Category Archives: Features

Features

Feature: Albert the Bull (Audubon, Iowa)

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Albert the Bull (Audubon, Iowa)

Last winter, Amanda and I made a short stop in Audubon, Iowa, to see Albert, the world’s largest bull.  There’s a certain charm to the storied 40-year-old statue, which is housed within a well-kept community park.  The paint job was pristine, with a pleasing brown and white color scheme and glowing blue eyes.

Located just a few miles north of Interstate 80 on Highway 71, it’s a quirky, fun stop that makes for a great photo backdrop for the kids or entire family.  In addition, if you’re looking to stretch your legs, it beats any highway rest stop and is guaranteed to be an enjoyable break from the monotony of driving.

Features

Feature: South Side Drugs (Ottumwa, Iowa)

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South Side Drugs (Ottumwa, Iowa)

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.

Features

Feature: Twin County Dairy (Kalona, Iowa)

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Twin County Dairy (Near Kalona, Iowa)

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.

Features

Feature: Button Factory Woodfire Grille (Muscatine, Iowa)

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Button Factory Woodfire Grille (Muscatine, Iowa)

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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Features

Feature: Musketeers Hockey (Sioux City, Iowa)

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Sioux City Musketeers Hockey (Sioux City, Iowa)

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.