Last week, I gave you a run down of my Top 10 Recipes from the first 3 years of blogging! It was so fun to put together and to see the results, that I thought I would do the same thing with our travel adventures and trips! I’ll admit that I was very suprised at the results, but it also proves to me that what you, my amazing readers, really like are the small, locally-owned businesses! I love that!
So, without making you wait any longer, here is the build-up to my #1 most popular travel adventure post!
#10 – High Trestle Trail & Trail Etiquette
We are so blessed, here in Iowa, to have so many amazing bike trails! I’ll also admit that I haven’t visited as many as I’d like to, but my mom and I did take a one-day adventure on the High Trestle Trail in Central Iowa and what fun it was!
#9 – A Trip Down Memory Lane at Tyden Farm No. 6
These folks (and their farm) are pretty near and dear to my heart as I work closely with them on some other business, but their farm really is a GREAT place to visit! Not only is the history of who Emil Tyden was, but also the buildings, the gardens, the museum…and they are awesome people! It’s a great combo! Put it on your list for this summer!
#8 – Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair
We love the state fair and that is no secret! Whether you’re headed there for a livestock show, a concert (I’m headed to Reba McEntire this coming summer), or to take in some fair food, here are are some tips for getting the most out of your visit!
#7 – Family Fun at the Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, & Moose Mountain Adventure Golf
We’ve come to love our annual trips to the Mall of America with the boys for their Christmas present and this year when we got to experience Nickelodeon Universe & Moose Mountain Adventure Golf, it was even better! Whether you’re looking to do some hard core shopping or find a place with the kiddos can burn off energy, the Mall of America is the place for you!
#6 – Natural Plus Nursery
I’ve been visiting Natural Plus Nursery near Clear Lake for over 3 years now! I love going each spring and walking among all the trees, shrubs, plants, and lawn ornaments! Each year I manage to find something new and unique from the year before! (That something new usually finds its way back to my garden!) Take some time this spring or summer and visit the Hoppers! (Don’t miss Lena, their dog, and their adorable son, Holtan)!
#5 – Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop – Branson, Missouri
I’m so glad this post made the Top 10 because Danna’s is one of our favorite restaurants ever! So much so, that we are sad we aren’t headed to Branson anytime soon! But, if you’re headed that direction, you must make a stop! Not only is the BBQ top notch, but those Memphis Rolls will keep you coming back each year!
#4 – State Street Deli
I’m going to be completely honest with you and say that I completely forgot that I even wrote a post about my visit to the State Street Deli in Mason City! But, now that the numbers have reminded me, I’m drooling remembering that amazing Hot Roast Beef! (I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I was trying to plan a return visit soon!) If you’re looking for a fun and delicious spot to have lunch in North Iowa, check this out!
#3 – Fall Fun at Enchanted Acres
If you’ve been hanging around my blog or social media pages for any sort of time, you know I love me some Enchanted Acres! This is definitely one of my “MUST DO” every fall! I’ve been out to Enchanted Acres several times (some years more than once) and each time I’m there, I experience something new, find a new treasure, or taste something yummy! Your family (or just you) will find an afternoon of fun and memories at this enchanted Pumpkin Patch!
#2 – The Fieldhouse – Clear Lake, Iowa
Are you seeing a theme in my top ten posts?! I actually see two! A lot of them are from North Iowa and a lot of them involve food, so clearly you love the things I do! 😉 The Fieldhouse in Clear Lake, IA is one of the newest eateries in North Iowa and top notch! This farm to table restaurant is sure to please everyone! And, they collaborate with other local businesses (and farmers), so that’s even better! Plus, the food….amazingly creative and delicious!
#1 – The Anchor Inn & Surf Ballroom
I’m not going to lie, this is probably one of my most favorite posts (and clearly yours too)! It’s my favorite for a couple reasons! The first being the memories that I have with my mom that go along with the post! The other is the feature of some of my favorite food in North Iowa! The Poor Man’s Lobster, Roasted Asparagus, and Turtle Cheesecake at the Anchor Inn is the best there is! Stop by some time, then take in a show at the historic Surf Ballroom (right next door) for a fun evening in North Iowa!
Well, that’s it! There are the top 10 posts about my travel and adventures for the last three years! Thanks again for all the support and I’d love to know…do you have a favorite on this list?!
Excited to visit Clear Lake this May -will have to check out the new restaurants since we moved.
I can’t wait for you to be here!!!
Love the bike trail! I’ll have to read more about it!
It’s such a cool bike trail and that bridge is stunning! Thanks for stopping by!
It’s so neat to see a list of unique spots in Iowa. I am going to have to check out Enchanted Acres!
Iowa is such a great place and we have so many fantastic locally owned places, I’m so happy they made this list! Thanks for stopping by!!
Just made my first trip to Clear Lake last month for the kite festival. We dined at The Anchor Inn and loved it! My kids finished their meals without complaint, which is rather unusual 🙂
Wow, that’s awesome! Clear Lake is so fantastic, glad you enjoyed the Anchor Inn!! Thanks for stopping by!!
I still need to go to Fieldhouse and make it to the High Trestle Bridge! Do you recommend getting reservations for Fieldhouse or can you just show up?
If you go on a weekend, I think I would do reservations and it doesn’t seat a lot of tables at once! Thanks for stopping by!