Olio in Iowa

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June 22, 2012

Des Moines Public Library

Via HGTVThe library has always been a place that I feel at home. Regardless of my age or geographic location, I’ve always felt much more at ease and able to think surrounded by towering rows of books. When I was in elementary school, I was allowed to check out more than the generally allowed number of books each week – most likely because I was averaging two to three trips a week. Then in high school I worked at a public library and essentially got paid to do what I would have done for free: hang around, peruse books and put them back on the shelves.

Though I probably should be, I’m not ashamed to admit that I am the proud owner of not one, not two, not three but four library cards. So naturally during my first semester at Drake, I found myself on a DART bus, headed to the Central Branch of the Des Moines Public Library.

Now that I’m spending the summer in Des Moines, I’ve already made half a dozen trips to the library. My “must read” list has always been a bit eclectic but I love recommendations. Read anything good lately?

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Des Moines Essentials Tagged: book worm, books, Central Branch, Des Moines, Des Moines Public Library, library

June 13, 2012

Flashback: Steelroots

Steelroots by Steve Tobin

Morton Arboretum, 2010

While cleaning my apartment this afternoon I happened to come across a pile of old photos, most of things I had completely forgotten about doing. So, in an effort to relive past adventures and be inspired for future ones, I’ve decided that once a week I will post a photo flashback – some snippet or random moment of a previous escapes.

This photo was taken two summers ago at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, on an afternoon that was much too hot for hiking, in wildly uncomfortable shoes no less, with one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: On the Road Tagged: Morton Arboretum, steelroots, Steve Tobin

June 12, 2012

Eats: Americana

I’ve been dreaming of Americana’s Bombshell Brunch for a long time – basically ever since I learned that it included a grilled cheese bar. So now that I work 40+ hours a week at a grown-up job, a Sunday morning adventure in search of classy brunch seemed appropriate.

What I ate: Everything. Ok, maybe not everything but it was pretty close (see: crepes, quiche, parfait, fruit, danish, bacon…more bacon, et al). And mimosas.

The verdict? At $25 a person, the all inclusive brunch is definitely a splurge but it’s also totally worth it. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, and I couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon with some equally fantastic friends.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and profess my profound love for breakfast. If I could – and really, what’s stopping me? – I would eat breakfast food for every meal of the day. With the exception of anything involving mushrooms, I have truly never met a breakfast item that I didn’t want to instantly devour. The only thing standing in my way is that, generally, I’m not a very hungry person early in the morning. And that, my friends, is the beauty of brunch.

Brunch is one of those fantastic occurrences that combines two of my favorite things: food & weekends. From steaming coffee to freshly cut strawberries and lightly buttered toast, there are few times I’m more content than eating Sunday brunch. Unsurprisingly, I’ve accumulated quite a  list of brunch spots that I hope to try out into the summer and beyond. Stay tuned!

Americana Restaurant & Lounge, 1312 Locust Street, Des Moines

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Des Moines Essentials, Eats Tagged: Americana, breakfast, brunch, Des Moines, foodie, love, musings

June 11, 2012

Iowa Cubs

All Rights Reserved Megan BannisterAs corny as it sounds, I strongly believe that there is nothing that says summer quite like a baseball game. I have never really been one for watching sports extensively. Yes, occasionally I’ll tune in to the Bears, peak in on the Hawks to see how they’re doing or even, on a rare instance, get roped into watching the PGA tour with my dad. Strangely baseball is the one sport I can watch unfailingly. It can be slow-moving, technical and last what can feel like an eternity, but there has always been something so raw and unique, some rare quality that has drawn me to the game.

What I’ve always loved most about baseball is the atmosphere. Sure, I’ll watch games on TV or occasionally even stream video online, but the atmosphere inside a baseball stadium is a phenomenon I’ve yet to find anywhere else. Nowhere in the “real world” do hundreds, even thousands, of people clamor for fly balls, essentially the rejects, for a scrap of a major (or minor) league hero. The distinct calls of each of the vendors in the stands – whether their wares include beer, hot dogs or Cracker Jacks – each has their own special cry. “Hooooooot dawgs,” declares one throaty yell. “Beer here, Miller, Old Style, beeeer” is thrown into the crowd by another, each it’s own distinct rhythm and timber.

