Travel Adventures Archives

Iowa

Great Eats: the Best Iowa Restaurants

August 27, 2023August 27, 2023 — Katy Flint8 Comments

Iowa, the land of corn, pigs, and nothing else right?! I love living in Iowa and the great restaurants are just the tip of the iceberg! Four different season, Iowa-nice people, and wide open spaces are just of my favorite things about living in Iowa. A lot of people think you have to travel to a big city, or even out of state, to experience really good eats. However, this just isn’t true! There are so many great places to grab a bite to eat in Iowa we’ve combined them into the Best Iowa Restaurants! I’ve even broke it up based on region! You’ll find Eastern, Central, & Western regions!

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Iowa

Plan a Visit to Northwest Iowa: The Best Stops

March 17, 2023March 17, 2023 — 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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Travel Adventures

Tips for Planning a Family Vacation

October 28, 2021October 28, 2021 — Katy Flint6 Comments

Planning a family vacation can be overwhelming, scary, and expensive without proper planning. We’ve planned our fair share of vacations, so we thought it would help if we shared some tips for planning a family vacation that we follow! Don’t forget to grab the FREE downloadable guide at the end to help you in your planning!

1. Pick the Destination

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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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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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Gluten-Free

Eat Gluten Free in the Midwest at these Delicious Stops

July 5, 2021October 22, 2023 — 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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Midwest Travel

Austin, MN – Not Just SPAM: 9 Reasons to Visit

June 1, 2021June 13, 2021 — Katy FlintLeave a comment

I don’t know about you, but when I hear of Austin, Minnesota, I can’t help but think of SPAM! It makes complete sense since Austin is the home to Hormel, the maker of SPAM. But, after a recent weekend getaway in Austin, we know that there are so many more reasons to visit Austin. In fact, there are 9 reasons to visit Austin, MN. Whether you love spending time outdoors, history, or art, Austin offers it all! Time to plan a trip to visit Austin, Minnesota.

Thank you to Discover Austin, MN for hosting our visit to Austin! All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and my own. For full details, please see the disclosure tab.

Hormel Historic Home

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Day Trips

Plan a Visit to West Central Iowa: 3 Day Itinerary

May 9, 2021May 7, 2021 — 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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