Olio in Iowa

10 Places to Eat and Drink in Mason City, Iowa

Disclosure: Visit Mason City hosted my time in Mason City. However, my opinions are my own.

Graphic including photos of three places to eat in Mason City, Iowa: Loose meat sandwich at Pro's Sandwich Shop, Dutch letter ice cream in a waffle cone at Birdsall's, and steak and Greek spaghetti at Northwestern Steakhouse

It’s no secret that there’s lots to see and do in northern Iowa. But you may be surprised to learn just how many delicious places there are to eat in Mason City, Iowa. In addition to a vibrant arts scene and amazing architectural history, Mason City has some truly iconic eateries.

Whether you’re looking for a craft brewery where you can enjoy a pint or a classic steakhouse with more than 100 years of culinary history, you won’t be disappointed. During my time in Mason City I had the opportunity to not only eat at a number of local restaurants but also had some time to get to know their owners. While their food is undoubtedly delicious, it’s the love of tradition and passion for their community that really sets Mason City eateries apart.

The next time you’re in the area, be sure to come hungry! From classic steakhouses and delis to Mexican restaurants and ice cream shops, there are tons of incredible places to eat in Mason City, Iowa.Continue Reading…

On the Road with Thirty Something Super Mom

Graphic reading "On the Road with Thirty Something Super Mom" with photo of a desert road in the background

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

Photo of Melissa Dixon, Founder of Thirty Something Super MomThis month I’m excited to introduce Melissa Dixon of Thirty Something Super Mom. Melissa is based near Cedar Rapids, Iowa and blogs about health, family lifestyle and travel. In addition to our mutual love for East Coast pizza, I appreciate Melissa’s enthusiasm for exploring the Midwest and beyond. In addition to recipes and home tips, she shares some great itinerary ideas for trips both with and without kids.

Without further ado, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Melissa. Continue reading to learn why she has always been a traveler, where she’s found the best pizza, and what destinations Melissa and her family are visiting in 2020.Continue Reading…

The 2020 Iowa Caucus Tourist’s Guide to Des Moines

Sugar cookie with white frosting and text reading "IOWA: For some reason you have to come here to be president" made by One Sweet Kitchen

If you don’t pay much attention to politics (or don’t live someplace where the presidential election cycle has been impossible to ignore for nearly a year), an Iowa caucus tourist guide might not make a lot of sense. Since early 2019 Iowa has been a hub for every 2020 presidential hopeful as well as the onslaught of staff, media, and national attention that comes with them.

Sure, it can be annoying to be delayed by a motorcade or stopped by security while trying to pick up lunch because a candidate happens to be dining at the same eatery. But the Iowa caucuses are also an amazing time to show my out-of-state friends (and everyone else) all our state has to offer—even in the dead of winter. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that we get cool write-ups in publications like POLITICO. Or that Ben and Jerry once hung out at a coffee shop a few blocks from my house.

With the 2020 Iowa caucuses swiftly approaching, there’s no better time to plan a politically-fueled trip to Iowa. If you happen to be passing through Des Moines during caucus season, I’ve compiled some of my favorite things to do in Iowa’s capital city as well as where you’re most likely to spot a candidate or two. As an Iowa caucus tourist there are lots of things to see and do—even if you can’t actually caucus.

But first, what even is a caucus? And why does Iowa get to vote first?Continue Reading…

On the Road with Everyday Wanderer

Graphic reading "On the Road with Everyday Wanderer" with photo of map in the background

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.

Photo of Sage Scott, founder of Everyday WandererThis 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.

Continue Reading…

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.

Graphic of three made-in-Iowa gifts including an Amana woolen blanket, Iowa Nice shirt and wood engraved cutting board

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…

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…

Olio in Iowa’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Olio in Iowa's 2019 Holiday Gift Guide is here. Each year, this guide includes dozens of travel inspired gifts for everyone on your list.

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…

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.

Three-image graphic about art in Mason City, Iowa featuring sculpture of beaver, hopscotch painting on sidewalk and entrance to Rancho Deluxe

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.

Continue Reading…

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

Graphic reading "World's Largest Things in North Dakota" with blue cloudy sky and brown bison known as Dakota Thunder, the World's Largest Buffalo, in Jamestown, 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…