Olio in Iowa

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…

Honor the Day the Music Died at the Buddy Holly Crash Site

Giant glasses marking the Buddy Holly crash site in a field near Clear Lake, Iowa

In a field outside of Clear Lake, Iowa, you’ll find a solitary pair of black Wayfarer glasses. These stoic frames mark the Buddy Holly crash site, a solemn memory of the “day the music died.”

On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly and his band played the Surf Ballroom as part of their Winter Dance Party tour across the Midwest. Frustrated with uncomfortable travel conditions on the tour bus, Holly chartered a small plane to the band’s next venue in Moorhead, Minnesota. J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson had the flu so he took Waylon Jennings seat alongside Holly and Tommy Allsup lost his seat to Ritchie Valens in a coin toss.Continue Reading…

Seeking Out the Surf Ballroom & Museum

All Rights Reserved Megan Bannister

Growing up, we spent most summers on the banks of Lake Michigan, sun kissed and sand covered as we wandered our small summer town. Stepping out of the car in Clear Lake, Iowa, I was immediately transported back to those sprawling summer days. Naturally, a visit to the Surf Ballroom and Museum seemed like the ultimate necessity.

Ever since I moved to Iowa, I’ve heard wonderful things about this must-visit venue—not just because Buddy Holly trivia was vital knowledge in our house growing up. So when I finally got the chance to spend a few hours in Clear Lake, the Surf Ballroom was the first place I headed.Continue Reading…