Archive for 2008
Most residents of southeast Iowa are familiar with the villages of Van Buren county. The small community of Cantril features the Dutchman’s Store, a block-long store selling dry goods, frozen foods, and more. An old grist mill in Bonaparte is home to a popular restaurant, while a new creamery in Milton specializes in specialty cheese curds.
The largest town in the county is Keosauqua, with just over 1,000 residents. Being the second-smallest county seat in the state, you won’t find a single big box discount or dollar store in the city limits. Instead, you’ll enjoy a refreshingly simple downtown district with a local grocer, pharmacy and other small businesses.
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Published December 25th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
Though the building facade and drug store sign have changed over the years, the tenets of a great drug store are still in tact. An underwhelming atmosphere is made up for by a long tradition of great drinks and ice cream snacks, plus some of the friendliest service you’ll ever find at a soda fountain.
Beyond the traditional pops, sodas and sundaes, you’ll want to try their special salad sandwiches. Choose between homemade ham or chicken salad, served with a slice of lettuce on plain or toasted bread. Add a drink, and your lunch will run just over $5.
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Published December 18th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, Western Iowa |
The small community of Sidney, Iowa, is home to the state’s oldest pharmacy. Located on the west side of the square, Penn Drug Co. has been in business for nearly 150 years.
Enter the front door and you’ll find perfumes and lotions behind glass on antique shelving lining the north wall. If you’re not stopping to fill a prescription, you can peruse the selection of Russell Stover chocolates, pick out a greeting card, or grab a seat at the old-fashioned soda fountain.
The entire soda fountain is charming, with surprisingly comfortable stools and a classy black marble counter. For under a dollar, you can enjoy one of their featured flavors of ice cream, while pops and phosphates are even cheaper.
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Published November 10th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, Western Iowa |
Fascinating old local photos adorn the walls, while an orange and blue soda fountain graphic remains at the top of a front window, a remnant of the Rexall drug store that used to occupy the dining room. The drug store was one of two historic downtown buildings which were restored and connected to create The Buckaroo, a top-notch dining destination in Hudson, South Dakota.
One-half lounge, one-half steakhouse, The Buckaroo combines a relaxing atmosphere with a delicious menu including chicken, steak, burgers, and more. My wife enjoyed a peppered steak topped with melted blue cheese, an entree not seen at many small-town restaurants. I opted for their juicy “Iowan” burger, which featured cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce and a couple perfectly-prepared slices of bacon.
It’s always a treat to find creative, well-prepared dishes in small town restaurants like The Buckaroo. Twenty miles off I-29, and less than an hour from Sioux Falls, it’s is well worth a stop if you’re in the area.
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Published October 26th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, South Dakota |
Nestled in the basement of an historic hotel in Wakonda, South Dakota, is The Pit, a small bar famous for its homemade pizza. Served each Tuesday night, it’s simple to place your order: choose a size (small or large), a crust (thin or thick), and which of the four meats and four vegetables you want for toppings.
We sampled three pizzas during our visit and were impressed with them all. The crust was fresh and had a true homemade taste not found at the large pizza chains. The toppings were plentiful and tasty, with the ham and salami pizza receiving especially high marks.
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Published September 18th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, South Dakota |
Choosing a gas station restaurant as your meal destination is always a risky proposition, with food quality and atmosphere varying wildly from stop to stop. There’s no risk, however, if you decide to stop at the Dinner Bell, which has featured delicious food and a friendly atmosphere for over fifty years. Located just south of the Iowa border in Eagleville, Missouri, the Dinner Bell may be the best roadside restaurant between Des Moines and Kansas City.
While you can opt for the standard fried fare, I’d recommend looking at their daily specials or asking the wait staff about customer favorites, such as the hand-breaded tenderloins. I went with one of the daily specials and was blown away by the taste of the egg noodles, served with beef and mashed potatoes and topped with homemade gravy.
Finally, don’t miss dessert, as their pies are made entirely from scratch. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Dinner Bell is highly recommended if you’re in the area or driving by.
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Published September 12th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Missouri, Places |
A few miles outside of Muscatine, Iowa, is the Pine Creek Grist Mill, a unique attraction that allows visitors to see the inner-workings of a historic flour mill. The beautifully restored mill is over 150 years old and thought to be the oldest working mill between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains.
Though it’s open to the public five days a week during the summer, you’ll get the most out of your visit by stopping on a Sunday afternoon. In addition to two scheduled mill demonstrations, the Melpine School – a restored one-room school house – is open for visitors between 1 and 4. The mill’s website has been revamped since we last visited and now features a video plus a bevy of information about the history (and future) of the revamped mill.
Published August 14th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Sites |
Drawn in by the neon lights and bright red exterior, I decided to make a stop at the original B & G Milky Way in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As I made my way to the walk-up order window, I noticed the writing on the side wall advertising their strawberry ice cream; they claimed it was the best in town.
They were right. In fact, I’d say the strawberry cone was the best soft-serve ice cream treat I had ever eaten. Featuring pieces of real strawberries, I was blown away by the unbelievable taste – and I couldn’t wait to drive back to Sioux Falls to have some more.
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Published August 7th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, South Dakota |
I love the retro soda sign that stands outside the Roadside Cafe in Fonda, Iowa. One side features an eighties Mountain Dew logo, while the other contains the Pepsi logo from the same era. The cool sign drew us in, but the quality food and service has drawn us back each time we’ve driven through town.
Sporting lime green booths and and a hodge-podge of country decor, the small cafe serves a variety of short-order entrees, ranging from the standard burgers and chicken strips to the less common smothered enchiladas and mini tacos. Everything we’ve tried, from the curly fries to the cheeseballs to the chicken salad sandwich, has been top-notch, especially in comparison to the average local eatery.
Service is noteworthy too; the waitstaff are friendly and food is prepared quickly and served promptly, making for an enjoyable all-around dining experience.
Published July 31st, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, Western Iowa |
If you’re in search of an enjoyable night at the movies, look no further than the Lund Theatre in Viborg, South Dakota. Ever since Amanda and I drove by (and photographed) the historic theatre last winter, we have wanted to see a movie there. Last weekend, when Get Smart was in town, we finally had a chance to make a visit.
From the neon marquee to the pleasant lobby to the old-fashioned seats, the single-screen theatre had a nostalgic feel that is truly welcome in today’s world of multiplex cinemas. Beyond the atmosphere, the concessions were top-notch while the picture and sound quality were great, considering the theatre’s age.
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Published July 21st, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Entertainment, Places, South Dakota |
