We received Iowa in the mail and I was thrilled when Sarah agreed to guest post on what she loves about Iowa.Enjoy!~Melissa
A little bit about me:
I’m a wife to a great husband, and a mom of 2 little girls, with baby #3 on the way. I graduated from college in music with a vocal emphasis. I have a photography business (www.iowawildflowerphotography.com), a hobby blog (www.iowawildflowers.blogspot.com), and a recycled toys blog (www.recycledtoys.blogspot.com). I’ve lived in Iowa for three years and I love it here.
“Is this Heaven? No, it’s Iowa.”(Field of Dreams)
I’m so excited to write about Iowa! My husband apparently missed his calling in life as travel guide; he has memorized tons of interesting facts and destinations of every place he’s ever lived. I won’t try to be quite as amazing as him, but tell you my favorite things about living in Iowa. You may find some common things about anywhere in the Midwest or the small town you live in, too.
1. The Community. I live right on the edge of a small college town, Iowa City. I can take the bike trails straight into town in a short two mile ride and end up at the best public library I’ve ever belonged to (seriously, you can check out a Wii console). The city is full of unique, delicious, local restaurants and artistic venues. Our town has a bike library, a great farmers market, a children’s museum, and free activities downtown. But, the best part of all that is that it’s a small town, so once you start going to these things and talking to people, you make friends and see them again and again around town.
2. The Country. Did you know that there are more pigs than people in Iowa? Even though I live near this charming cultural town, when I look out my back window, I can see a pond, a lake, fields of wildflowers, and a cornfield. I drive past a herd of cows every day when I drop my daughter off at preschool. It seems like most people who live in Iowa live within a 5-10 minute drive of a farm. I love the sweet, relaxing feeling of being in the country.
3. Good Dirt. I was so inspired by the beautiful wildflowers I’ve seen here that I named my business after it. Also, I love my little garden out back. We’ve planted apple trees, a cherry tree, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and all sorts of vegetables. I don’t have a green thumb, but this year we were able to harvest 20 raspberries, and tons of cucumbers, squash, zucchini, hot peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
4. The people. The people in Iowa are the nicest on earth. When my family moved here to Iowa three years ago, we went to get our new license plates at the local government building. What does that image bring to mind? Probably long lines and slow, surly workers that tell you, after you’ve waited in line for two hours, that you don’t have the right documents. But not Iowa! We had no line and the people behind the desk smiled at us and were helpful and quick. Then, they asked us if we needed anything or had any questions about the area! We were amazed! And the past 3 years have proven it to us: The people of Iowa are friendly, kind, and genuine.
For those of you more likely to just visit Iowa, or maybe even just drive through, here are some of my husband’s favorite random places to visit:
- · “Is this Heaven?” “No, it’s Iowa” - If you come to Iowa, you need to go the distance. Visit the Field of Dreams.
- · The Iowa State Fair has loads to offer in late Summer.
- · If you are in to college football, visit Iowa City or Ames on Game Day.
- · We love to visit the Orchards and local farms to pick our own berries, apples, and produce.
- · The Museums. There is great art and appreciation for the arts in all towns in Iowa.
- · The Ice Cream Capital of the World, Le Mars Iowa - Home of Blue Bunny Ice Cream.
- · The Future Birthplace of Captain Kirk in Riverside Iowa.
- · If you are into politics, visit the Hamburg Inn in Iowa City. A frequent stop for politicians during campaign season. Every president since Reagan has dined there.
Whether you’re just driving through or staying forever, I think Iowa is its own little piece of heaven.
What is your favorite thing about Iowa?
Social Icons