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.
After 5 trips to Branson, we have finally toured the College of the Ozarks. For several years, we’ve heard rumblings about visiting the college, but have never committed to doing it. So, during our last trip, we finally took the plunge.
The Keeter Center
About College of the Ozarks
College of the Ozarks was founded in 1906 and has been known as the College of the Ozark since 1990. It’s nickname is “Hard Work U”. Why? Students that attend College of the Ozarks graduate without any debt. In place of paying tuition, each student commits to working 15 hours per week on campus! It’s a fascinating concept! Also on campus is a classical laboratory high school.
When I told T we were headed to visit Sedalia, Missouri, on our way to Branson, he was skeptical! Now, we’re ready to go back when it’s summer to do more exploring! While there are many more things than just three to do in Sedalia, we are starting with these three because it’s what we got to explore and they were pretty great!
While we were hosted by the Hotel Bothwell during our visit to Sedalia. All thoughts and opinions are our own and 100% truthful. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
T and I have driven through Northern Missouri several times on our way to Branson without ever thinking to stop. Then, we got the opportunity to visit Sedalia, MO and escape to the Hotel Bothwell and now, we love us some Northern Missouri!
The History of the Hotel Bothwell
The Hotel Bothwell opened in June of 1927 and was built by John Bothwell and cost $500,000, which is the equivalent to 3.4 million dollars today! At it’s beginning it was home to 109 rooms. However, it’s not always been a hotel. In 1988 it was sold and was converted into an assisted living facility as well as sitting empty from 1993 until 1999. In 1999, it was purchased and renovated and then reopened.
South Dakota is one of the most visited vacation spots for families and others in the United States. The list of places to visit and attractions to see is endless, but after our family vacation there several years ago, we have 5 attractions that are “don’t miss”.
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
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!
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!
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!
I love history and I love exploring history while traveling! And these 3 historical stops in New Ulm, Minnesota, have been some of my favorite. Exploring the history of an area is a great way to find out about an area! New Ulm is full of lots of history and fun community to explore! Here are my three favorite historical stops in New Ulm.
We like to think we’re experts now when visiting Branson, MO and finding these hidden gems is no different! Branson is full of bright lights and show signs that appeal visually to a person! You can’t help but feel a bit of Vegas as you drive down Historic Hwy 76 and see all the flashing, bright lights! But, it’s one of the many things we think makes Branson so magical! (And if you want to get the best view of them, you have to take a spin on the Branson Ferris Wheelat night!
But, once you spend more time here, you’ll find that there is so much more than the bright lights like these 3 Hidden Gems in Branson!
Visiting Branson Over & Over
In the past three 3 years, we’ve visited Branson 4 times. When you visit one place that many times in a short period, you have to start looking for new things to do! Yes, we love many things and have certain things we “have” to do like eating at Danna’s Burger & BBQ Shop, the Branson Ferris Wheel, and getting a frozen treat at Andy’s! (And this is just a few of them!) But, when we recently visited we searched out some new things and now we have to share these 3 Hidden Gems in Branson with you!
Veterans Memorial Museum
For the past couple visits, I’ve been wanting to visit the Veterans Memorial Museum, but I guessed it wasn’t very boy-friendly, so I’ve waited! My step-dad is a veteran and was with us on this trip, so it seemed like the perfect stop! When you arrive at the museum, you are instantly greeted by an amazing sculpture that has a soldier from World War II from each state! It’s amazing how detailed a sculptor and creator can get statues such as these! Emotion can be read all over their faces!
Inside you’ll find a rather extensive collection of memorabilia from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, & even the Persian Gulf wars. Some of the personal stories included in the museum along with artifacts are beyond touching! The thing that moved me the most was a hall in which the names of every soldier killed in action during these wars were listed! It was so impactful that I couldn’t stay long. I will forever be grateful for every man and woman who has served our armed forces and especially those who gave their lives.
