Archive for the 'Eastern Iowa' category
With temperatures continuing to inch upward and summer drawing near, it’s a great time to take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator and check out the local shopping district that surrounds it in downtown Dubuque, Iowa.
At the top of the elevator is a nice observation deck, offering great views of downtown Dubuque and the neighboring states of Wisconsin and Illinois. The base of the elevator serves as an anchor to the Cable Car shopping district, which features a number of locally-owned shops, selling antiques, used books, pottery and much more.
The elevator has been labeled the “shortest, steepest scenic elevator in the world” and dates back to the late 1800s — though the current cars and gears were completely rebuilt in 1977. A couple of bucks will buy you a round trip pass (and charming ride) on the railroad, open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily between April and November.
Published May 31st, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Places |
A few months ago, my wife and I went with a friend to see The Final Season, a movie based on the extraordinary success of the high school baseball team in Norway, Iowa. While the movie itself wasn’t memorable, the theatre we saw it in was.
Instead of seeing the movie in one of the cookie-cutter megaplexes in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City, we opted to go to the cozy, single-screen Bijou Movie Theater, located in downtown Mount Vernon.
The lobby is small, featuring a counter where tickets and treats can be purchased all at once. Prices for popcorn and drinks are modest, and half-price refills make the concessions even more appealing. The owners encourage recycling, so you can even bring in your own containers to be filled for a discount.
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Published January 28th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Entertainment, Places |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
If you’re looking for a quality steak, one of the best Southeastern Iowa destinations is Bogie’s Steak House.
My wife and I almost always order the extraordinarily tasty steak sandwiches, along with a baked potato and can of Coke. For an extra couple bucks, you can take a plate through their reasonably-well-stocked salad bar.
Even though I have always enjoyed dining at Bogie’s, I’m obliged to note it isn’t for everyone – vegetarians would have minimal choices and the atmosphere leaves something to be desired if you’re on a romantic date. Nonetheless, for hearty home-cooked meals, a trip to this Albia, Iowa, eatery is highly recommended.
Published September 7th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
My wife and I really like corn nuggets, and the English Valley Malt Shop in North English, Iowa, is one of the best places to get them. In addition, this little restaurant serves other fryer food and sandwiches, along with a variety of ice cream creations at reasonable prices.
My favorite part of the dining experience, however, is the atmosphere. While the booths and tables are nothing special, a strong sense of community prevails when you enter the restaurant. Students are working behind the counter, local memorabilia appears on the wall, and a bookshelf contains a bevy of high school yearbooks to peruse.
Anyway, the malt shop is just a short drive off I-80 and worth a stop – especially if you haven’t tried corn nuggets!
Published August 29th, 2007 |
Brian McMillin |
Eastern Iowa, Food, Places |
