6 Danish Treasures (and more) in Elk Horn, Iowa

Many thanks to the Danish Windmill who organized my stay, meals , and adventures while I was in Elk Horn.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own.  Please see the Disclosure Tab for more information.   

I’ve lived in Iowa my whole life and had heard of Elk Horn, Iowa, but had no idea when I headed there for a recent visit that I would essentially become Danish for a few days. Ok, that might be a bit extreme, but for this German girl it was fascinating to learn about the Danes, their culture, and traditions. Whether you are a Dane, want to learn about the Danish, or just enjoy visiting and exploring small midwest towns, a stop in Elk Horn, Iowa is a must for your next trip!  

If I told you that you could fill 2+ full days visiting a town of 650 people would you believe me?  Yeah, I didn’t think so, but I’m here to prove you wrong!  Check out my adventures in this amazing community! 

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Enjoy a Visit to Tequila’s in Northwood, IA

On ony day of the week, T and I will never say no to Mexican food. So, when I had heard that Tequila’s in Northwood, Iowa was some of the best ethnic food around, I knew we had to visit! So, off we went and it was definitely worth the 50 minute drive from our home to Northwood!

Northwood, Iowa is a community of about 2000 people in North Iowa just 21 miles north of Mason City! This thriving community is home to Diamond Jo’s Casino, Worth Brewing Company, Signature’s Supper Club, a growing downtown business, and of course Tequila’s! It’s a great place to visit for a couple of hours!

Photo Credit to Donna of www.donnahup.com
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Plan a Day Trip to Fort Dodge, Iowa

When you’re looking for a day trip that includes art, history, fun, and food, plan your visit to Fort Dodge, Iowa.  You’ll be surprised at the great finds in this community in Central Iowa!   

Fort Dodge

Thank you to the Fort Dodge Conventions & Visitors Bureau for hosting parts of our trip! Although this occurred, all thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own. Please see the disclosure tab for more information!

Day Trip Plans – Getting There

When you’re ready to head to Fort Dodge, you’ll find it conveniently located in West Central Iowa! It is also easily accessible thanks to being located right off Highway 20, which is a 4-lane road that intersects both Interstate 35 and the Avenue of the Saints (US Highway 218).

If you’re traveling by car…

  • Des Moines, IA – 99 miles, 1 hour 30 minute drive time
    • Minneapolis, MN – 219 miles, 3 hours 10 minutes drive time
      • Kansas City, MO – 266 miles, 3 hours 50 minutes drive time
        • Chicago, IL – 367 miles, 5 hours 50 minutes drive time

There are so many options of great things to do once you arrive in Fort Dodge that it might be difficult to narrow it down. For your convenience I’ve grouped our ideas into historical, creative, and foods! I’m sure you’ll find something on this list that appeases to you and your trip buddies!

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Unplug at Taylor Hill Lodge

Taylor Hill Lodge

Thank you to Ann and the Manatt’s for hosting us on our visit to Taylor Hill Lodge. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

Sitting on a hill on a highway North of Audubon, Iowa, you’ll find Taylor Hill Lodge. What looks like an unassuming barn and partial farm site needs to be your next destination when planning a trip to unplug and unwind. Every detail has been thought of and will meet all your needs. This full service bed and breakfast is a true gem in the middle of Iowa.

Welcome

The winding drive from the highway to the top of the hill and the barn/lodge is tree lined and idyllic. I should have known at that moment that our stay at the Taylor Hill Lodge would be like no other stay. Park your vehicle, enjoy the view of surrounding farm ground and head inside. Ann, the innkeeper, will greet you with a smile and a personality full of joy!

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El Adobe Restaurant in Audubon, Iowa: The Best Pasta!

El Adobe Restaurant in Audubon, Iowa: The Best Pasta!

While El Adobe hosted us for one of our visits to their restaurant, all thoughts and opinions are 100% truthful and my own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

If you had told me that I’d visit El Adobe Restaurant in Audubon, Iowa, and have the best pasta of my life, I would never believe you! But, that is exactly what happened! Visiting Audubon, Iowa, was full of pleasant surprises and El Adobe was definitely one of those.

How El Adobe Came to Be

Alex, the owner of El Adobe, is very easy to talk to! While we were on our visit, he came out from the kitchen (yes, he is the cook too) to visit with us briefly! During that visit, we learned that Alex is a hard worker with lots of dreams and visions. After years of working in Chicago in Italian restaurants, Alex and his brother knew they wanted to own their own restaurants.

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5 Ways to Have an Amazing Girlfriends Getaway in Audubon County, Iowa

*Although portions of our trip were hosted by Audubon County Economic Development & Tourism, Taylor Hill Lodge, The Broadway, Divine Salon, & El Adobe Mexican Restaurant, all thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

Pack your bags and grab your girlfriends and head to Audubon County, Iowa. We promise you won’t forget it! A small community full of culture, the arts, history, and commerce provides the perfect place for you and your girlfriends to unwind and recharge. My mom and I recently took off on a roadtrip with Audubon County as our destination. We love exploring small communities and we’re excited to check this one out. But, what we found far exceeded our expectations and left us wanting to stay longer and plan future trips!

1. Stay at the Taylor Hill Lodge

Taylor Hill Lodge Audubon
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Spend an Afternoon being a Tourist in Mason City, IA

I have spent virtually my entire life living near Mason City, Iowa, but have never taken the time to be a tourist. This changed recently when I accompanied by friend Melody from Where I May Roam on a few adventures in the River City!

Come along with me as I share the perfect way to be a tourist for an afternoon in Mason City, IA.  

Mason City IA

Music Man Square

If you grow up in North Iowa, you are well aware that Mason City’s nickname is the River City. This is based off the musical, “The Music Man”.  This musical written by Meredith Willson which he patterned after his hometown of Mason City. This is a heritage that Mason City is very proud of.

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The Princess Grill & Pizzeria: Good Food & Rich History

Places that serve good food with a historic touch are A+ in my book! As a history nerd (this was actually my major in college), I love visiting places rich in history and the Princess Grill & Pizzeria in Iowa Falls, IA offers both history and good food!

The History of the Princess

The Princess originally opened in 1915 by Greek immigrants. However, tragedy struck on Christmas Day of 1934 when the business was completely destroyed by fire. The owners rebuilt and reopened it on July 1st of 1935. The Princess you see now is just as it was in 1935. This includes the 25 foot soda fountain!

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Charles City, IA: Restaurants, Shopping, & Culture

Charles City, IA

Regardless of what season you visit Charles City, Iowa, you’ll find so much to do…from history to art, delicious eats, and more!

Charles City Restaurants

When bloggers gather, you can almost guarantee that there will be food. Lots and lots of delicious food! These Charles City restaurants didn’t disappoint either! This community offers several selections of delicious restaurants and food establishments

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