Megan Bannister, Author at Olio in Iowa

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.

May 20, 2019

5 Ways to Experience the Unique History of Wichita, Kansas

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

When it comes to visiting somewhere new, I can be a bit of a history nerd. I love learning about how communities came to be and discovering their quirkier details. Like so many other cities across the Midwest, the history of Wichita, Kansas did not disappoint.

During my time in Wichita, I was so impressed not only by the quality of the city’s museums but also by their variety. From institutions recognizing the contributions of African American and Native American communities to a museum dedicated to two men’s passion for pizza, Wichita truly has something for everyone.

Everywhere I went, locals were gracious with their time and excited to share their stories. Really, I shouldn’t have been surprised after experiencing the city’s public art scene or phenomenal culinary creations.

Maybe historic sites and museums aren’t usually your cup of tea. But when it comes to Wichita, I can’t encourage you enough to step outside your comfort zone. This community has so much to offer and I can’t wait to share everything I discovered with you. The next time you visit, don’t miss these five ways to experience the unique history of Wichita, Kansas.Continue Reading…

May 11, 2019

Experience Des Moines in a New Way with the Iowa Tour Company

Disclosure: I attended the Iowa Tour Company‘s Ingersoll Food Tour free of charge as part of the company’s launch. However, all opinions are my own.

One of my favorite ways to experience a new community is through its food. And that’s just as true when I’m at home. We spend a fair amount of time trying new restaurants (and, let’s be honest, frequenting our favorites) around the Des Moines metro. But there are still places I’ve yet to visit.

Recently the Iowa Tour Company offered the perfect excuse to play tourist and I jumped at the chance to see my city in a new light. Continue Reading…

April 22, 2019

Why I Stopped Blogging — And How I Started Again

Oh, hi. You may have noticed that it’s been a little quiet around here.

In January my blog had its best, biggest month ever. My page views and engagement surpassed numbers that I had truly only dreamed about. All sorts of exciting opportunities were on the horizon. It seemed like things were going great.

Except that they weren’t.

December 31, 2018

Olio in Iowa’s Best of 2018

2018 held some pretty big adventures! Read the most popular posts from Olio in Iowa's last year.

Maybe it’s the fact that my birthday also falls around the New Year, but I always enjoy taking time to reflect and look back on all I’ve accomplished in the previous 12 months. While I didn’t travel as much in 2018 as I did other years, I still had some memorable adventures.

I spent a week in Las Vegas, explored new corners of Iowa, and took a fantastic road trip around Kansas. Our year also included some less exciting adventures like having home mold remediation done (twice) and living in a hotel for weeks. But those are stories for another time.

In 2018, all of you really enjoyed posts about food (message received), and loved content that came with a dash of the unexpected. As always, I’m so thankful for your choice to support my adventures and the places I visit by continuing to read. So, without further ado, I hope you enjoy revisiting Olio in Iowa’s best of 2018.