October 26th, 2007
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.
Brian McMillin |
Entertainment, Sports, Western Iowa |
October 17th, 2007
Sometimes it can be difficult for a locally-owned pizza place to differentiate itself from the competition. That is not the case with the pizza at Tomaso’s in Cedar Rapids, which features a deliciously unique ’Detroit deep dish’ crust.
Like traditional Chicago pizza, the cheese and toppings are placed first on the crust, with the sauce added last. The difference is there is no “lip” to the crust, so cheese melts to the side of the pan and caramelizes along the edges. The result is an excellent pizza unlike anything in the area.
If you go, expect delicious food 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.
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
October 10th, 2007
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.
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
