Archive for 2007
Riverside, Iowa, has had its share of national attention. In 1985, it was declared the official future birthplace of William T. Kirk, a fictional character played by William Shatner in the television series Star Trek. Nearly twenty years later, in 2004, the community was home to Invasion Iowa, a reality television series produced by Shatner which aired on the Sci Fi Channel.
While Star Wars and Shatner fans have made the ‘trek’ to Riverside over the years, the town is likely overlooked by many travelers. That said, if you’re looking for some great beef jerky, you’ll want to stop.
Located on the edge of town near the intersection with Highway 218, Bud’s Custom Meats offers top-notch jerky, plus everything else you’d expect at a meat locker and more. Jerky comes in a couple varieties, but you can’t go wrong with the original: the thin pieces are large and tasty, featuring just enough pepper and seasoning.
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Published December 28th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
Although I typically like to write about sites and places in small communities or rural areas, occasionally there are locally-owned shops in larger cities that deserve recognition. One such place is Poppy’s Popcorn, a unique store located within the city limits of Sioux Falls.
Located in a small strip mall on 41st Street, Poppy’s is home to some of the best popcorn in the midwest. You can choose from a huge variety of flavors, ranging from gourmet white to white cheddar to apple cinnamon to chocolate caramel. The popcorn can be purchased in pre-filled bags, or you can create a customized popcorn tin filled with your choice of flavors.
Finally, it would be negligent of me to not mention their fabulous popcorn balls: available in caramel, peanut butter and classic varieties, they are perfectly sized and reasonably priced. If you’re in the area and looking to enjoy a delicious treat [or pick up a last-minute holiday gift], Poppy’s Popcorn is well worth a stop.
Published December 17th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Places, South Dakota |
Last winter, Amanda and I made a short stop in Audubon, Iowa, to see Albert, the world’s largest bull. There’s a certain charm to the storied 40-year-old statue, which is housed within a well-kept community park. The paint job was pristine, with a pleasing brown and white color scheme and glowing blue eyes.
Located just a few miles north of Interstate 80 on Highway 71, it’s a quirky, fun stop that makes for a great photo backdrop for the kids or entire family. In addition, if you’re looking to stretch your legs, it beats any highway rest stop and is guaranteed to be an enjoyable break from the monotony of driving.
Published December 6th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Central Iowa, Sites |
There’s nothing quite like a hand-mixed Cherry Coke from the soda fountain at South Side Drugs, a family-owned drugstore in my hometown of Ottumwa, Iowa. It may lack the charm and character of other soda fountains in the state, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit – especially if you’re thirsty!
The soda lineup is simple: you choose from cherry, lemon, vanilla, or chocolate flavoring to be mixed with Coke, Diet Coke, or Sprite. Beyond drinks, you can snack on crackers or peanuts, order a bowl of Campbell’s soup, or opt for a from-scratch milkshake.
Thankfully, the atmosphere has improved drastically from past years, as a long-needed smoking ban was recently put into place. Combine smoke-free air with ridiculously cheap prices, and you can safely conclude there’s no better time than now to stop and enjoy a delicious soda at South Side Drugs.
Published December 2nd, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Places |
One of the best restaurants I’ve been to in the past year is the Alcester Steakhouse, a restaurant and lounge a few miles from the Iowa border in the community of Alcester, South Dakota.
Don’t let the drab exterior fool you: the Alcester Steakhouse features quality, innovative food rarely seen at small-town restaurants. The salad bar is well-stocked, and the side dish list is extensive. Their steaks are exceptional, and the nightly specials go beyond the scope of most comparable dining destinations.
You can enjoy lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, while dinner is offered every night except Sunday. If you do visit the steakhouse for dinner service, reservations are recommended; you can call the steakhouse in advance at 605/934.2974.
Published November 28th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, South Dakota |
Commonly referred to as the “cheese factory,” the Twin County Dairy in Kalona, Iowa, has long been one of my family’s favorite destinations. Inside the dairy’s quaint market, visitors can sample gourmet cheeses, shop for Iowa-made goods, and, most importantly, buy some of their delicious cheese curds.
These cheese curds sold at the cheese factory are nothing like the ones you’ll find in your neighborhood grocery stores or gas stations. Sold fresh, these curds are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. They’ll also bring a smile to your face, as a short, cute squeaking sound emerges from your mouth with each delicious bite.
If you’re traveling on I-80 and have a little time to spare, veer south on Highway 1 and stop at the dairy for a pound or two of cheese curds. Note that they’re best enjoyed at lukewarm temperature, so avoid the refrigerator until necessary – about 24 hours after purchase.
Published November 12th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
There’s no doubt that the downtown districts in many Iowa cities have seen better days. National retailers have opened cookie-cutter stores on the outskirts of towns, forcing local businesses to go under. Downtown areas once bustling with activity are now filled with dilapidated buildings and empty storefronts.
Fortunately, Muscatine seems to an exception, as a number of well-kept shops, charming boutiques, and local restaurants line the city streets. One of the highlights of the downtown area is the Button Factory Woodfire Grille, an upscale casual restaurant that combines first-rate food with great service and spectacular atmosphere.
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Published November 3rd, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
The amateur and minor league sports teams in Iowa are a great source for entertainment year-round. Smaller cities like Burlington and Clinton sport professional baseball, while larger communities such as Davenport and Des Moines offer arena football, soccer, and more.
Sioux City is home to the Musketeers, one of twelve teams in the USHL junior hockey league. With over 30 home games this year at the Tyson Event Center, there are plenty of opportunities to catch an exciting game. The atmosphere is great, seating is plush, and the PA, music and occasional lighting effects complement the action well.
Best of all, the price is right: for under $15, you can get a front-row view of the action; or, you may opt to save a few bucks and choose seats in the third row or higher.
Published October 26th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Entertainment, Sports, Western Iowa |
It can sometimes be difficult for a locally-owned pizza place to differentiate itself from the chain-dominated competition. Fortunately, that is not the case with Tomaso’s Pizza in Cedar Rapids, which is best-known for its deliciously unique “Detroit-style” deep dish crust.
Like traditional Chicago-style pizza, the cheese and toppings are placed first on the crust, with the sauce added last. The difference with the Detroit-style pizza is the absence of a “lip” for the crust. This allows the cheese to melt and caramelize along the edges of the pan, resulting in an excellent pizza unlike anything else in the area.
If you make a trip to Tomaso’s, expect superb pizza and a well-kept dining area but not a formal dining experience: after you place an order, you will be responsible for gathering white styrofoam plates, red plastic cups and metal forks for your pizza.
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Published October 17th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
A few miles north of the community of Kalona, Iowa, sits Stringtown Grocery, a small but delightful store that sells fresh produce, baked goods, plus bulk groceries and spices.
When you walk in, you’ll see a few cakes and cookies for sale on the front shelf of this Amish-run store. Peruse the aisles and you will find bulk packages of everything ranging from flour to brown sugar to chocolate chips to pasta. There are no gimmicks here: prices are extremely reasonable and goods are packed in plastic bags with hand-written or hand-stamped labels.
The entire area has a certain charm to it: take a drive down the country roads near Kalona and you’re likely to see an Amish family working in the field or riding down the road in a horse-drawn carriage. And, make a point to stop by Stringtown Grocery, located just off Highway 1.
Published October 10th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
