Iowa Archives - Page 10 of 10

September 24, 2013

World’s Largest Wooden Nickel

Recently a friend of mine mentioned that she was surprised I’d never seen one of Iowa’s most well-known world’s largest seen: the wooden nickel. I’ve been to Iowa City enough times for work or to visit friends but I never tracked down the 18-foot diameter wooden nickel, located outside of Iowa City along NE Dubuque Street, just north of the Iowa River.

According to a KCRG report, the wooden nickel was erected in 2006 as a protest against county officials’ decision to raise speed limits in the area. Iowa resident Jim Glasgow spent more than six months creating the giant wooden nickel, which weighs in around 4,000 pounds.

World’s Largest Wooden Nickel, on Dubuque Street NE just after the Iowa River in Iowa City, IA

September 23, 2013

Exploring Iowa: Wilson’s Orchard

To celebrate the first official day of autumn—though the temperatures in Iowa have still been in the mid-70s and 80s—I hopped in the car with a friend and headed to Wilson’s Orchard near Iowa City. We arrived just after the orchard opening and snagged a few fresh apple cider donuts for our rumbling stomachs.

After tasting a few different varieties of apples, we decided our favorite was the honey crisp and headed into the orchard—map in hand—to do some picking. We wandered deep into the trees and searched high and low for some of the ripest, most delicious looking apples. And when our basket was overflowing we caught a ride on “Bessie”—a bright green tractor—back up the hill to the barn. More than two dozen apples and apple cider slushies (one of the best decisions we’ve ever made) in hand, we got back in the car feeling fully ready for fall.

If you’re looking to do some apple picking, Wilson’s is a fantastic choice. But be sure to get there early—just over an hour after opening the orchard was already mobbed with families toting strollers and screaming children.

Wilson’s Orchard, 2924 Orchard Lane NE in Iowa City, Iowa

August 26, 2013

Exploring Iowa: Eldon & Ottumwa

Last week I wrote about my trip to the famous “American Gothic” house in Edon, Iowa. A town of just over 900, Eldon is one of the small town, Iowa gems I truly love. Before we headed to our final destination, we stopped off at a local antique and furniture renovation shop—Junk’e in the Trunk—and scooped up a few vintage treasures.

After finding out there was no pie to be had from the Pitchfork Pie Stand, we decided to sooth our disappointment (and hungry stomachs) with a trip to nearby Ottumwa for old-fashioned milkshakes from Rexall South Side Drug. At only $1.75 each—$1.80 if you want to take your’s to go—a shake at the pharmacy’s soda fountain and lunch counter is the perfect detour on a summer afternoon.

We also made a quick detour—literally—to the gravesite of Curtis King, the oldest man to enlist and fight in the U.S. Civil War. Keep your eyes peeled for this one—the only marker is a brown “Historic Marker” sign about 20 feet before the site’s entrance.

August 21, 2013

Exploring Iowa: American Gothic House

Last weekend a friend and I decided to take a mini road trip south to Eldon, Iowa in search of the house that inspired artist Grant Wood’s “American Gothic.” Less than two hours from Des Moines, the trip was the perfect length—peppered with stops along the way—for a sunny Sunday afternoon.Continue Reading…

August 19, 2013

Pella: A Touch of Holland

En route to another road trip destination, a friend and I recently made a brief stop in Pella, Iowa in search of some authentic Dutch letters. Pella—a town known for its annual Tulip Time festival—is also home to the largest functioning Dutch windmill in the United States. Unfortunately it was Sunday so all of the bakeries, most of the coffee shops and the town’s historic village were closed.

But that didn’t stop us from wandering up and down the streets, snapping photos and enjoying our sunny Sunday morning. I just couldn’t get over how adorable all of the colorful flowers, intricate window trim and windmill-themed lace curtains were.

We’ll definitely be making another trip back soon for some delicious pastries and a windmill tour—plus I’ve already got next year’s Tulip Time festival marked on my calendar.