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January 30th, 2010
Downtown Oskaloosa is home to a number of local businesses, including the aforementioned Smokey Row Coffee House. Though I’ve stopped at the coffee shop many times, I never had a chance to stop by the independent bookstore next door. It’s located in a wonderfully restored bank building and is a must-stop shop if you’re looking for a great read for yourself or others.
The Book Vault is cozy and well-organized. Step inside the door to find the best sellers along the north wall. A small nook in the middle of the store is dedicated to all things local; it’s definitely the best selection of Iowa-related books in the area. The back room features a fabulous selection of cookbooks and features a working kitchen for regular cooking demonstration events. The upstairs Children section is fun, while a third floor nook features some cozy chairs for reading and relaxing.
Beyond the books, you’ll find a nice selection of gift items, including local puzzles of Oskaloosa landmarks, like the county courthouse which dates to 1886. As an added bonus, sign up at checkout, and you’ll automatically get a $10 credit for each $100 you spend at the store. Best of all, you’ll get great service at the Book Vault. If you have a question, need a recommendation or have a special order request, just ask at the front desk. They’ll be happy to help.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa |
January 16th, 2010
Located on the square in Chariton, Iowa, Piper’s Grocery is a local institution. It has been a part of the community since 1903, and located in the same location since 1905. While you can still find some basic groceries available to purchase, the main reason to make a trip to the store is for their homemade candy.
Budget fifteen minutes to a half hour to get the most out of your stop. The helpful staff can answer questions and help hand-pack your desired combination of candies into the gift box of your choice. Their most popular candy is the turtle, made from pecans topped with caramel and chocolate. My mom’s favorite choice is their pecan-wrapped caramel rolls, while my wife’s top pick is their English toffee squares.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Food |
January 2nd, 2010
While we regularly enjoy trying new restaurants, it’s important to have a local place to turn to for consistently good food. When we were students at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Lincoln Cafe was our favorite dining spot. During our time in South Dakota, a trip to Alcester Steakhouse always brought great eats. Now that we’re settled in central Iowa, we’ve found a new favorite in Aunt Maude’s, an excellent restaurant in downtown Ames.
The menu at Aunt Maude’s provides great variety without overwhelming diners with an exorbitant amount of choices. The Chef’s Features section of the menu changes regularly and definitely worth review. The Pastas and Entrees lists feature several fine options like the Blackened Chicken Angel Hair Pasta tossed with tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, garlic and a light cream sauce.
If you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the sandwich options; Maude’s Burger and the Bacon & Swiss Grilled Chicken are each served with tasty thin-cut French fries. Light eaters will appreciate the Bistro Classics After Five, which offers smaller portions of five entrees along with soup or salad at a lower price than their full-portion counterparts. Try a hand-made strawberry lemonade with your meal and save room for dessert. Their Creme Brulee, served with two dark chocolate cookies, is the terrific.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa |
December 17th, 2009
Across from the courthouse in downtown Marshalltown, Iowa, is Sub City – an independently-owned sub shop serving big sandwiches at small prices. When you enter, you’ll find a large framed menu on the east wall listing all 30 sub possibilities, composed of various meats and cheeses. Each is available on wheat or white bread, in either whole (foot-long) or half length.
What sets Sub City apart from its chain-store competitors is your meat and cheese is cut specifically for your sub order. The standard “works” New Jersey-style set of toppings is recommended (tomato, lettuce, onion, oregano, salt, pepper, oil and vinegar), especially for your first visit, but feel free to customize your sub from their extensive list of extras.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Food |
August 10th, 2009
On Highway 92 just within the city limits of Columbus Junction, Iowa, is an unassuming blue sign labeled “Swinging Bridge” with an arrow pointing north. This fun and quick attraction was originally constructed in 1886 and then rebuilt in 1904 and 1922. Now nearly 90 years old, there’s no doubt many kids, teens, and families have enjoyed the trip across this 262 feet long bridge.
