Megan Bannister, Author at Olio in Iowa

January 17, 2020

On the Road with Everyday Wanderer

On the Road is a new series that highlights travel writers and influencers who also love road trips. Each month you’ll learn from another traveler’s tips, tricks, adventures (and misadventures) on the road, and more.

This month I’m excited to introduce you to Sage Scott of Everyday Wanderer. Sage is based in Kansas City and blogs about travel in the U.S. and Europe. One of the things I love most about Sage’s content is how relatable and accessible all of her travel recommendations and experiences are. She delves deep into some unique topics—like where to find the best fried chicken in the Midwest—and shares my soft spot for offbeat roadside attractions.

Without further ado, learn how Sage plans a road trip, discover the best travel tips she’s learned along the way, and get a peek at some of the adventures she shares on Everyday Wanderer.

December 3, 2019

2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Made in Iowa Gifts

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! In the coming days I’ll be sharing Olio in Iowa’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide for every type of traveler on your holiday list. From the frequent jetsetter to the lover of all things local, I’ve compiled some of my favorite items so you can give a little bit of adventure to everyone on your list this holiday season.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Travel Iowa. However, all opinions are my own.

In my opinion, there’s no better way to embrace the spirit of the season than to support an Iowa-based maker. When I travel, I make a point to eat a local restaurants and support small businesses in the communities I visit. When I’m home in Des Moines I do the same. So it should come as no surprise to learn that I love to shop small during the holiday season.

This year I’m excited to team up with Travel Iowa to share some of my favorite items from their 2019 Made-in-Iowa Holiday Gift Guide. The guide highlights a variety of products from seven shops across the state that specialize in everything from homemade foods to artisan jewelry and home decor items.

To celebrate some of my favorite Iowa makers, I’ve selected a few of my favorite items from this year’s Travel Iowa guide perfect for your favorite Midwesterner or lover of all things local.Continue Reading…

November 27, 2019

The Best Places to Shop for Gifts in Des Moines

There are so many incredible small businesses to support in our community! No matter the occasion, you're sure to find the perfect present with this collection of places to buy gifts in Des Moines, Iowa.

We’ve all been there. You need a gift for someone, but don’t know where to turn. Instead of heading to Target or ordering something off of Amazon, why not take the time to support a small business and shop for your gifts in Des Moines? I promise it’s a no brainer once you have a list of places to go. And now that I’ve put this handy guide together, it’ll be even easier.

Sure, it’s great to shop small during the holiday season. But it’s even better to support businesses in our community year-round. No matter the occasion, there are so many incredible shops and small businesses you can support by buying gifts in Des Moines. If you’ve ever wondered where to find the perfect gift in and around the metro, look no further. These local shops have unique items for every occasion and gift recipient.Continue Reading…

November 18, 2019

Olio in Iowa’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide

Another approaching holiday season means it’s time for Olio in Iowa’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide! Every year, I have a blast putting together lists of travel-inspired gifts perfect for everyone you’re shopping for this holiday season.

Whether your favorite traveler spends most of the year on the road or only takes a few short trips, the holidays are the perfect time to add a little adventure to their life. These potential gifts all made the cut for their ability to make travelers’ lives easier, more enjoyable, or because they seemed just plain fun. I’m also excited to share some of my favorite made-in-Iowa gift options in partnership with Travel Iowa, and a selection of my favorite shops in Des Moines where you can find great gifts year-round.Continue Reading…

October 21, 2019

Why the Chester Minima is My New Go-To Travel Bag

Disclosure: Chester was generous enough to send me their Minima Carry-On Spinner Suitcase in exchange for my review. However, all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission (thank you!) when you shop at no added cost to you.

For the past almost 10 years I’ve been using a hard shell suitcase that I bought for €10 before I left Barcelona. In the months I spent there I had understandably acquired more than I’d arrived with and needed another bag to help me get home. This cheap but trusty suitcase came to me from the Spanish equivalent of the dollar store. Since then it had been hanging on by a whisper and a prayer. Until earlier this summer when both (seriously, both) handles promptly snapped in half as I attempted to carry it up the steep stairs of my Airbnb.

