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November 16, 2018

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Lover of All Things Local

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 stylish jetsetter to the intrepid roadtripper, 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.


Does someone on your holiday list love to shop small? Discover gift ideas from Des Moines and Iowa small business owners that will be perfect presents for anyone on your holiday list! #DesMoines #Iowa #GiftGuide

One of the things I’ve come to love most about living in Iowa, and Des Moines specifically, is the pride that people here have for their city and state. Iowans will never miss an opportunity to tell you why they love living here. On a regular basis, I notice that people from Des Moines seem incapable of bragging on their city more than once and awhile.

In fact, it’s become one of my favorite things about central Iowa. It’s one of the reasons I jumped at the chance to be a part of Brand Launch’s Hummingbird Project, where I’ve really enjoyed lifting up local businesses with other like-minded Iowans. It’s something that continues to delight and encourage me the more Iowans I meet.

So in the spirit of celebrating some of my favorite central Iowa small business owners, I’ve compiled a handful of ways you can give a little piece of Iowa to everyone on your holiday list. These gifts for the lover of all things local are sure to be hits with the Iowans in your life.

Continue Reading…

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Seasons Tagged: Art Terrarium, Bozz Prints, Brand Launch, Dirt Road Candle Co, Doe A Deer, Ephemera, gift guide, gift guide 2018, Horizon Line Coffee, Hummingbird Project, Legit Local Market, Market Day Iowa, Rosella Margaret, The Grateful Chef, The Knotty Nail, Vintage & Made Fair

November 15, 2018

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Midwesterner

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 intrepid roadtripper, 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.


Looking for gifts for the Midwesterner in your life? Discover ideas that are sure to delight them this holiday season. #GiftGuide #Midwest #MidwestGifts

For the Midwesterner on your holiday list, there’s no better gift than something that reminds them of home. One of the things I love most about calling the Midwest home is the sense of community that exists across the region. Not only does being from the Midwest make you resilient (I mean, have you visited during winter?), but I’ve found it also makes you compassionate for your community. There’s something about the Midwest that bonds people together.

From thoughtful gestures to apparel to help share their Midwest pride, there are lots of ways to show you care. These gifts for the Midwesterner in your life will help them remember their roots, no matter how far they roam.Continue Reading…

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Seasons Tagged: Camp Climb, CheersInk, Department of Everyday, gift guide, gift guide 2018, gifts for the Midwesterner, Goldbelly, Haptic Lab, Midwest, Midwest National Parks, National Geographic, RAYGUN, The Midwest Girl

November 14, 2018

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Outdoor Adventurer

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 intrepid roadtripper, 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.


Searching for the perfect holiday gift for the outdoor adventurer in your life? Shop presents sure to make their next trip an epic adventure! #GiftGuide #HolidayGiftGuide #TravelGiftIdeas

For the outdoor adventurer on your holiday list who is always training for their next big hike or taking up a new extreme sport, no journey is too perilous. While I’m more of a light outdoor enthusiast, I can appreciate the adventurous spirit that these sorts of travelers possess. These gifts for the outdoor adventurer in your life will help make their next expedition a little bit more enjoyable, whether they’re hiking the backwoods or camping in their backyard.

Continue Reading…

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Seasons Tagged: gift guide, gift guide 2018, gifts for the outdoor adventurer, JBL Clip, LifeStraw, LuminAID, que, Rite in the Rain, Wacaco Minipresso, WEKAPO, Zippo

November 13, 2018

2018 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Roadtripper

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 stylish jetsetter 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.


Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the roadtripper in your life? Shop presents sure to make their next trip an epic adventure! #GiftGuide #HolidayGiftGuide #TravelGiftIdeas

There’s a special place in my heart for the roadtripper on your holiday list. I’m happiest when we’re charting course for our next destination with a full tank of gas and a playlist of podcasts. I feel a certain kinship to travelers who choose the road less taken and are always up for an unplanned stop. These gifts for the roadtripper in your life will help make their next journey a little bit more enjoyable, whether they’re trekking cross country or exploring their own backyard.Continue Reading…

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Seasons Tagged: AAA, Audible, gift guide, gift guide 2018, gifts for the roadtripper, Glerups, iOttie, MiiR, National Geographic, The Lost Explorer

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.


Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the jetsetter in your life? Shop presents sure to make their next trip an epic adventure! #GiftGuide #HolidayGiftGuide #TravelGiftIdeas

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…

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Seasons Tagged: All-You-Can-Eat Press, Allbirds, ban.do, Care/Of, gift guide, gift guide 2018, gifts for jetsetters, Nest, Patchology, Speakeasy Travel Supply, Wine Skin

November 11, 2018

Olio in Iowa’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Jingle all the way to Olio in Iowa's 2018 Holiday Gift Guide! Find the perfect present for every type of traveler on your holiday list with these gift recommendations. #GiftGuide #HolidayGiftGuide #TravelGiftIdeas

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…

Posted by Megan Bannister 1 Comment
Filed Under: Seasons Tagged: gift guide, gift guide 2018

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.

Continue Reading…

Posted by Megan Bannister 1 Comment
Filed Under: Kansas Tagged: Avenue Art Days, Douglas Design District, ICT Pop-up Urban Park, Kansas, Kansas road trip 2018, Keeper of the Plains, public art, Ulrich Museum of Art, Visit Wichita, Wichita, Wichita Art Museum

September 3, 2018

5 Reasons to Plan a Weekend Getaway to Sioux Falls

Incredible eateries, amazing outdoor spaces, inspiring public art, and stellar local shops—Sioux Falls, South Dakota has it all! Discover five reasons your next getaway needs to be a weekend in Sioux Falls! #SiouxFalls #SouthDakota #Midwest

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…

Posted by Megan Bannister 6 Comments
Filed Under: South Dakota Tagged: Breadico, Bros Brasserie, CH Patisserie, Falls Overlook Cafe, Falls Park, Josiah's Coffeehouse, Lot 2029, Oh My Word Luxury Paperie, Parlour Ice Cream House, SculptureWalk Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Urban Archaeology

August 13, 2018

Plan an Outdoor Adventure to the Morton Arboretum Troll Hunt

Large troll sculpture in the trees at the Morton Arboretum Troll Hunt in Lisle, Illinois

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.

Continue Reading…

Posted by Megan Bannister 10 Comments
Filed Under: Illinois Tagged: Illinois, Lisle, Morton Arboretum, Troll Hunt

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.


Wicker baskets and plants on the wall of Rescued Junk in Earlham, Iowa

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…

Posted by Megan Bannister 5 Comments
Filed Under: Iowa Tagged: Central Iowa Junk Jaunt, eden, Iowa, JB Knacker, Perfect Blend Gift Shop, Pinky the Elephant, Rescued Junk, Scout of Marion, Strawberry Point, The Shops at First Brick, The Vault, Tiny Acre Farms, Travel Iowa, Vintage & Made Fair, World's Largest Strawberry

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about-me Hi there! My name is Megan and I'm a travel writer based in Des Moines, Iowa. I'm always up for a road trip and adore "world's largest" things. Get to know me better!
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Recent Adventures

  • 2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Made in Iowa Gifts
  • The Best Places to Shop for Gifts in Des Moines
  • Olio in Iowa’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide
  • Why the Chester Minima is My New Go-To Travel Bag
  • 4 Ways to Experience Art in Mason City, Iowa

