Ocheyedan Mound used to be known as the highest point in Iowa – that is, until a 1971 geodetic survey determined that distiction actually went to a farm north of Sibley, Iowa.
I had to check this mound out on my way to Minneapolis earlier this month. The parking lot was easy to access, but climbing the mound itself was made difficult due to a poorly-mowed path. Rising 170 feet above the surrounding plain, the mound offered a nice view and is worth checking out if you’re nearby.
Published July 30th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Sites, Western Iowa |
Located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Lincoln Cafe tops my list of all-time favorite restaurants. During our days at Cornell College, Amanda and I ate there frequently, enjoying superb food for lunch and dinner.
Along with incredibly innovative specials and desserts that change on a weekly basis, Lincoln Cafe has a solid regular menu. The everyday options include a hamburger with blue cheese, a BLT with avocado mayonnaise, and a spicy grilled chicken sandwich. You get a welcomed dash of creativity along with a reasonable price tag.
It’s a popular destination, so be aware a wait may be in store for evening dining. Nonetheless, if you’re in the area, Lincoln Cafe is an essential stop.
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Published July 24th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
Located in downtown Albert Lea, Minnesota, Jake’s Pizza is a true gem. It’s home to one of the best thin-crust pizzas I have ever tasted.
The perfectly-prepared crispy crust was reminiscent of pizza in Italy, far superior to the “thin crust” equivalents found at major chain restaurants. The savory sauce had just the right amount of tang, the cheese and toppings were generous but proportionate, and the entire pie was cooked to perfection.
Be alert the restaurant is small and can be busy on weekend nights – we had a seat but the wait for pizza was a little longer than expected. Call ahead if you have any questions.
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Published July 17th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Minnesota, Places |
You won’t want to take a trip to Le Mars, Iowa without making a stop at Bob’s Drive Inn. The fryer food or hot dogs are good meal choices, but the small restaurant is most famous for its taverns.
For those of you not familiar with the terminology, taverns are simply loosemeat hamburgers. I’m not sure how the hamburger is cooked, but it’s greasy and tasty and goes great on a soft bun with cheese and condiments. Check out Bob’s if you’re in town – it’s open seven days a week beginning at 11 a.m.
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Published July 7th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, Western Iowa |
We had seen the billboards on Interstate 29 and read the online reviews of Edgar’s Ol’ Fashioned Soda Fountain in Elk Point, South Dakota, but we never made it a point to stop.
Until about a month ago, that is. I had a fabulous chocolate chip ice cream soda. Amanda took a cherry sprite to go. I have since been working my way through the entire menu of fountain drink possibilities – the green river was the best I’ve ever had. I’ve also enjoyed strawberry- and lime-flavored Sprite, and most recently, cherry- and strawberry-infused Coke.
The soda fountain, which featires a marble counter that dates to 1906, is open daily and highly recommended.
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Published July 1st, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, South Dakota |
