weekend getaways in iowa Archives

Eat Gluten Free in the Midwest at these Delicious Stops

August 6, 2024August 6, 2024 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

One thing I’m asked for over and over is the best places to eat gluten free in the Midwest! If you’ve followed along for a while now, you know that I have a gluten allergy. I was diagnosed in November 2019 and have been working to adjust my eating ever since. Eating at home is easy as I have complete control of the groceries that I keep in the house and how food is prepared. But sometimes when traveling, eating gluten-free can be a challenge! (It’s amazing how many places offer only fried foods & sandwiches!) Thankfully, over the last several years, I’ve found several delicious places to eat that either offer Gluten-Free specific menus or have lots of menu options that are gluten free!

*Note – I cannot guarantee that cross contamination does not happen at any of these restaurants as cross contamination. For your own allergy/intolerance, please make sure to consult each of the restaurants before dinning there!

Select A State for Gluten Free Eating

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Iowa

Plan a Visit to Northwest Iowa: The Best Stops

March 17, 2023July 9, 2024 — Katy Flint2 Comments

Where do you head to experience great food, shopping, outdoor recreation, and more?! I make a plan to visit Northwest Iowa! Whether you stop in Fort Dodge, Okoboji, or Estherville (and a few in between), you’ll enjoy your adventures in this part of the state!

Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge has a lot to offer those who love the arts & the outdoors plus history!

Things to Do:

Visit the Painted Silos – People drive from hours around to view these stunning hand-painted silos, so you don’t want to miss them!
Create at Studio Fusion – Head to Studio Fusion to paint ceramics or fuse glass.
Explore The Fort Museum – Learn about the original Fort Dodge and the role it played in the Civil War along with history of Iowa and the area!
Venture out to Veterans Memorial Park & the Children’s Forest – Located north of Fort Dodge a few miles is a beautiful park dedicated to honoring the Veterans and giving kids a place to explore!

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Day Trips

Plan a Visit to West Central Iowa: 3 Day Itinerary

May 9, 2021June 10, 2024 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

I’ve fallen in love with West Central Iowa! It holds some of the very best gems in Iowa. From wineries, rich Danish culture, good eats, and more you’ll be ready to plan a visit to West Central Iowa! And with this 3 day itinerary, it’s easier than ever! Ready to pack and get going? (Make sure to download the checklist at the end!)

Day 1: Elk Horn

On Day 1, start your visit to West Central Iowa in Elk Horn. This Danish community has so much to offer! Of course, the focus and center point of this community is their authentic and historic Windmill, but that is just the beginning!

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Day Trips

The Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in Southeast Iowa

April 26, 2021March 28, 2023 — Katy Flint2 Comments

The Midwest is full of lots of great day trips & weekend getaways. Iowa alone has a plethora of them! Southeast Iowa is no exception to this rule! Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, we have something for you! Wineries, breweries, museums, good food, and more! Check them out!

*Note – For the purposes of this post, Southeast Iowa is considered anything South of Highway 20 and East of I-35!

getaways in Southeast Iowa — Goldie’s in Prairie City

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Girl's Trips

A Stay at The Black Hawk Hotel – an Escape in Cedar Falls, Iowa

April 15, 2021April 15, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

Historic hotels have become our favorite stays and a night at the Black Hawk Hotel in Cedar Falls, Iowa, recently was no exception.

We were given a gift certificate for Christmas to the Black Hawk Hotel and I couldn’t wait to use it as this has been on my “must-visit” list for awhile now! We decided to use it on a Friday night for a quick getaway before T started spring fieldwork. The gift certificate we were given was part of a holiday promotion in which we were able to get the best available room, 2 free drinks from the bar, and an early check-in and early check-out time! (Watch their social media channels for different promotions!) Lucky for us, the best available room was a queen spa suite. WIN!

This post contains affiliate links for your ease! More details can be found on the Disclosure page.

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Iowa

5 Reasons to Visit Dyersville, Iowa

March 15, 2021October 8, 2021 — Katy Flint14 Comments

“Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa”. We all know that line from “Field of Drams”, right?! But, after a visit to Dyersville, Iowa. We know it’s really true! We always enjoy finding great treasures in Iowa and love sharing about them too!

Traveling doesn’t always have to be week long vacations and with our busy lives we have come to enjoy day trips and weekend getaways. Dyersville, Iowa is perfect for both of those!

*Thank you to Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce for inviting us and hosting our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own! For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

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Iowa

Spend the Weekend In Vacation Okoboji!

October 8, 2020October 2, 2022 — Katy Flint2 Comments

If you’re from Iowa, you know Lake Okoboji! So, when I learned I got to spend the weekend visiting, I was super excited. Then, I learned about all the things to do in Vacation Okoboji that aren’t on the lake. So, it doesn’t matter what time of year you can travel to this lake destination, you’ll have plenty to do and stay busy. Whether you’re looking for land or water, Okoboji is a great place to spend a weekend getaway in Iowa! Plus, you’ll find amazingly delicious food, which you know is so important to me!

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