Suffice it to say, I discovered Chester at exactly the right time. Continue Reading…

September 29, 2019

4 Ways to Experience Art in Mason City, Iowa

Disclosure: Visit Mason City graciously hosted my time in Mason City, Iowa. However, all of my opinions are my own.

Rural Iowa may not immediately come to mind when conjuring images of communities that embrace the arts. But Mason City, Iowa is out to prove that assumption wrong.

During my recent road trip north, I discovered that not only does this community have incredible architecture and delicious places to eat (more on that later), but there is an incredible amount of art in Mason City. From formal museums to quirky folk art installations and everything in between, this city is full of unexpected creative outlets. Over and over again, I encountered the arts everywhere I went in Mason City.

So the next time you’re looking for a creative retreat, consider heading to north-central Iowa. There you’ll discover all of the unique ways Mason City embraces the arts.

September 20, 2019

Plan Your Big Adventure to the World’s Largest Things in North Dakota

It’s no secret that I love “world’s largest” things. So it should come as no surprise that North Dakota quickly stole my heart with all of its quirky attractions. I had visited this northern Midwest state a number of times but it wasn’t until earlier this summer that I discovered the large number of world’s largest things in North Dakota.

From massive mammals to enormous avians, there are all sorts of world’s largest things in North Dakota. I love the giddy excitement and sense of wonder that these large-scale attractions inspire. But behind each of them is an interesting story—stories that I’m excited to be able to share with you.

Looking for something to liven up your drive across the Roughrider state? You won’t want to miss experiencing the unique attractions that make up the “world’s largest” things in North Dakota.Continue Reading…

August 25, 2019

10 Reasons You Need to Plan a Stay at Thistle’s Summit in Mount Vernon, Iowa

If bed and breakfasts conjure images of lace doilies and dusty antiques, I’m going to urge you to think again. Because the experience at Thistle’s Summit in Mount Vernon, Iowa is anything but stuffy.

When my friend Marti moved from Des Moines to pursue her dreams of opening a queer bed and breakfast in the artsy community of Mount Vernon, I was thrilled. She and her partner, Ash, are incredible community leaders with lots of talent to share. After months of home renovation and working through logistics, Marti and Ash are finally ready to welcome guests to Thistle’s Summit.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit them at their historic Victorian home twice now and can’t wait to get back to Mount Vernon again soon. Not only is the home they’ve built together a thing of beauty but the sense of community there has an almost magnetic pull.

Plus, at the bottom of this post, I’m excited to be collaborating with Thistle’s Summit on a fun giveaway! Enter below for the chance to win a tea time gift pack and discounted stay at this charming Iowa bed and breakfast.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway in Mount Vernon or simply passing through eastern Iowa, you won’t want to miss the top 10 reasons you need to book a stay at Thistle’s Summit ASAP.

August 6, 2019

Nothing Compares: The Ultimate Guide to the Iowa State Fair

Before I moved to Des Moines, I had never been to a state fair before. Sure, I grew up just one state east in Illinois, but we lived close enough to the city that agricultural contests and friends in 4-H were never part of my reality. Then I relocated to Iowa and was introduced to the Iowa State Fair.Continue Reading…

August 5, 2019

Plan a Larger-Than-Life Road Trip Along North Dakota’s Enchanted Highway

Roadside attractions and “world’s largest” things are my true travel loves. Both are at the heart of why I started Olio in Iowa in the first place. So when I first learned about the Enchanted Highway a few years ago, it’s safe to say that my hear skipped a beat.

Located in western North Dakota, these larger-than-life roadside attractions span a 32-mile stretch of highway and are truly a sight to behold. Built over the past 20 years by local artist Gary Greff, this collection of scrap metal sculptures draws thousands of visitors to rural North Dakota each year.

Whether you’re road tripping through North Dakota or making this whimsical stretch of road your final destination, the Enchanted Highway is well worth a drive. But when I started to plan my own trip, I couldn’t find much information online. So I’ve turned my experience into a helpful guide so you can learn everything you need to know before hitting the road.