Megan Bannister, Author at Olio in Iowa

September 3, 2018

5 Reasons to Plan a Weekend Getaway to Sioux Falls

While I love spending time in big cities, smaller towns have always tugged at my heartstrings. Discovering the mixture of local classics and new small businesses, exploring the historic architecture given new life, and experiencing the enthusiasm locals have for their hometown all keep me energized to continue taking the backroads. Recently, my boyfriend Josh and I spent the weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and were delighted to find a community full of reasons to return again soon.

The Midwest is full of mid-sized cities just waiting to be explored, and Sioux Falls is one of the best! We’ve visited twice now, and each time have been delighted with the beautiful outdoor spaces, delicious restaurants, and priority placed on public art.

In just a few short visits, I realized that Sioux Falls has quickly becoming one of my favorite small Midwestern cities. Located in the southeast corner of the state, South Dakota’s largest city has something for every type of visitor. From its surprising walkability and gorgeous outdoor spaces to its burgeoning arts scene and vibrant local history, there’s a lot to love about Sioux Falls.

Still not convinced? Discover my top five reasons you need to plan a weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.Continue Reading…

August 13, 2018

Plan an Outdoor Adventure to the Morton Arboretum Troll Hunt

Trolls have taken up residence in Lisle, Illinois to champion the trees! These gentle yet mischievous giants are hiding in one of the city’s most beautiful natural areas, but you can find them for yourself. The Morton Arboretum Troll Hunt is the perfect way to opt outside and enjoy the beauty of nature.

These six giant sculptures, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, resemble the trolls of traditional European folklore. You can find them tucked amongst the trees of Morton Arboretum, protecting the forest and causing occasional antics, through the end of the year.

Last month, I spent an afternoon wandering the arboretum with my family and experiencing this incredible installation. Before you head to Morton Arboretum, learn a bit about the trolls, read my tips for troll hunting success, and plan your visit.

July 11, 2018

5 Things I Discovered Searching for Iowa’s Hidden Shopping Gems

Disclosure: I explored a variety of shops and occasional markets across the state as part of paid freelance assignments for Travel Iowa featuring Iowa’s hidden shopping gems. However, all opinions are my own.

Earlier this year, my friends at Travel Iowa reached out to ask if I would be interested in searching the state for Iowa’s hidden shopping gems. Of course I said yes immediately, and started planning my retail road trips.

Through the occasional markets I attended and small stores I popped into, I discovered some truly spectacular shopping experiences. From vendors selling handmade items of all kinds to occasionally overlooked shops in historic buildings, I found some new favorite places for a little retail therapy. Interested in seeing where I stopped along the way? Read about my retail adventures on Travel Iowa’s site below.

Read about my shopping experiences on Travel Iowa!

But through my research I also learned a few valuable lessons about building community and the people leading the charge in some of the state’s smallest communities. Discover some of the things I learned while searching for Iowa’s hidden shopping gems.Continue Reading…

June 1, 2018

One Fine Day in Janesville, Wisconsin

One Fine Day is a series inspired by my favorite now-defunct Chicago Tribune column of the same title. The posts in this series are short, sweet, sometimes themed, and always a charming snapshot of a city.

When it comes to planning the perfect day, I don’t need a lot to be happy. Strong coffee, good food, fresh air, and local history are usually enough for me. On a recent trip to Janesville, Wisconsin, I found a community that offers all of those things and more.

This one-day itinerary shares some of my favorite places to eat, drink, and explore around Janesville, Wisconsin.

May 30, 2018

Plan a Relaxing Afternoon at Janesville’s Rotary Botanical Gardens

Disclosure: The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Wisconsin and my visit to the Rotary Botanical Gardens. However, all opinions are my own.

I’ve always been surrounded by gardeners. My grandfather had and my mom has an impressively green thumb, and at least a little of it has rubbed off on me over the years. As an adult, I’m now taxed with trying to tame an unruly garden of my own. But, more often than not, I find that being surrounded by seedlings still relaxes me. So it’s no surprise that after a few days of traveling, the Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin was just the welcoming oasis I needed.

