Katy Flint

15 of the Best Places Along the Mississippi River

October 28, 2021October 30, 2021 — Katy Flint4 Comments

Road trips are one of our favorite things and road trips along scenic drive make them even better! So, of course we know some of the Best Places along the Mississippi River to stop at! You can imagine how much we love traveling along the Great River Road which traverses Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and more along the Mississippi River! Check out these stops for an epic road trip!

1. Maiden Rock Apples, Winery, & Cidery – Stockholm, Wisconsin

This unassuming cidery is a great place to spend some time! Get to know the owners, learn their story, and taste their ciders & wines. Plus, stroll through their gift shop and we’re sure you’ll find some extra special treats.

Cider tasting at Maiden Rock Apples, Winery, & Cidery

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Gluten-Free

My Favorite Gluten Free Eats

October 20, 2021October 20, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

After being diagnosed with a gluten allergy several years ago, I’ve been eating my way through all sorts of different snacks, pastas, breads, treats, and more trying to find the very best of each. I figured it was time to share my favorite gluten free eats with all of you!

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Iowa

The Best Winter Weekend Getaways in Iowa

October 6, 2021January 19, 2023 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

Winter in Iowa can be so long! Thankfully, Iowa is also full of great destinations to help you escape. Historic hotels, delicious eats, unique art, and museums can all be found while visiting this great destinations. It’s time to schedule one of these great winter weekend getaways in Iowa!

Charles City

Whether you love food, shopping, history, art, or just relaxing, Charles City is the spot for you to spend a weekend getaway in Iowa.

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Midwest Travel

The Best Ice Cream Shops in the Midwest

September 26, 2021August 9, 2023 — Katy Flint15 Comments

If you’re on a quest to find the best ice cream shops in the Midwest, then you’ve come to the right place! I love ice cream and no road trip is complete without it. The Midwest is full of amazing locally owned ice cream joints and my fellow Midwest Travel Bloggers have helped me by compiling them all in one spot! For your ease, I have organized them by state!

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Iowa

Fun Things to Do in Fort Dodge: A Passport

September 17, 2021September 21, 2021 — Katy Flint1 Comment

We’ve been visiting Fort Dodge, Iowa for a couple years now and we know how many great places there are to explore, so we thought it was only right to put together a Passport for you to follow to make the most out of your visit! There are so many things to do in Fort Dodge that we challenge you to check off each stop on the passport! Make sure to snag the FREE download at the end of the post to make the most of your trip!

We’d like to thank Fort Dodge Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Brookstone Inn & Suites, and Community Orchard who hosted portions of our trip to Fort Dodge. Regardless, all thoughts & opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.

Studio Fusion

Looking for great fun, year round? Studio Fusion is the place to stop! Paint your pottery, fuse glass into different creations, or attend one of their painting classes! It’s a great way to spend a couple hours and the staff and owner are super helpful!

Painted Silos

No matter time the year that you visit Fort Dodge, a stop by the Painted Silos is a must. Painted by Guido Van Helten, this mural is larger than life and the detail is unreal! Pictures don’t even really do it justice. Take time to walk around and examine the entire thing. Take it in close and from further away!

Plan a Day Trip to Fort Dodge, Iowa

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Iowa

The Best Fall Recipes

September 10, 2021September 6, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

Fall is my very favorite season. I love the warm days, crisp nights, and all things fall like pumpkins & more! I also love all things fall recipes. To me, nothing is better than when the air is cooler and you can have the windows open while baking and cooking with delicious smells wafting through the air! With my love for all things fall, it seemed only right that gather up all my favorite and best fall recipes into one place!

Gluten-Free Harvest Granola

Honey, maple syrup, pepitas, and dried cranberries all come together with gluten-free oatmeal to make this delicious fall flavored granola! It’s homemade so you know exactly what’s in and you can customize to your liking!

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Day Trips

The Best Wineries, Breweries, & Cideries in the Midwest

August 30, 2021October 22, 2023 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

I think it’s safe to say that microbreweries and wineries are gaining more popularity. Thankfully, we have some of the best wineries, breweries, and cideries in the Midwest! No need to travel to the metropolitan areas. From Minnesota to Wisconsin, & Iowa we are full of great places to grab a drink, enjoy a brew or wine, and relax! Check them out!

breweries wineries cideries in the Midwest

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Iowa

Oh My Osage, Iowa! 10 Reasons to Visit

August 18, 2021September 1, 2021 — Katy Flint6 Comments

Osage, Iowa, is a town around 3,500 people located in northeast Iowa. It may not be the place that you would typically seek out for your weekend getaway. But, I guarantee that there is plenty of things to do in Osage, Iowa, that will make your travels worth it!

A huge thank you to the Osage Chamber of Commerce for hosting our visit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For more details, please check out the Disclosure Policy tab!

Location

As previously mentioned, Osage is located in northeast Iowa and is situated along 2 state highways making it easily accessible. It’s also relatively close to a couple regional airports. This means you can fly in and road trip there and back, enjoying the Iowa countryside!

If you’re traveling by car…

Des Moines, IA – 148 miles – 2 hours, 10 minutes drive time
Minneapolis, MN – 134 miles – 2 hours, 12 minutes drive time
Kansas City, MO – 341 miles – 4 hours, 50 minutes drive time
Chicago, IL – 338 miles – 5 hours, 25 minutes drive time

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Day Trips

Food Tour of the Iowa State Fair

July 28, 2021August 4, 2022 — Katy Flint12 Comments

Everyone has their own reasons for visiting the Iowa State Fair! For some its the livestock, for others its the grandstand shows, but for me, it is definitely, the Iowa State Fair FOOD!

Visiting the Iowa State Fair

It’s a tradition for T and I to attend the Iowa State Fair at least one day each year! It’s our date day or weekend and something we look forward to sharing with each other! We often do the same things at the fair…see the same things, and even eat the same fair foods, our favorites of course We’re creatures of habit and honestly ok with that!

The Varied Industries Building, Pioneer Hall, and the Shoppers Mart underneath the Grandstand are always a must for us. We also enjoy watching the FFA Parade of Champions and the Governor’s Charity Steer Show.

But, really…the Iowa State Fair is all about the food, right?! So, what do we eat? Well, it’s usually a lot of the classics, but I also try to taste one new item each year. It’s usually new to me, but not necessarily the fair. So, what do we love?!

Grab our Tips for Visiting the Iowa State Fair!

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Day Trips

Fall Fun at Enchanted Acres, Sheffield Iowa

July 22, 2021July 30, 2021 — Katy Flint10 Comments

Enchanted Acres located near Sheffield, Iowa is a great place to spend a day in the fall! Kids, adults, and everyone in between will find something enjoyable at this pumpkin patch & hobby farm!

I’ve been to Enchanted Acres several times due to my love for Shannon, her pumpkin patch, and all the goodies there, but it was great to be back and know that the fall season is upon us.

The Big Red Barn

The center of Enchanted Acres is Shannon’s Big Red Barn. It is home to the Market Place Café, a shop full of homemade jams & other treats plus an abundance of fall & Halloween Décor. Personally, I’d pick up a jar of the strawberry jam. Shannon’s mom makes all the homemade jams and they are top notch! Grab a delicious sandwich, a baked treat, or their signature hot apple cider. Inside the big red barn, you can also pick up smores kits to make your own treats over the fire nearby!

Just two of the several varieties of jams & jellies that Shannon's mom home makes! — Just two of the several varieties of jams & jellies that Shannon’s mom home makes!

Looking for more outdoor adventures this fall?! Snag my guide to 25 Things to Do Outdoors in Iowa!

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