The city of Newton, Iowa, will always be linked to the Maytag brand. The famous appliance manufacturer was founded in Newton in the late 1800s and operated for well over a century before closing its doors in October 2007. Before being purchased by Whirlpool Corporation, Maytag’s Newton headquarters and factory had over 3,000 employees, or the equivalent of one-fifth of Newton’s population.

While the city is still working to create jobs to offset the losses created by the appliance manufacturer, another local Maytag brand is running strong.  Located just outside the city limits, it’s the Maytag Dairy Farms, which is known across America for its famous blue cheese. Their blue cheese process dates to 1941 and still involves cave aging and formation of each cheese wheel by hand.

While the cheese itself can be found at many supermarkets around the nation, the company headquarters is well worth a visit, especially if you’re in the Newton area.  The exterior of the headquarters building is modern and nondescript, but the cheese-filled coolers inside the lobby easily offset any lack of atmosphere.

In addition to the popular Maytag Blue cheese, sold in sizes ranging from one ounce to four pounds, you’ll find locally-produced Maytag White Cheddar, Brick, Edam, Baby Swiss, Smoked Swiss and Aged Swiss cheeses available to sample and purchase.  If you’re curious about the taste of a specific cheese, don’t be afraid to ask for samples; the staff is extraordinarily accommodating.

While you’re perusing the cheese selections, check out the monitor which shows stock footage of the cheese production process.  You can glance out the window to the farm where the cheese is produced.  If you have the time, ask about the 12-minute video, which offers a more in-depth look at the dairy’s cheese production process.

Maytag Dairy Farms is open Monday through Friday from 800 to 5:00 and Saturday from 9:00 to 1:00.  If you’re traveling from out of town, don’t forget to pack a cooler to store your purchase.

Maytag Dairy Farms
2282 East 8th Street North
Newton, Iowa 50208
(641) 792-1133
Official Website

Once part of the Iowa-based Fridley Theatres chain, the one-screen Capri Theatre in New Sharon, Iowa, is now operated by a non-profit community organization.  Since acquiring the theatre, the group has managed to keep prices low while improving the moviegoer’s experience.  A few years ago, a fundraiser was held to install plush new cushioned seats, while just last year a grant allowed the purchase of a new projector.

The theatre shows a first-run movie each weekend, with two shows nightly on Fridays and Saturdays, and a single matinee show each Sunday.  Tickets are a mere $3; we purchased two tickets, popcorn and a large drink for just over $10, or roughly a third what we spent at a big-city megaplex cinema the week before.

Beyond the pleasant atmosphere and cheap prices, you’ll find a pleasant friendly staff on hand to disperse the tickets and concessions.  All in all, the Capri Theatre is one of the best places in the state to see a movie. For information on what’s currently playing or coming soon, check out the theatre’s Facebook group or call (641) 637-4055.

Capri Theatre
107 East Market Street
New Sharon, IA 50207
(641) 637-4055

The Suburban Restaurant, located near Gilbert, Iowa, has been locally-owned and operated for for nearly fifty years.  With a menu that features a good variety of steaks, sandwiches, and salads, the Suburban makes for a nice dinner destination if you’re in the Ames metro area or traveling along the nearby Interstate 35.

I’d highly recommend the tender bacon-wrapped filet, which arrived nicely cooked and costs several dollars less than most area restaurants.  The ham steak also made for a great main course, while generously-sized hand-breaded tenderloin was one of the best we’ve tasted since starting this blog three years ago.  Entrees include two sides, plus homemade bread and butter, while sandwiches, all $8 or less, come with a single side.

When you’re finished with your meal, be sure to check out the white board of desserts: slices of fruit pies, cream pies, and three-layer cakes are typically available and worth trying.  If you’re full, ask for your dessert to go; the wait staff will happily box it up.

