Megan Bannister, Author at Olio in Iowa

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.

July 26, 2019

There’s More to See in Iowa’s Madison County Than Its Covered Bridges

Disclosure: The Madison County Chamber of Commerce hosted my visit to Winterset, Iowa. However, all opinions are my own.

If you’ve heard of Madison County, Iowa, chances are it’s because of its covered bridges or the blockbuster film starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Sure, maybe you’re a big fan of John Wayne and know that this part of Iowa is also his birthplace and boyhood home.

But there’s so much more to do in Madison County than experience the iconic covered bridges. Continue Reading…

May 25, 2019

I’m Writing a Book! Introducing Vintage Supper Clubs of Iowa

Yes, you read that correctly! I’m writing a book called Vintage Supper Clubs of Iowa, which will be available in bookstores near you in 2020. I’m still pinching myself to make sure that this is actually happening, and while I know there’s lots of work ahead of me, I’m so excited.

When Arcadia Publishing reached out with an opportunity to collaborate on a book project, I jumped at the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream. Vintage Supper Clubs of Iowa will be part travelogue, part history of Iowa’s now-defunct supper clubs.

May 22, 2019

15 Fantastic Things to Do in Wichita, Kansas

Disclosure: Visit Wichita hosted my trip to Wichita, Kansas. However, all opinions are my own.

One of my favorite things about exploring the Midwest is that its destinations are often underestimated. There’s always the potential to be surprised, and what I discovered in Wichita, Kansas was no different.

To put it simply, Kansas’ largest city wowed me. Wichita reminded me a lot of my hometown of Des Moines—quietly cool and full of incredible places to eat, things to do, and unexpected gems for a city its size. While some may remark that there’s nothing to do in Kansas, I would strongly urge you to look again. On this road trip alone I discovered inspiring public art, enjoyed one of my best meals of the year, opted for the road less traveled, and so much more.

Before you claim that there’s nothing to do in “flyover country,” take the time to look and discover these 15 fantastic things to do in Wichita, Kansas.