Megan Bannister, Author at Olio in Iowa

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.

December 20, 2018

Discover Adventure Off the Interstate in Two Lane Gems, Volume 2

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission (thank you!) when you shop at no added cost to you.

Bison near campsite in Badlands National Park

Photo Courtesy of Theresa Goodrich, Two Lane Gems

There’s nothing better than a good road trip. In fact, there are few things I love more than a loose itinerary and the possibility of the open road.

I first met Theresa Goodrich of The Local Tourist almost two years ago at a travel conference. Essentially as soon as we met, I knew that she was a kindred spirit. We quickly bonded over craft beer and a mutual love for roadside attractions. So when she embarked on two cross-country road trips in as many years with the end goal of writing books about her adventures, I knew I couldn’t wait to read them.

Two Lane Gems, Vol. 1: Turkeys Are Jerks and Other Observations from an American Road Trip came out late last year and chronicles Theresa’s adventures from Chicago to San Diego and back again with her husband, Jim. Now her second book, Two Lane Gems, Vol. 2: Bison Are Giant and Other Observations from an American Road Trip is being released and I was lucky enough to snag an early digital copy.Continue Reading…

December 17, 2018

12 Terrific Places to Eat in Wichita, Kansas

Disclosure: Visit Wichita hosted my trip to Wichita, Kansas, and paid for my meals at some of the places listed below. However, all opinions are my own.

Some cities are known as foodie cities. But you might not expect to find small batch coffee roasters, craft breweries, and world-class restaurants in the middle of Kansas. Then again, if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ve probably realized that I love a good hidden gem. So it should come as no surprise to hear that there are tons of incredible place to eat in Wichita, Kansas.

Over the course of my travels, I’ve visited some truly delicious places. But Wichita has an entirely different culinary vibe. From an urban chop shop to a bakery offering late night desserts and hand pies, everywhere I went people were immensely friendly and proud to share the stories of their community. In my experience, that’s Wichita—passionate, hardworking, and creative.

In my experience, those traits absolutely translate to the city’s culinary scene, leaving a bevy of options for every type of traveler to enjoy. The next time you’re in town, grab a bite at one (or more) of these 12 terrific places to eat in Wichita, Kansas.

Plus, I’ve created a free digital download so you can keep track of all of your favorite Wichita eats!Continue Reading…

November 21, 2018

10 Things to Do in Abilene, Kansas

Disclosure: Visit Abilene, Kansas and Travel Kansas hosted my visit to Abilene. However, all opinions are my own.

When I’m planning to visit a new place, I love to leave a bit of my trip up to chance. Sure, I will always be an over zealous planner. But I also like to build some time into my schedule to explore, follow through on recommendations from locals, and be surprised by my surroundings. Had I not planned some of that time into a recent road trip, I would have never discovered that there are so many amazing things to do in Abilene, Kansas.

If you’re looking for lots of local history and heaps of small town charm, you won’t want to miss this Kansas community. The next time you’re in the area, check out one (or five) of these 10 things to do in Abilene, Kansas.Continue Reading…

November 19, 2018

5 Ways to Experience the History of Abilene, Kansas

Disclosure: Visit Abilene, Kansas and Travel Kansas hosted my visit to Abilene. However, all opinions are my own.

For a town of less than 7,000 people, Abilene, Kansas has some seriously big local history. From a presidential library and museum to more than 40 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, there’s a historic site for every sort of traveler in this Kansas community.

Established in 1857, Abilene became an early stagecoach stop on the Kansas frontier. A decade later, the Union Pacific Railroad barreled across the Kansas plains passing through Abilene. Around the same time, large stockyards were established north and east of the city. Both of these things perfectly positioned Abilene to be the first “cow town” of the west. Abilene’s growth was accelerated even further when the Chisholm Trail ended in town from 1867 to 1871. Along with hundreds of thousands of cattle, this brought all sorts of travelers to Abilene and made the Kansas community one of the wildest towns in the west.

Today Abilene is a little less wild. But no less worth visiting. This Kansas community is full of interesting stories, passionate locals, and destinations worth the trip. The next time you’re in the area, take some time to discover five unique ways to experience the history of Abilene, Kansas.Continue Reading…