The Suburban Restaurant can be found six miles north of Ames (just outside of Gilbert) at the intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and County Road E-23.  You may want to pull out an Iowa map or your GPS before heading out if you’re traveling on I-35, as there’s not a direct exit.  They’re open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and Tuesday through Saturday for dinner; reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday nights.

Suburban Restaurant
17029 U.S. 69
Highway 69 and County Road E-23
Ames, Iowa 50010
(515) 232-3135

With summer just around the corner, now’s the time to take a road trip to Story City, Iowa, a pleasant community just off Interstate 35, ten miles north of Ames.  On the east end of the city limits, you’ll find two sites worth visiting – a Swinging Bridge dating to 1936 and an antique carousel from 1913.

The bridge was one of a handful built across the nation as part of the Works Project Administration.  It isn’t as fun to walk across as the bridge in Columbus Junction, but it is in much better surroundings and is worth a longer stop.  Budget some time for photos or to roll up your jeans and walk across the rocks on the stream’s shore.  Frisbee golf fans will appreciate the nine-hole course adjacent to the bridge.

The carousel across the street dates back even further, though it wasn’t permanently placed in Story City until 1938, after traveling around the state for the past twenty years.  The carousel was in operation for forty years before going into temporary closure due to wear and tear.  Luckily, the carousel was resurrected in the early 1980s and still looks spectacular today.  While you’re waiting to board the carousel, take a look at the historic photos and information within the carousel or grab a bag of fresh-popped popcorn.

After stopping at the carousel, if you’re looking for a bite to eat, skip the fast food chains by the Interstate and head downtown to Alley Pizza.  It’s open seven days a week for dinner and weekdays for lunch.  The pizza’s great, but finding a place to eat it can be a challenge, as they mostly focus on delivery and carry-out orders.  A single table is available if you opt to dine inside.  On a pleasant day, grab the pizza and a Pepsi to go, and enjoy your meal in the park.

If you’re entering Story City from the Interstate, the swinging bridge and park is on the left while the carousel is on the right.  Although neither site was overly crowded when we visit, you may wish to glance at each parking lot to decide which spot to hit first.  The swinging bridge is accessible year-round, while the Carousel is open weekends in May and September and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

On a whim last December, I decided to pick up a five-game pack of tickets to see Iowa State University Women’s Basketball games at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.  The Cyclones have had a long stretch of success under veteran head coach Bill Fennelly, and this year has been no exception.  Though many expected it to be a rebuilding season, the Iowa State women have racked up 20 wins, are near the top of the Big 12 conference standings, and are all but guaranteed an 11th NCAA Tournament berth.

Australian native and senior point guard Alison Lacey is the unmistakable team leader and face of the program.  Last night, she cemented her place in Cyclone history, becoming the first player to tally 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists.  Six-foot-seven post player Anna Prins is one of four exciting freshmen to watch, while Senior Denae Stuckey consistently brings energy to both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.

There is a group of talented Iowans on the team as well, including Ida Grove native Kelsey Bolte, a junior point guard who is one of the best three-point shooters in the nation.  Freshmen Chelsea Poppens and Amanda Zimmerman, from Applington and Huxley, respectively, have also been key contributors this year: Poppens leads the team in rebounds, while Zimmerman is averaging over 5 points per game and shooting over 50% from the floor.

Beyond the entertaining brand of basketball you’ll find on the court, Hilton Coliseum is a great venue, and Iowa State fans are among the most loyal and enthusiastic in the country.  The Cyclones regularly rank among the top five schools for women’s basketball attendance and are averaging over 9,000 fans a game this year.

If you want to catch the Cyclones in action, there are two home games left this season: February 27 against Kansas State and March 6 against Colorado.  Reserved tickets are just $12, while general admission seating is available for only $10.  If you attend, give yourself plenty of time to park, and budget a few extra dollars for concessions: a hot dog costs $3, while a 20 oz. bottle of water or soda will set you back $3.50.

Iowa State Women’s Basketball
For tickets, go to cyclones.com or call (515) 294-1816.

