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.

Windsor Theatre
103 N Federal St
Hampton, IA 50441
(641) 456-4389
Official Website

Much like the Midwestern chain restaurant of similar name, the Jes-Rite Sandwich Shop in Fairfield, Iowa, specializes in loose-meat hamburgers.  With a menu that also includes tenderloins, chicken strips, and fries, at first glance it may seem like just another run-of-the-mill greasy spoon.

Yet, there’s a charm at Jes-Rite that’s not always found at local restaurants and is especially devoid at most chains.  At the counter, the wait staff is particularly helpful and courteous when taking your order.  And, while you’re waiting for the food to be brought to your table, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with one of the friendly townspeople.

While the atmosphere stands out, the Jes-Rite sandwich is the main attraction.  It ranks with those served at Canteen Lunch in Ottumwa, which I have referred to previously as the best sandwiches ever.  Supplement your sandwich with from-the-freezer deep-fried favorites, like their corn nuggets and mushrooms.  Top off your meal with a piece of their homemade pie.

Located in an unassuming building just north of the Fairfield town square, you won’t want to miss the Jes-Rite Sandwich Shop if you’re traveling in southeast Iowa.

Jes-Rite Sandwich Shop
115 N. Court
Fairfield, Iowa 52556
(641) 469-5444

Once bustling with many shops and businesses, Martinsburg, Nebraksa, has suffered the fate of many small communities.  The town mill closed in the 1920s. The dance hall where Lawrence Welk’s big band performed was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt.  The school was consolidated, and the post office left the town in the 1980s.

While the population’s dwindled and stores have closed, there’s still one major attraction in the northeast Nebraska community.  It’s Bob’s Bar, a popular gathering place serving locals and out-of-towners alike.  The bar features huge hamburgers, tenderloins, and giant portions of greasy (but extremely tasty) appetizers.

You’ll find all menu items are sized for splitting.  For starters, choose from onion chips, french fries, or cheeseballs.  They’re piled high on large plates and will easily serve 2 or more diners.  The burgers are twice the size of the buns, and served with a decent helping of pickles and onions.  Sauces for your meal are in ample supply, with large, squeezable bottles of ketchup, mustard and ranch brought to your table in old cardboard beer cartons.

While the atmopshere is typical of any Midwestern hole-in-the-wall, the wait staff is friendly and efficient, and it’s likely you’ll strike up a pleasant conversation with some of the bar’s regular visitors.  The grill is open seven days a week, and is well worth a stop for any burger fans in the area.

Bob’s Bar
5205 Main St
Ponca, NE 68770
(402) 945-2995

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, there’s no better place to turn for flowers than Stejskal Florists in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They’ll cheerfully answer your questions and provide useful tips and recommendations, whether you’re purchasing a single wrapped rose or a giant bouquet.  Their top-notch customer service is complemented by the consistently excellent quality of flower arrangements they sell.  As a regular customer when I lived in eastern Iowa, I was never once disappointed with my purchase.

You may pay a little more for your arrangements than you would at a big box store, but the difference in quality outweighs any difference in price.  Plus, by shopping at Stejskal’s, you’ll be supporting a family-owned business that has been part of the Cedar Rapids community for over 60 years.  Located in a bright pink building near the intersection of Wilson and Bowling Avenues, it’s a hard place to miss – and one you won’t want to miss anytime you’re buying flowers.

Stejskal Florists, Inc.
2316 Bowling Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 365-2643

There are times when nothing sounds more tasty than a simple, well-prepared steak: a thick-cut, juicy piece of meat without the fancy marinades, seasonings or sauces.  If so, your taste buds can be satisfied with a stop at Piccolo Pete’s, an old-fashioned Omaha steakhouse that has been in business for over 75 years.

Meals are served with a traditional set of sides.  The main course is preceded by bread and real butter, along with a shredded lettuce salad served with your choice of thick, but flavorful dressing.  Our bacon-wrapped steaks were complemented by a hot baked potato and small serving of the featured vegetable.

The steaks stand out and the service shines at this traditional Omaha establishment.  If you’re in the area, Piccolo Pete’s is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday.

Piccolo Pete’s
2202 South 20th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68108
(402) 342-9038
Official Website

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.

The downtown dining highlight in Keosauqua is Riverbend Pizza and Steakhouse, a traditional local restaurant serving classic comfort food. While other reviewers have referenced the homemade pizza and hand-breaded tenderloins, the lasagna special receives high marks from me. It’s an unpretentious dish made with traditional lasagna ingredients and topped with a perfect amount of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.

The atmosphere is plain, but comfortable, and the wait staff is friendly and efficient. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite for lunch or a destination dinner, Riverbend Pizza and Steakhouse is a great choice.

Riverbend Pizza and Steakhouse
603 First Street
Keosauqua, Iowa 52565
(319) 293-9900

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.

You can opt to sit with family or friends in one of several wooden booths, or take a seat at the counter near the back of the store.  Beyond the food items, Stoner Drug has an impressive selection of cards and gifts, and is well worth the stop if you’re in the area.

Stoner Drug
1105 Main Street
Hamburg, Iowa 51640
(712) 382-2551

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.

Beyond drinks and dessert, a variety of sandwiches are available, including ham, tuna and chicken salad – all of which are served on toasted white or wheat bread with a side of chips.  In addition, guests can enjoy a liverwurst and cheese sandwich or a number of microwaved canned soups.

Whether you’re looking for a soda, malt, or even a full lunch, the Penn Drug Co. is worth the 15-minute drive off the interstate.  Be sure to take a few minutes to walk around the town square, anchored by an historic courthouse constructed in 1889.

Penn Drug Co.
714 Illinois St.
Sidney, Iowa 51652
(712) 374-2513

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.

The Buckaroo
317 Wheelock Street
Hudson, South Dakota 57034
(605) 984-2832
Official Website

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.

As a final note, The Pit is a bar and also the first place we’ve profiled without a non-smoking section. Thus, you may wish to pickup your pizza to go and may do so by calling The Pit any Tuesday night.

The Pit
101 Ohio Street
Wakonda, South Dakota 57073
(605) 267-2551