Megan Bannister, Author at Olio in Iowa

April 6, 2018

Build Your Bucket List With 100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die

Over the years I’ve spent a good amount of time across the Nebraska border in Omaha for work. But it wasn’t until recently that I started exploring all of the fun things the city has to offer. Now with a new book titled 100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die I have even more places to add to my must-visit list.

Written by Tim and Lisa Trudell of The Walking Tourists, this new book gives a delightful glimpse into the epic eateries, charming cultural attractions, and heaps of historical locations Omaha has to offer.Continue Reading…

February 14, 2018

Sips: Northleaf Winery in Milton, Wisconsin

Disclosure: The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Wisconsin and my visit to Northleaf Winery. However, all opinions are my own.

When I travel one of my favorite ways to get to know a new community is by visiting its breweries and wineries. There’s no better way to become immediately immersed in the atmosphere of a new place than by bellying up to the bar to sample something made locally. Northleaf Winery in Milton, Wisconsin is no different.Continue Reading…

February 12, 2018

One Fine Day in Beloit, Wisconsin

One Fine Day is a series inspired by my favorite now-defunct Chicago Tribune column of the same title. The posts in this series are short, sweet, sometimes themed, and always a charming snapshot of a city.

Water running over the dam near Beckman Mill in Beloit, Wisconsin

Wisconsin has always been one of my favorite states. No matter how far I travel, I’ve been hard-pressed to find a place with friendlier people, more beautiful outdoor spaces, and a deeper appreciation for cheese. In those respects, Beloit, Wisconsin is no exception.

This one-day itinerary shares some of my favorite places to eat, drink, and explore around Beloit, Wisconsin.Continue Reading…

February 9, 2018

Discover the World’s Largest Collection of Angels at Beloit’s Angel Museum

I like to say that I’ve never met an offbeat museum I didn’t like, and the Angel Museum in Beloit, Wisconsin is no exception.

Stepping through the doors of the museum into the former St. Paul’s Catholic Church, it’s easy to see that this space is special. In fact, it seems only fitting that what saved this historic building from demolition was thousands of angels.

February 7, 2018

Beloit Bites: 5 Fantastic Places to Eat in This Southern Wisconsin Town

Disclosure: Visit Beloit hosted my trip to Beloit, WI, and my meals at the restaurants mentioned below. However, all opinions are my own.

Welcome to Wisconsin—the land of beer, cheese, and supper clubs! During my visit I embraced what many would consider to be true Wisconsin favorites like prime rib and cheese curds. But I was also surprised to discover the variety of places to eat in Beloit, Wisconsin.

While all of the state’s staples were present, many of the places I visited also put their own creative spin on fan favorites. On this trip I dipped my cheese curds in beet ketchup, and sampled the Badger State’s version of a Juicy Lucy. When it comes to finding delicious places to eat in Beloit, Wisconsin, I discovered that you certainly won’t be disappointed.

From hearty breakfast options locals swear by to fresh, innovative eateries, you won’t want to miss these five spots to grab a bite in the Beloit area.Continue Reading…

February 5, 2018

Learning About Wisconsin’s Effigy Mounds at Beloit College

Disclosure: Visit Beloit hosted my trip to Beloit, Wisconsin and my visit to Beloit College. However, all opinions are my own.

One thing many people don’t know about me is that I was an anthropology major in college. While my university’s methodology was more of a social and cultural practice than archaeological, it’s something I’ve always had an interest in. So when I heard about the effigy mounds at Beloit College I was eager to learn more.Continue Reading…

February 2, 2018

The Wisconsin Supper Club: A Midwest Dining Tradition

Disclosure: Visit Beloit and the Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Wisconsin and dinner at the restaurants included below. However, all opinions are my own.

If you’re not from the upper Midwest, chances are you may not have heard of a supper club. While the name gives some indication of what you’re in for—a club where you eat, you guessed it, supper—these unique eateries are attractions in and of themselves. But across the Midwest, nowhere does it better than a Wisconsin supper club.

These vintage restaurants are as full of delicious comfort food as they are kitschy charm. Known for their hearty portions, stiff drinks, and retro decor, supper clubs are a delightful blast from the past.

January 10, 2018

Step Back in Time with a Visit to Historic Macktown

Disclosure: Visit Beloit hosted my trip to Beloit and visit to Macktown Living History Education Center. However, all opinions are my own.

On a beautiful autumn afternoon, I headed south from Beloit, Wisconsin, across the border back into Illinois to experience a unique piece of the region’s history. On a wooded plot of land overlooking the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers, the historic Macktown settlement is nothing short of a living, breathing time capsule.

While Native Americans lived on the land as early as 8,000 years ago, Macktown is recognized as the first settlement in Illinois’ Winnebago County. Early settlers inhabited the community originally known as Pecatonic from about 1834 until 1850. Even though Stephen Mack founded the community more than 180 years old, it’s easy to imagine early settlers inhabiting this sprawling plot of land.Continue Reading…

January 8, 2018

Enjoy a Cozy Stay at the Ironworks Hotel in Beloit, WI

Disclosure: Visit Beloit hosted my trip to Beloit and my stay at the Ironworks Hotel. However, all opinions are my own.

When it comes to finding a place to stay while traveling, we can be a little all over the map. From budget options to boutique hotels and Airbnbs to bed and breakfasts, we typically end up booking a variety of lodging options. But the one thing I can’t resist is a hotel with a unique backstory or interesting history. In Beloit, Wisconsin, that place is the Ironworks Hotel.

This luxury boutique hotel is conveniently located in downtown Beloit along the banks of the Rock River. With a stunning brick exterior and industrial iron accents, the hotel is a beautiful homage the city’s past coupled with a strong vision for its future.

December 29, 2017

Olio in Iowa’s 2018 Travel Bucket List

It’s taken me a few years to realize that I don’t have the best track record when it comes to completing my annual travel bucket list. Inevitably other plans get in the way and I don’t end up making it to the places I set out to visit.

But nevertheless, I love the process of creating travel goals for the new year. It’s exciting to create a list of places to explore in the coming months and (at least this year) a fantastic way to force me to plan out my year a bit earlier.

When it comes to my 2018 travel, I’ve already got quite a few big trips on the calendar. From Iowa adventures to exploring more Midwest, there are lots of new places I’m looking forward to visiting in 2018.Continue Reading…