Even on a drizzly October day, the garden was a beautiful place to explore and unwind after a few hours on the road. I’ll admit that at first I was surprised by how much of the 20-acre garden was still in bloom so late in the season. But it didn’t take me long to discover how the gardens were still this beautiful in the late fall. The bright blooms are truly a testament to all of the hard work the staff and more than 550 volunteers put in to keep the gardens looking beautiful.Continue Reading…

May 25, 2018

Find Your Zen at Rockford’s Anderson Japanese Gardens

Disclosure: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Rockford, IL, and my visit to Anderson Japanese Gardens. However, all opinions are my own.

When I visited Rockford, Illinois last fall, I learned that the city is full of incredible outdoor spaces. From the riverside Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens to the rustic Rock Cut State Park, there are all sorts of places in Rockford to connect with nature, and Anderson Japanese Gardens is another of them. This serene space is the perfect place to step away from the stress of your day-to-day and find some peace.

The beautiful 12-acre garden is an incredible outdoor oasis tucked into one of the city’s residential neighborhoods. The traditional Japanese garden is the perfect place to reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy some solitude. The next time you’re in the Rockford region, take some time away to experience this truly tranquil outdoor space.

May 23, 2018

Three Ways to Experience the Unique History of Janesville, Wisconsin

Disclosure: The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my visit to Wisconsin and facilitated some of the experiences referenced below. However, all opinions are my own.

Last fall I had the opportunity to spend some time Janesville, a beautiful, scenic community in southern Wisconsin. In addition to be home to some truly delicious dining options, the community also has a rich, storied past. From unique museums to engaging walking tours, there are lots of ways to experience the unique history of Janesville, Wisconsin.

Janesville was founded in 1835 along the banks of the Rock River, and much of its early history remains today. In fact, the community has more than 2,400 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That’s nearly 20 percent of all the historic buildings in the entire state of Wisconsin. If you like historic architecture and local lore, Janesville absolutely needs to be on your travel bucket list.

Continue reading to discover three unique ways you can experience the history of Janesville, Wisconsin on your next visit.

May 21, 2018

Experience the History of the Underground Railroad at the Milton House Museum

Disclosure: The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Wisconsin and my visit to the Milton House Museum. However, all opinions are my own.

About 20 minutes northeast of Janesville, Wisconsin, you’ll discover the small town of Milton. In addition to a fantastic winery and some beautiful historic houses, this community is also home to the Milton House Museum.

Built in 1845, this three-story hexagonal building was once a bustling stagecoach inn. But the Milton House Hotel’s influence extends far beyond its walls. Similarly, the hotel’s founders, the Goodrich family, had a huge impact on the growth of this progressive Wisconsin community.

Over the years, the hotel has welcomed hundreds of guests, many passing through the area on their way from Chicago to Madison. But the Milton House Hotel also served a different clientele. For many years, the hotel’s founder Joseph Goodrich made helping fugitive slaves escape to Canada on the Underground Railroad an essential part of his work.Continue Reading…

May 18, 2018

Four Fabulous Places to Eat in Janesville, Wisconsin

Disclosure: The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Wisconsin and my meals at some of the restaurants below. However, all opinions are my own.

If you know me, you know that food (and not feeling hangry) is one of my top priorities. So it should come as no surprise that food is an important part of many of my travel experiences. In fact, sometimes the places I eat along the way are some of the most memorable parts of a trip. On a recent road trip through Illinois and Wisconsin, I was delighted to find some truly memorable places to eat in Janesville, Wisconsin.

One of my favorite things about dining in this small community was the people I met along the way. At every turn, friendly servers and shopkeepers provided recommendations that went above and beyond my lunch order. Everyone I encountered was not only kind and helpful but also immensely proud of their community.

From true Wisconsin staples like cheese curds and supper clubs to innovative restaurants with seasonal selections, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Janesville. I was delighted to find some inspiring local eateries in Janesville, Wisconsin, and I think you will be, too. The next time you’re exploring southern Wisconsin and find your stomach growling, consider pulling over at one of these four fantastic establishments.Continue Reading…

May 16, 2018

Catch A Ride on a Coaster at Janesville’s Wisconsin Wagon Company

Disclosure: The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my visit to Wisconsin and my tour of Wisconsin Wagon Company. However, all opinions are my own.

When visiting a new community, I love to get to know the more unique aspects of its history. In Janesville, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Wagon Company holds a special place in the community’s heart and traditions.

What began as a classic carriage company continues to thrive as a successful small business. Today the company produces toys, novelty wine racks, and even a specialty wagon designed to transport tourists’ groceries and luggage. Continue Reading…