Category: Iowa

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!

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!

*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

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.  

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.

I love reflecting each year on all the trips and adventures we’ve taken at the end of the year. When people ask me which one was my favorite, it’s usually so hard to choose one and 2018 is no different! We were so blessed to be hosting in amazing places like New Ulm, MN; Mankato, MN; Kansas City, KS; and Red Cedar Lodge in Charles City, IA! Truthfully, they are all my favorites for many different reason! But, this isn’t about me, this is about which trips you guys loved the most in the past year, so here we go!

The Top 5 Things to Do in New Ulm, MN

Of all the places we visited this year, I think New Ulm suprised us the most! This quaint community is rich in history and culture but also provides a sense of entertainment! A visit to the historic Harkin Store, the Hermann Monument, and German Park is a great way to start your weekend! But, make sure to tour Schell’s Brewery and stop by and see our friends at Morgan Creek Winery!

The Best Iowa Restaurants

I love traveling all over the Midwest and the country, but at the end of the day, Iowa holds my heart and I love talking about all the great places to visit and eat here in the heartland! It only seemed right to do a round-up of the places that my fellow bloggers and myself think are the best restaurants!