olioiniowa

Instagram post 2194704443277227366_1545888032 No matter the season, it’s important to me to shop small & support local makers. #ad That’s why I’m so excited to partner with @traveliowa this year to share some of my favorite items from their 2019 Made-in-Iowa Holiday Gift Guide. Not only does the guide highlight Iowa businesses you can support year round, but it highlights some truly spectacular gifts. Check out all of my gift picks, including adorable tea towels like this one from @doeadeerdesign by clicking the link in my bio 🎁 #ThisIsIowa #MadeInIowa •
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #iowa #traveliowa #shopsmall #shoplocal #handmade #giftguide #handmadeholiday
Instagram post 2178141328653811768_1545888032 ✨ It’s been an exciting week! ✨ On Monday I turned in the manuscript of my book to my editor and, just like that, Iowa Supper Clubs is one step closer to being a real, live book. The time I took me research and write this book feels like both a blink and an eternity. But I’m so thankful for all of the people who took the time to share their stories and help me along the way. Naturally, I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate than with a Grasshopper and Emberburger (unfortunately not covered in cheese, because that’s apparently a lunch thing) at Jesse’s Embers in Des Moines. 📷: From earlier this fall when I was equally excited to enjoy a Grasshopper at the Moracco Supper Club in Dubuque. #IowaSupperClubs #ThisIsIowa
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #iowa #traveliowa #supperclub #foodie #authorsofinstagram #whereiowastarted #dubuque
Instagram post 2161402989372396448_1545888032 All smiles because it’s finally sweater weather 🍂 Thankfully @fusionfashion has tons of cute options (including this striped mock neck) perfect for cooler weather. I had so much fun shopping with the @dsmhummingbirds charm and can’t wait to stop by Fusion Boutique again soon! 📷: @ivoryhousephotography 
#promotion #dsmhummingbird #personalstyleforlife #iowafashion
Instagram post 2160715303535870569_1545888032 👻 Exciting news for everyone who loves the spookiest of seasons! 👻 Tomorrow I’ll be on @iowapublicradio’s Talk of Iowa at 10 a.m. sharing some of my favorite haunted destinations around @traveliowa! Curious which places I’ll include? The Villisca Ax Murder House is an essential, but you can swipe for a sneak peek at some of the others we might discuss. ☠️ Do you have a favorite haunted place or Iowa ghost story? #ThisIsIowa #TalkOfIowa •
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #iowa #traveliowa #haunted #halloween #hauntedplaces #hauntedhistory #iowapublicradio #murderino #ssdgm #truecrime
Instagram post 2159270903853191052_1545888032 I’ve had some incredible meals over the last few months in the name of book research 🍽 But more than anything, I’ve been humbled and inspired by the people I’ve met along this journey. •
Earlier this week I turned in the images that will be a part of Vintage Supper Clubs of Iowa. And I have to say, that truly would have been impossible had it not been for the amazing restaurant owners, local historians and friends who helped me find ways to make these stories come alive. From working with @xolp on custom illustrations to hauling a desktop scanner into a restaurant during dinner time, it’s truly been a process. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And I can’t wait to share all of it with you early next year! #VintageSupperClubsOfIowa #ThisIsIowa
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #foodie #iowa #exploreiowa #lemars #supperclub #archieswaeside #writersofinstagram
Instagram post 2144045706632038365_1545888032 Since my weekend in northern Iowa I've had a quite few people tell me they were surprised by how cool I made @visitmasoncityiowa look. The secret? I truly can't take any credit—Mason City (like so many other small Iowa communities) is just cool! That is, if you're willing to give it a chance. •
I first started blogging because I wanted to showcase the places and attractions that are often overlooked. I have an eternal soft spot for small towns and offbeat destinations and absolutely love sharing them with you. It truly means so much to hear that I've inspired you to visit places like Mason City and pull over for offbeat attractions like Rancho Deluxe. For the bottom of my road trip loving heart, thank you for following along 💕 #hosted #MasonCityIA #ThisIsIowa
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #fromwhereistand #shewhowanders #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #supportthelocals #visittheusa #iowa #roadsideattraction #folkart #publicart #ranchodeluxe
Instagram post 2141880811723476775_1545888032 When the weather is this perfect it would be a crime not to spend the night outside! Thankfully I spent the evening at one of my favorite plant-filled spaces, @dmbotanicalgarden 🌻 Their Thursday night Social Irrigation series has been one of our favorite parts of the summer, and I’m already looking forward to next year. 🌺 Where are you enjoying the early fall weather from tonight? #gdmbgblooms #dsmbotanicalgardens  #dsmhummingbird #promotion •
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #thisisiowa #catchdsm #dsmusa #flowers #plantlover #autumn #botanicalgardens
Instagram post 2140336617250922803_1545888032 I may be researching a book about supper clubs, but when I’m at home I actually don’t eat a ton of meat. 🌱 So when I heard @dsmhummingbirds would be partnering with @happylittleplantsbrand I was excited to learn more! Not only is this new plant-based protein made by the people behind one of my favorite quirky attractions (@spammuseum) but it’s also unseasoned and preservative-free so it’s super versatile. We’ll be testing it out at home later this week and I can’t wait to share what we make with you. Stay tuned! #happylittleplants #plantpoweredprotein #dsmhummingbird #promotion
