All posts by Brian McMillin

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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Features

Feature: Zeno’s Pizza (Marshalltown, Iowa)

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Zeno's Restaurant (Marshalltown, Iowa)

Located in the heart of Marshalltown, Iowa, is Zeno’s Pizza, an established restaurant serving well-prepared, thin crust pizza at a reasonable price.  Zeno’s keeps things simple with their menu, featuring garlic bread and lettuce salads as the only options besides their classic pizza pies.

When ordering, choose from a handful of specialty pizzas (including an intriguing bacon-sauerkraut option), or opt to build your own pizza from a number of standard toppings.  The pizza begins with a thin, perfectly crispy crust, followed by a layer of tomato sauce, your choice of toppings, and an ample amount of cheese.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere satisfies the “old-fashioned pizza house” requirements, complete with textured mustard-yellow walls and padded wooden booths.  We found the wait-staff to be incredibly friendly and efficient, turning around the salad, pizza, and refills in an extraordinarily prompt manner.  If you’re in the Marshalltown area, Zeno’s is a worthy dinner destination.

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Features

Feature: Stejskal Florists (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

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Stejskal Florists (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

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.

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Features

Feature: Riverbend Pizza and Steakhouse (Keosauqua, Iowa)

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Riverbend Pizza and Steak House (Keosauqua, Iowa)

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.

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