that’s a beer).

Grab a Brew at Rustic Brew in Hampton, Iowa

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The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in Cedar Rapids, IA

February 21, 2021October 28, 2021 — Katy Flint4 Comments

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

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26 Things to Do in the Midwest: A-Z

January 17, 2021January 17, 2021 — Katy Flint10 Comments

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!

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Day Trips

Christmas Fun in Ames, IA: Winter Wonderscape

December 14, 2020November 14, 2021 — Katy Flint3 Comments

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!

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