The Top Things to Do in Franklin County

The Top Things to Do in Franklin County

Situated in the middle of North Central Iowa is Franklin County. This rural community with a population of about 10,000 may not be your first choice of places to spend a weekend, but we think they offer some great things! Slow down and enjoy a day or weekend here. Check out what we think the top things to do in Franklin County area!

Beeds Lake State Park

Franklin County is home to one of the most photographed dams in Iowa and maybe the Midwest. Beeds Lake is not only home to this spillway, but also offers a campground, great fishing spots, hiking trails, and more! My personal favorite thing to do at the lake is to walk the trail around the lake and across the causeway! It’s a great spot to spend some time!

Continue “The Top Things to Do in Franklin County”

Friday in Franklin County: Carol’s Flowerbox

 

When my husband and I got married five years ago, there was no question where our flowers would come from…it would be from Carol’s Flower Box in Hampton!  Owner Carol Schnabel has been in business since purchasing the business from the previous owner in the summer of 2010.  Since then, she’s made it her own and even moved locations.

carols-4

Carol’s Flower Box

So, what is Carol’s Flower Box?  It is a full-service floral shop which includes fresh cut flowers, silk flowers, funeral items (stones, wind chimes, candles, angels, and more).  Carol will create a custom cemetery saddle or containers as well as delivering them to the cemetery for you.  In her store, she also carries numerous gift items such as jewelry, scarves, wine, candy bouquets, balloons and more!  She also provides delivery to all of Franklin County as well as extended areas!  And if all of that isn’t enough, she also offers Teleflora service for out of town and out of state orders!

Continue “Friday in Franklin County: Carol’s Flowerbox”

Friday in Franklin County: AmericInn of Hampton

Friday in Franklin

As you age you watch the community around you evolve and grow. Part of those observations for me is remembering when the AmericInn of Hampton was built. Now, it’s a staple in the community!

On July 3rd of 1998, the AmericInn of Hampton was opened by previous owners.  They saw a need in Hampton and jumped at the opportunity!  I remember, at the time, it was a huge deal that Hampton was getting a chain hotel that was locally owned.  Now, the hotel is owned by Bharat Patel who is very involved in the community and continues to keep the hotel updated!americinn 2

Continue “Friday in Franklin County: AmericInn of Hampton”

Friday in Franklin County: Cut Loose Salon & Tanning

Friday in Franklin

If you’re a lady, you know that a good haircut or a pedicure can make you feel better than ever! Where do I go for this? I head to Cut Loose Salon & Tanning on Main Street in Hampton and see owner, Ashley Harmon!

Ashley has been in business for almost 2 years now after having a passion for hair since she was very young.  She actually started coloring other kids’ hair in middle and high school along with her own.  She knew that cosmetology was exactly what she wanted to do for a living.  Owning her own salon has always been a dream of hers and with the help of her family she has been able to make that dream come to life!

Ashley working in her salon
Ashley working in her salon

Continue “Friday in Franklin County: Cut Loose Salon & Tanning”

Friday in Franklin County: Christensen Jewelry

Friday in Franklin County: Christensen Jewelry

Welcome to Friday in Franklin County! I love the place that I call home and the businesses that are here that I’ve decided to share a piece of it with you every Friday!

First up is Christensen Jewelry and owner Russell Gibson!  Russ first got started in jewelry making in high school when he took a metals & jewelry class during his sophomore year at Washington High School in Washington, Iowa.  The art teacher did jewelry work on the side and was very involved with everything the kids did.  During the class they learned the proper techniques to hand make everything, cut and finish the stones, etc.  They were required to produce a minimum of 30 designs before they were allowed to create a piece itself.  One semester in this class and Russ was hooked.

Christensen Jewelry Owner, Russ Gibson
Christensen Jewelry Owner, Russ Gibson

Continue “Friday in Franklin County: Christensen Jewelry”