When you visit, park your car on the side of the road, and be sure to read the marker at the east end of the bridge. You’ll learn the bridge was originally constructed from barrel staves and wire, and the collapse of the second bridge in 1920. Finally, grab your camera when you venture across the bridge and snap some photos (or take some video) as you venture across this entertaining, wobbly bridge.
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Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa |
August 3rd, 2009
Though Iowa is home to many one-screen movie theatres, few have a more compelling story than the Windsor Theatre in Hampton, Iowa. Located on the northwest corner of Hampton’s picturesque courthouse, the theatre plays first-run movies nightly, with extra shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Windsor Theatre was constructed in 1913 and in continuous operation through May 1996. When the theatre ceased operation, the community took action. A group of students and adults banded together to form a non-profit organization dedicated to reopening the theatre. Over a quarter-million dollars was invested to purchase and renovate the facility, which re-opened in mid-1999.
The beautifully-remodeled theatre features a large screen, plush seating, and sound and picture far superior to most small Iowa theatres. Arrive a few minutes early to peruse the cozy lobby and grab a glass of soda and bag of popcorn to enjoy during the film. Movie tickets are $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for youth; seniors may want to check out the Sunday matinees for the $2.00 special.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Entertainment, Places |
April 27th, 2009
Located in the heart of Marshalltown, Iowa, is Zeno’s Pizza, an established restaurant serving well-prepared, thin crust pizza at a reasonable price. Zeno’s keeps things simple with their menu, featuring garlic bread and lettuce salads as the only options besides their classic pizza pies.
When ordering, choose from a handful of specialty pizzas (including an intriguing bacon-sauerkraut option), or opt to build your own pizza from a number of standard toppings. The pizza begins with a thin, perfectly crispy crust, followed by a layer of tomato sauce, your choice of toppings, and an ample amount of cheese.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere satisfies the “old-fashioned pizza house” requirements, complete with textured mustard-yellow walls and padded wooden booths. We found the wait-staff to be incredibly friendly and efficient, turning around the salad, pizza, and refills in an extraordinarily prompt manner. If you’re in the Marshalltown area, Zeno’s is a worthy dinner destination.
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Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Food, Minnesota |
March 26th, 2009
Much like the Midwestern chain restaurant of similar name, the Jes-Rite Sandwich Shop in Fairfield, Iowa, specializes in loose-meat hamburgers. With a menu that also includes tenderloins, chicken strips, and fries, at first glance it may seem like just another run-of-the-mill greasy spoon.
Yet, there’s a charm at Jes-Rite that’s not always found at local restaurants and is especially devoid at most chains. At the counter, the wait staff is particularly helpful and courteous when taking your order. And, while you’re waiting for the food to be brought to your table, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with one of the friendly townspeople.
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Brian McMillin |
Places |
February 14th, 2009
Once bustling with many shops and businesses, Martinsburg, Nebraksa, has suffered the fate of many small communities. The town mill closed in the 1920s. The dance hall where Lawrence Welk’s big band performed was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. The school was consolidated, and the post office left the town in the 1980s.
While the population’s dwindled and stores have closed, there’s still one major attraction in the northeast Nebraska community. It’s Bob’s Bar, a popular gathering place serving locals and out-of-towners alike. The bar features huge hamburgers, tenderloins, and giant portions of greasy (but extremely tasty) appetizers.
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Brian McMillin |
Food, Nebraska, Places |
February 9th, 2009
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, there’s no better place to turn for flowers than Stejskal Florists in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They’ll cheerfully answer your questions and provide useful tips and recommendations, whether you’re purchasing a single wrapped rose or a giant bouquet. Their top-notch customer service is complemented by the consistently excellent quality of flower arrangements they sell. As a regular customer when I lived in eastern Iowa, I was never once disappointed with my purchase.
You may pay a little more for your arrangements than you would at a big box store, but the difference in quality outweighs any difference in price. Plus, by shopping at Stejskal’s, you’ll be supporting a family-owned business that has been part of the Cedar Rapids community for over 60 years. Located in a bright pink building near the intersection of Wilson and Bowling Avenues, it’s a hard place to miss – and one you won’t want to miss anytime you’re buying flowers.
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Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Places |