I am, in truth, a Cubs fan. One of those lowly Chicagoans who holds out hope that this will, in fact, be the year. And since my summer adventures have led me away from the Windy City, I’ve settled upon the Iowa Cubs to fill my Wrigleyville void. Last weekend I ventured over to Principal Park with a few friends for a Chicago-style hotdog and a double header – the perfect official start to summer.

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Des Moines Essentials, Explorer's Log Tagged: baseball, Chicago Cubs, Des Moines, Iowa Cubs, Principal Park, summer

June 10, 2012

Eats: Zombie Burger

All Rights Reserved Megan Bannister I first heard about Zombie Burger last fall during my semester in Barcelona. While there’s a lot of delicious food to enjoy in Spain, the Catalan people aren’t exactly known for the quality of their cheeseburgers and I was having some serious cravings. Once I was stateside again, I vowed that I would make eating at the restaurant, which had quickly become a local favorite, a top priority.

So naturally, six months later, I finally had my first Zombie Burger experience – and it was glorious.

What I ate: Raygun burger [Monterrey jack cheese, fried jalapenos, caramelized onion, bacon, guacamole & chipotle mayo], a side of French fries & a Chocolate Cake Shake

The verdict? Love at first bite. Though I was tempted to try one of the more nontraditional burgers (I still can’t get over how genius putting fried mac and cheese on a burger is), I’m glad I went with a fairly tame standby. While my tab was just under $15, I definitely got my money’s worth and ate enough food to put me in a fairly substantial food coma.

And let’s be honest, who couldn’t love a restaurant that offers alcoholic milkshakes?

Zombie Burger, 300 E. Grand Avenue, Des Moines

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Des Moines Essentials, Eats Tagged: Des Moines, foodie, Zombie Burger

May 18, 2012

Eats: Santullo’s

All Rights Reserved Megan BannisterIf there is one thing to know about my father, it’s that he absolutely loves New York style pizza. Yes, I’ve spent my entire life in Chicago, where not liking deep dish is a cardinal sin. But with both of my parents being native East Coasters, it’s no wonder that pizza is a touchy subject around our house.

Always in search of the best thin-crust pizza, I finally believe that we’ve found an adequate, local substitute. So on Thursday, after I picked my dad up at the airport, we headed north to Chicago’s Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood for a slice at Santullo’s Eatery.

Everything about the pizza was phenomenal: the perfectly melted cheese, the light, airy crust, down to the pie’s thin layer of sauce. I realize that it’s a bit strange, the way that my family obsesses about different types of pizza. I grew up in a fairly pizza-deprived household – delivery or otherwise – mostly because my parents couldn’t fathom settling for Pizza Hut or Papa John’s. Now, as a fairly competent person living on my own, I find that I don’t share my parent’s obsession with the perfect pizza. But – like my father – I can certainly still appreciate one.

Santullo’s, 1943 W. North Avenue, Chicago

Posted by Megan Bannister 1 Comment
Filed Under: Eats, On the Road Tagged: Chicago, foodie, On the Road, pizza, Santullo's

May 17, 2012

Nerding: The Chicago Pedway

All Rights Reserved Megan BannisterAlong with the same soft spot that I have for Chicago, I have an equally profound love for the city’s history. From city planning to legends of hauntings and favorite mob boss hang-outs, I can’t get enough quirky factoids about my hometown. 

Consequently, my mom absolutely loves to buy walking tour Groupons – generally with the intention that I’m going to be the ones using them as both walking and organized touring don’t usually appeal to my dad or brother. So naturally since I was in town for a few days we decided to embark on an urban adventure and explore the twisting tunnels of the Chicago Pedway.

Under the direction of a fabulous guide from Chicago’s Finest River Walk Tours, we set out across the Loop to see what the elaborate tunnel system had to offer.

All Rights Reserved Megan Bannister

Though I’m not the largest fan of enclosed spaces or underground structures, I absolutely loved the random bits of trivia that we collected along the way. For instance, I now know that prior to the building of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the north part of the famous thoroughfare was named Pine Street because of the large number of pine trees in that part of the city.