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#foodie #midwest #desmoines #dsmusa #catchdsm #thisisiowa #foodie #veglife #vegetarian #hormel
Instagram post 2137524579378166510_1545888032 There’s something magical about the glow of vintage neon ✨ Lately my nights, weekends and every time in between have been filled with supper clubs. Researching, visiting and writing about them. It’s truly special to get to visit so many of these places that feel like home for people in their small town, that hold that special, neon magic. Do you have a place that feels that way for you? #VintageSupperClubsOfIowa #ThisIsIowa •
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #foodie #iowa #exploreiowa #vintage #vintageneon #neonsigns #supperclub #finefood
Instagram post 2119410404273720943_1545888032 Have you ever stepped into a place that just felt like magic? ✨ That's how I felt the first time I visited @thistlessummit, an inclusive bed and breakfast and "homostead" in Mount Vernon, Iowa. I'm so blown away by the incredible community my talented friends have created there and so thrilled that they’re finally ready to welcome guests into their home. ⠀
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➡️Swipe to see more of the beautifully relaxing spaces, delicious locally sourced food and Thistle, the sweet black lab mix who is ready to be your new best friend. Read more about why you need to book your stay at this incredible historic home ASAP by clicking the link in my bio. Plus, we're currently running a fun giveaway that includes a discounted stay and some of Thistle's Summit's signature smoked sea salt chocolate chip cookies. Trust me, you're going to want to enter. 🍪 #ThisIsIowa #ThistlesSummit #StayQueer⠀
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #fromwhereistand #shewhowanders #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #visittheusa #iowa #queerownedbusiness #bedandbreakfast #nationaldogday #airbnblove
Instagram post 2117942657644582390_1545888032 If you know me well, you probably know that I'm not usually interested in sharing dessert. But I'm glad Josh and I decided to split the towering Cookie Dough Creation sundae when we visited @wellsvisitorcenter last weekend. 🍦 This monster of a sundae starts with a chocolate cookie skillet topped with Blue Bunny cookie dough ice cream and stacked with a Chips Galore cookie ice cream sandwich. Between the two of us we barely made a dent, but the slight sugar high was more than worth it. 😍#ThisIsIowa #IceCreamCapitalOfTheWorld⠀⠀
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #fromwhereistand #shewhowanders #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #visittheusa #iowa #traveliowa #publicart #bluebunny #wellsvisitorscenter
Instagram post 2117202371781227883_1545888032 My @northdakotalegendary road trip was udderly amazing for lots of reasons, including my visit to Salem Sue 🐄 Not only is Sue a fun stop as you travel through North Dakota, but she's also the World's Largest Holstein Cow. Weighing in at a whopping six tons and standing at 38 feet tall, Sue can be seen from miles away. Located in the small town of New Salem, Sue was constructed in 1974 to pay homage to the area's longstanding history of dairy production. 🥛 I'm spending the weekend writing blog posts about my trip & I can't wait to share even more about Sue with you soon! #BeNDLegendary⠀
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #visittheusa #northdakota #ndlegendary #sculpture #publicart #capturenorthdakota #nodak #worldslargest #salemsue #wanderingworldslargest
Instagram post 2115048444365192884_1545888032 If you’ve heard of @madisoncountyiowa, 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.⠀
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But there’s so much more to do in Madison County than experience the iconic covered bridges—and that includes eating the most delicious slice of pie of your life at @northside_cafe! 🥧 Seriously, I stopped eating my entree well before I was full to save room for this slice of blackberry peach heaven (with @picketfencecreamery ice cream a la mode, of course). ⠀
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Discover even more things to do in Madison County by clicking the link in my bio! #ThisIsIowa #hosted ⠀
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #fromwhereistand #shewhowanders #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #visittheusa #iowa #traveliowa #madisoncountyiowa #foodie #homemadepie #madeiniowa
Instagram post 2113609282628075059_1545888032 Weekends like this one are a great reminder of just how sweet life is 🍦 We hit the road for Le Mars, Iowa yesterday to visit a James Beard Award winning supper club—Archie's Waeside. The steak was incredible and the family who owns this gem was beyond helpful in my research. But I couldn't resist a side trip to the @wellsvisitorcenter, home of Blue Bunny. After all, Le Mars is the officially declared Ice Cream Capital of the World. 🍧 What made your weekend a little bit sweeter? #ThisIsIowa #IceCreamCapitalOfTheWorld⠀
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #fromwhereistand #shewhowanders #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #visittheusa #iowa #traveliowa #publicart #bluebunny #wellsvisitorscenter
Instagram post 2087217244047338643_1545888032 I’ve always been a bit of a journalism nerd 🤓 In fourth grade I tried to start my own classroom newspaper, The Fourth Grade Times. Spoiler alert: No one else was interested in joining me. 🤷🏻‍♀️
So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that I’ve always been a fan of Newsies. Which is why I was so excited to hear the Broadway production was coming to the @dmplayhouse_! 📰 