When I first saw All Star Chocolate’s university-branded chocolate bars at our local grocery store, I wrote them off as a gimmick.  After all, it was hard to imagine the quality of the candy inside living up to the cutesy packaging design.  Fortunately for chocolate fans, my initial assessment was wrong.

They’re produced by Bochner Chocolates in Iowa City, made with superior ingredients, and competitively priced at under a dollar.  Officially licensed and branded for five Midwestern schools, there are two varieties available for purchase – milk chocolate with peanut butter and milk chocolate with caramel.  You can’t go wrong with either – the peanut butter is incredibly creamy, while the caramel filling is unbelievably smooth.

These chocolates are not only great for a university sports-watching party, but also make for a tasty snack to keep stocked at the office or around the house.  They can be purchased at many Fareway and Hy-Vee grocery stores across the state, or find them at the Bochner Chocolates store in Coralville, Iowa.

Bochner Chocolates
2445 2nd Street
Coralville, Iowa 52241
(319) 354-7900.

We first experienced beef jerky from the Stanhope Locker a little over a year ago, during the trek from central Iowa to southeastern South Dakota for Amanda’s graduation ceremony.  Instead of the quick but uninteresting interstate trip, we drove along several two-lane state and county highways including a stretch of State Highway 17 through Stanhope, Iowa.

On the west side of the Highway, the Stanhope Locker is one of a handful of businesses in the small community.  Parking is easy, as you can pull your car over to either side of the road.  Spend a few minutes exploring the store, which includes a nice selection of sauces and seasonings to accompany the traditional meat locker purchases.

The Stanhope Locker’s signature product is beef jerky, which is thick-cut and well-seasoned with a combination of brown sugar, peppers, and spices.  It’s made in small batches, marinated and smoked for several days to produce optimal flavor.  The jerky is vacuum-packed and can usually be purchased in quantities ranging from $5 to $20.  If you plan to eat the jerky in the car, pick up a reasonably-priced soda within the store or from the machine outside.

Ever since that initial stop, we’ve been back to the locker many times for beef jerky.  It’s a must-stop destination if we’re traveling in the Stanhope vicinity during business hours.  The locker is open weekdays from 7:00 to 5:30 and Saturdays until Noon.

Stanhope Locker
465 Parker Street
Stanhope, Iowa 50246
(515) 826-3280

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.

Book Vault
105 S. Market St.
Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577
(641) 676-1777
Official Website

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.

When we first made a stop in February 2009, I asked to try one of their mints.  A single mint turned into a half-pound box, and a separate trip later in the year to pick up more.  The smooth mints are tremendously addictive, available in a variety of seasonal colors, and can be purchased in gift boxes of their own if desired.  (If you just want a few, they can pack mints in a small wax paper bag.)

If you’re in a hurry, you may want to opt for one of the chocolate assortments, as customization can be time consuming depending on the staff member assisting you.  You’ll get a nice combination of turtles, caramel rolls, English toffee, fudge and nut clusters.  Available in a variety of sizes, these assortments are pre-packed making for quick pickup and checkout.  All of the assortments, pre-packed or custom, can be gift wrapped at no additional charge.

Like most places we feature on Iowa Backroads, Piper’s Grocery is well worth a stop if you’re in the area.  If you can’t make it to Chariton in the near future, but want to try their chocolate confections and/or mints, you can place an order online or by phone at (800) 479-1343.  Note the online ordering system is fairly clunky; a phone order may be simplest during business hours.

Piper’s Grocery
901 Braden Ave.
Chariton, Iowa 50049
(800) 479-1343

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.

Beyond the rave-worthy food, we’ve consistently been impressed with the friendly and knowledgeable staff.  Located near the end of the pleasant Main Street shopping and dining district in Ames, Aunt Maude’s boasts top-notch food and service, all in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.  It’s well worth a lunch or dinner stop if you’re in the Ames area.

Aunt Maude’s
547 Main St.
Ames, IA 50010
(515) 233-4136
Official Website