While I don’t have many days left in Chicago, you can rest assured that there will be another walking tour waiting for me the next time I come home. Still to come: a chocolate tasting tour and a expedition to try some of the best cupcakes in Chicago.

Posted by Megan Bannister 3 Comments
Filed Under: On the Road Tagged: Chicago, Chicago's Finest River Walk Tours, nerd, Pedway

May 15, 2012

On the Road: Chicago

All Rights Reserved Megan BannisterLike any true lover of adventures, I am a large fan of road trips. I love the quirky attractions, the unique town names (I’m looking at you, What Cheer) and finding the perfect compilation of music for the open road. So what better way than to start the summer with a much needed road trip back to my hometown, before any real summer responsibilities kick in.

For the next week you can find me bumming around the western suburbs, or even the city itself, playing with my puppy, catching up on some much needed afternoon napping and taking full advantage of my parents’ free washer and dryer. In all honesty though, Chicago is one of my favorite cities and I’m slightly crestfallen to be missing out on its many summertime charms. So in the wake of NATO summit preparations, dentist appointment and family obligations I plan on taking advantage of every Chicago Tribune I can get my hands on and savoring glimpses of my favorite skyline for my window when at all possible before heading back to Des Moines on Sunday.

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: On the Road Tagged: Chicago, On the Road, summer, travel

May 11, 2012

The First Days of Summer

All Rights Reserved Megan BannisterRegardless of the year or my current location, the first days of summer are always my absolute favorite.

Maybe it’s the sudden freedom from schoolwork and responsibility and everything else that would normally be weighing on me. Maybe it’s the fact that this morning I didn’t set an alarm for the first time in I can’t even remember how long. Or maybe it’s the absolutely perfect feeling that can only come with a summer night, driving in the car with the best people – listening to not always the best music – and remembering what it means to really stop and enjoy life.

Whatever the reason, summer has always had an indescribable quality of reminding me what I really love: popsicles, early mornings, late nights, live music, well-worn library cards, home-cooked meals, laughter and old friends.

So before life invariably gets away from me – and all of my summer obligations officially begin – I decided it was necessary to write this tiny ode. If for no other reason than to remind myself to enjoy every little thing. To remember that summer is no time for routines or monotony, and that every day can – and should – hold a new adventure.

Posted by Megan Bannister Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Explorer's Log Tagged: life, musings, summer

May 10, 2012

Why “Olio”?

olio (ˈō-lē-ˌō)

a miscellaneous mixture or collection

I am a lover of spontaneous adventures and, in my personal opinion, there is no better time for adventuring than the summer. This year I made what I would consider to be a fairly large decision—I decided to stay in Des Moines instead of moving back home. So in honor of newfound independence and a summer that is sure to be filled with exciting adventures I decided that it was high time for a new blog.

Last September I documented the adventures I had in Barcelona on my “siesta semester.” But a few weeks ago when I decided I wanted to start a new blogging endeavor, I couldn’t seem to decide on a singular theme. As anyone who knows me well can attest, I tend to think in a fairly non-linear manner—or what some might classify as conversational ADD. That’s where the beauty of the “olio” comes in.

Meaning that this blog will likely be…

  • One part Des Moines discovery,
  • One part foodie reviews, recipes and DIY crafts,
  • One (but most likely many) parts spontaneous musings,

But more than anything, Olio in Iowa will be 100% about adventures.

Posted by Megan Bannister 2 Comments
Filed Under: Explorer's Log Tagged: Des Moines, Iowa, Olio in Iowa

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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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olioiniowa

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
Instagram post 2021986928613895894_1545888032 Playing tourist in my own town is one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend! Yesterday I had the privilege of celebrating the launch of @iowatourcompany with a truly delicious Ingersoll Food Tour. We ate and drank at three different restaurants—including @harbingerdsm—along Ingersoll and had the best time learning about the neighborhood’s culinary history. •
Pop over to my stories to see even more of delicious food we enjoyed! Sound like a fun way to spend an evening? You can book a tour of your own over on @iowatourcompany’s page. #CatchDSM #DSMUSA
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