We had a great time experiencing the opening night of this incredible show with the @dsmhummingbirds and celebrating the Des Moines Playhouse’s 100th birthday with cake afterwards. If you’re in the Des Moines area, you won’t want to miss Newsies! Even if you’re not a journalism fan girl like me, the incredible dancing alone is worth seeing. Visit the playhouse’s website or call the box office to get your tickets before the run of Newsies ends on August 4. #DSMHummingbird #DMPlayhouse #dmp100 #promotion •
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#travel #explore #adventure #travelblogger #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #communitytheatre #newsies #catchdsm #dsmusa #thisisiowa #exploreiowa #journalism
Instagram post 2076626295550361736_1545888032 It feels like I'm living in a (fisherman's) dream editing all of the photos from my @northdakotalegendary road trip! 🐟 The Enchanted Highway between Gladstone and Regent has been on my bucket list for awhile now and its quirky roadside attractions did not disappoint. •
If you've been following me for awhile, you know that I have a special place in my heart for "world's largest" things. So it should come as no surprise that the Enchanted Highway held even more allure when I learned that one of its sculptures holds the Guinness Book of World Records title of the World's Largest Scrap Metal Sculpture. •
Of the seven stops along the highway, the Fisherman's Dream was my favorite. The attention to detail and sheer scale of these towering fish truly blew me away, and I couldn't wipe the giddy smile off my face even long after the sculpture disappeared in my rearview mirror. Stay tuned for more on the Enchanted Highway coming to the blog very soon! #BeNDLegendary #MWTravelCon19
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #visittheusa #northdakota #ndlegendary #enchantedhighway #sculpture #publicart #capturenorthdakota #nodak
Instagram post 2070117440502715688_1545888032 ✨ “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” – Theodore Roosevelt ✨
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My time in North Dakota last week was the true embodiment of working hard at work worth doing. Not only was I surrounded by dozens of travel professionals who are equally passionate about the Midwest, but I also had the opportunity to experience some of the things that make North Dakota legendary—the wildlife, the roadside attractions and the people. •
When I first told people I would be driving from Des Moines to Medora, North Dakota for a week-long conference, I received more than a few skeptical looks. People expressed concern about my decision to drive so far alone and worry that I might be lonely for so many hours undisturbed. But the truth is, I was more in my element than I’ve been in a long time. •
I love the quiet that comes with a long drive alone. I find so much joy in the spontaneity that comes from not having to ask anyone else, “Does this sound good to you?” I crave the alone time that comes when I can sit in a restaurant and reflect after a long day. •
And in between that solitary sense of adventure, I got to connect with some of the most wonderful people I know. My tribe of travelers who understand the path less traveled is often much richer. Who believe that we go much farther when we bring everyone along. And who aren’t afraid to strike up a conversation with strangers for no other reason than curiosity and the love of a good story. If you ask me, this truly is the work that’s worth doing. #BeNDLegendary #FindYourPark #MWTravelCon19
Instagram post 2052483869487369607_1545888032 I've been sitting on a bit of a secret the past few weeks, but I'm thrilled to finally be able to share... I'm writing a book! 📚 I can't wait to combine two of my favorite things—good food and Midwest travel—into a book that will be released next year. I'm still pinching myself a bit that Vintage Supper Clubs of Iowa is actually happening, and while I know there's lots of work ahead, I'm so excited. 📝 I would love to hear from you! What's your favorite memory of an Iowa supper club? I'll be featuring some favorites that are no longer in operation as well as supper clubs you can still visit today as part of this project. #ThisIsIowa #VintageSupperClubsOfIowa
📸 @ivoryhousephotography •
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #iowa #supperclub #vintage #authorsofinstagram #exploreiowa #traveliowa #foodie
Instagram post 2045472509625476579_1545888032 It’s morel hunting season in Iowa! 🍄 I had never participated in this mushroom madness until a few weekends ago when I visited my friends at @thistlessummit in Mount Vernon, Iowa. We had a blast scouring the forest floor for these popular fungi, and I was able to successfully cook them (with minimal Googling) when I got back to Des Moines. 🌲 Have you ever gone hunting for morel mushrooms? What are you tried & true tips? #ThisIsIowa •
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #iowa #exploreiowa #traveliowa #morels #urbanforaging #optoutside #mountvernonia #thistlessummit
Instagram post 2030227687917975539_1545888032 Spring has finally sprung and I couldn’t be more excited! 🌷 Tonight I had the chance to spend some time at the @dmbotanicalgarden combining two of my favorite things—plants and craft beer! 🍻 As part of the Botanical Garden’s Botanical Brews class I got to learn about the botanicals used in brewing from @iowabrewersguild Minister of Beer (yes, that’s his real title) J. Wilson and sample some fantastic Iowa beers. 🌱 The Botanical Garden has all sorts of great classes with awesome discounts for its members. Interested in joining? Now when you use the code HUMMINGBIRD10 you can receive $10 off a new membership at any level. 
#gdmbgblooms #dsmbotanicalgardens #dsmhummingbird #sponsored
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#travel #explore #adventure #roadtrip #roadtrippers #travelblog #travelblogger #olioontheroad #midwesttravelbloggers #mwtblogs #discovermidwest #midwestmoment #midwest #igersmidwest #thisisiowa #spring #tulips #desmoines #iowa #catchdsm #dsmusa #botanicalgardens
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