Category Archives: Features

Features

Feature: Piper’s Groceries (Chariton, Iowa)

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Piper's Groceries (Chariton, Iowa)

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.

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Features

Feature: Aunt Maude’s (Ames, Iowa)

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Aunt Maude's (Ames, Iowa)

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.

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Features

Feature: Sub City (Marshalltown, Iowa)

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Sub City (Marshalltown, Iowa)

Across from the courthouse in downtown Marshalltown, Iowa, is Sub City – an independently-owned sub shop serving big sandwiches at small prices.  When you enter, you’ll find a large framed menu on the east wall listing all 30 sub possibilities, composed of various meats and cheeses.  Each is available on wheat or white bread, in either whole (foot-long) or half length.

What sets Sub City apart from its chain-store competitors is your meat and cheese is cut specifically for your sub order.  The standard “works” New Jersey-style set of toppings is recommended (tomato, lettuce, onion, oregano, salt, pepper, oil and vinegar), especially for your first visit, but feel free to customize your sub from their extensive list of extras.

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Features

Feature: Swinging Bridge (Columbus Junction, Iowa)

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Swinging Bridge (Columbus Junction, Iowa)

On Highway 92 just within the city limits of Columbus Junction, Iowa, is an unassuming blue sign labeled “Swinging Bridge” with an arrow pointing north.  This fun and quick attraction was originally constructed in 1886 and then rebuilt in 1904 and 1922.  Now nearly 90 years old, there’s no doubt many kids, teens, and families have enjoyed the trip across this 262 feet long bridge.

When you visit, park your car on the side of the road, and be sure to read the marker at the east end of the bridge.  You’ll learn the bridge was originally constructed from barrel staves and wire, and the collapse of the second bridge in 1920.  Finally, grab your camera when you venture across the bridge and snap some photos (or take some video) as you venture across this entertaining, wobbly bridge.

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Features, Movie Theatres

Feature: Windsor Theatre (Hampton, Iowa)

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Windsor Theatre (Hampton, Iowa)

Though Iowa is home to many one-screen movie theatres, few have a more compelling story than the Windsor Theatre in Hampton, Iowa.  Located on the northwest corner of Hampton’s picturesque courthouse, the theatre plays first-run movies nightly, with extra shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Windsor Theatre was constructed in 1913 and in continuous operation through May 1996.  When the theatre ceased operation, the community took action.  A group of students and adults banded together to form a non-profit organization dedicated to reopening the theatre.  Over a quarter-million dollars was invested to purchase and renovate the facility, which re-opened in mid-1999.

The beautifully-remodeled theatre features a large screen, plush seating, and sound and picture far superior to most small Iowa theatres.  Arrive a few minutes early to peruse the cozy lobby and grab a glass of soda and bag of popcorn to enjoy during the film.  Movie tickets are $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for youth; seniors may want to check out the Sunday matinees for the $2.00 special.

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