Category: Iowa

I LOVE a good cup of coffee. Well, I LOVE a good latte or iced coffee with a little cream and sweetener. And the Midwest coffee shops are as good as they come! Yes, there are plenty of chains, but I prefer a locally owned coffee shop. To make it easy for you to find one on your travels, I called on some of my Midwest Travel Bloggers to help me compile a list of the very best the Midwest coffee shops we have to offer. I’ve organized them by state for your ease, so without further adieu…

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! 

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.