Megan Bannister, Author at Olio in Iowa

November 12, 2018

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Jetsetter

Joy to the world! This week I’ll be sharing Olio in Iowa’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for every type of traveler on your holiday list. From the lover of all things local to the outdoor enthusiast, 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 contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission (thank you!) when you shop at no added cost to you.

For your favorite jetsetter, there’s no such thing as too many accessories. These friends are always the ones who have the newest restaurant recommendations, the cutest outfits, and the coolest tech toys. While I’m more comfortable on the open road, you can usually find them buzzing through the TSA Pre✓ line. These gifts for the jetsetter in your life will help make their next trip a memorable one, whether they’re traipsing the globe or exploring closer to home.Continue Reading…

November 11, 2018

Olio in Iowa’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Joy to the world! It’s time for Olio in Iowa’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide! Each year, I enjoy putting together lists of travel-inspired gifts perfect for everyone you’re shopping for this holiday season. Continue Reading…

October 15, 2018

Find Inspiration When You Explore Public Art in Wichita, Kansas

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

There were a lot things that unexpectedly delighted me on my recent trip to Wichita, Kansas. But the city’s blossoming arts scene was easily one of my favorite surprises. No matter what part of the city you’re in, everywhere you look, there is incredible public art in Wichita. From bronze sculptures to large-scale murals, there are all sorts of ways to appreciate art around the city.

Coffee in hand, I spent two mornings during my visit tracking down some of the city’s coolest murals and basking in these little bursts of inspiration around every turn. In the same way that I love roadside attractions for their unexpected nature, public art has a distinct power to surprise and delight. In a city passionate about public art, you never know what will be around the next corner or down the next alley.

The next time you need a dose of inspiration, explore one of these five unique places to discover public art in Wichita, Kansas.

September 3, 2018

5 Reasons to Plan a Weekend Getaway to Sioux Falls

While I love spending time in big cities, smaller towns have always tugged at my heartstrings. Discovering the mixture of local classics and new small businesses, exploring the historic architecture given new life, and experiencing the enthusiasm locals have for their hometown all keep me energized to continue taking the backroads. Recently, my boyfriend Josh and I spent the weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and were delighted to find a community full of reasons to return again soon.

The Midwest is full of mid-sized cities just waiting to be explored, and Sioux Falls is one of the best! We’ve visited twice now, and each time have been delighted with the beautiful outdoor spaces, delicious restaurants, and priority placed on public art.

In just a few short visits, I realized that Sioux Falls has quickly becoming one of my favorite small Midwestern cities. Located in the southeast corner of the state, South Dakota’s largest city has something for every type of visitor. From its surprising walkability and gorgeous outdoor spaces to its burgeoning arts scene and vibrant local history, there’s a lot to love about Sioux Falls.

Still not convinced? Discover my top five reasons you need to plan a weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.Continue Reading…

August 13, 2018

Plan an Outdoor Adventure to the Morton Arboretum Troll Hunt

Trolls have taken up residence in Lisle, Illinois to champion the trees! These gentle yet mischievous giants are hiding in one of the city’s most beautiful natural areas, but you can find them for yourself. The Morton Arboretum Troll Hunt is the perfect way to opt outside and enjoy the beauty of nature.

These six giant sculptures, created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, resemble the trolls of traditional European folklore. You can find them tucked amongst the trees of Morton Arboretum, protecting the forest and causing occasional antics, through the end of the year.

Last month, I spent an afternoon wandering the arboretum with my family and experiencing this incredible installation. Before you head to Morton Arboretum, learn a bit about the trolls, read my tips for troll hunting success, and plan your visit.

July 11, 2018

5 Things I Discovered Searching for Iowa’s Hidden Shopping Gems

Disclosure: I explored a variety of shops and occasional markets across the state as part of paid freelance assignments for Travel Iowa featuring Iowa’s hidden shopping gems. However, all opinions are my own.

Earlier this year, my friends at Travel Iowa reached out to ask if I would be interested in searching the state for Iowa’s hidden shopping gems. Of course I said yes immediately, and started planning my retail road trips.

Through the occasional markets I attended and small stores I popped into, I discovered some truly spectacular shopping experiences. From vendors selling handmade items of all kinds to occasionally overlooked shops in historic buildings, I found some new favorite places for a little retail therapy. Interested in seeing where I stopped along the way? Read about my retail adventures on Travel Iowa’s site below.

Read about my shopping experiences on Travel Iowa!

But through my research I also learned a few valuable lessons about building community and the people leading the charge in some of the state’s smallest communities. Discover some of the things I learned while searching for Iowa’s hidden shopping gems.Continue Reading…

June 1, 2018

One Fine Day in Janesville, 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.

When it comes to planning the perfect day, I don’t need a lot to be happy. Strong coffee, good food, fresh air, and local history are usually enough for me. On a recent trip to Janesville, Wisconsin, I found a community that offers all of those things and more.

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

May 30, 2018

Plan a Relaxing Afternoon at Janesville’s Rotary Botanical Gardens

Disclosure: The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Wisconsin and my visit to the Rotary Botanical Gardens. However, all opinions are my own.

I’ve always been surrounded by gardeners. My grandfather had and my mom has an impressively green thumb, and at least a little of it has rubbed off on me over the years. As an adult, I’m now taxed with trying to tame an unruly garden of my own. But, more often than not, I find that being surrounded by seedlings still relaxes me. So it’s no surprise that after a few days of traveling, the Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wisconsin was just the welcoming oasis I needed.

Even on a drizzly October day, the garden was a beautiful place to explore and unwind after a few hours on the road. I’ll admit that at first I was surprised by how much of the 20-acre garden was still in bloom so late in the season. But it didn’t take me long to discover how the gardens were still this beautiful in the late fall. The bright blooms are truly a testament to all of the hard work the staff and more than 550 volunteers put in to keep the gardens looking beautiful.Continue Reading…

May 25, 2018

Find Your Zen at Rockford’s Anderson Japanese Gardens

Disclosure: The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my trip to Rockford, IL, and my visit to Anderson Japanese Gardens. However, all opinions are my own.

When I visited Rockford, Illinois last fall, I learned that the city is full of incredible outdoor spaces. From the riverside Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens to the rustic Rock Cut State Park, there are all sorts of places in Rockford to connect with nature, and Anderson Japanese Gardens is another of them. This serene space is the perfect place to step away from the stress of your day-to-day and find some peace.

The beautiful 12-acre garden is an incredible outdoor oasis tucked into one of the city’s residential neighborhoods. The traditional Japanese garden is the perfect place to reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy some solitude. The next time you’re in the Rockford region, take some time away to experience this truly tranquil outdoor space.

May 23, 2018

Three Ways to Experience the Unique History of Janesville, Wisconsin

Disclosure: The Janesville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted my visit to Wisconsin and facilitated some of the experiences referenced below. However, all opinions are my own.

Last fall I had the opportunity to spend some time Janesville, a beautiful, scenic community in southern Wisconsin. In addition to be home to some truly delicious dining options, the community also has a rich, storied past. From unique museums to engaging walking tours, there are lots of ways to experience the unique history of Janesville, Wisconsin.

Janesville was founded in 1835 along the banks of the Rock River, and much of its early history remains today. In fact, the community has more than 2,400 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That’s nearly 20 percent of all the historic buildings in the entire state of Wisconsin. If you like historic architecture and local lore, Janesville absolutely needs to be on your travel bucket list.

Continue reading to discover three unique ways you can experience the history of Janesville, Wisconsin on your next visit.