Corning, IA: Adams County

The birthplace of Johnny Carson is becoming a complete summer destination more and more every year. The ample amount of camping options, fishing opportunities, and scenic Iowa landscapes, and an incredible Main Street District. Why am I not talking about the BBQ yet? Let’s eat!

I had the opportunity to be a judge at this growing event and I couldn’t have been happier to attend. Each year the BBQ Battle gets larger and more intense. Believe me when I say this. There were pounds on top of pounds of BBQ to judge and there wasn’t a bad batch from any of the contestants. This has truly become one of Iowa’s premiere cook-offs.

Brisket, chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and dessert. And dessert? Ouch…Yeah, I have room that. One proud smoked masterpiece right after the other was rapidly being presented to me and the rest of the judges. Faces, beards, fingers, and bushels of napkins were collecting delicious BBQ sauces and there wasn’t a group of happier carnivores in Iowa. I, and all of my fellow judges, were filled with BBQ. And so were a legion of visitors to Main Street Corning on this weekend. BBQ wasn’t the only excitement offered. Other activities included a street dance on Friday and tons of activities on Saturday, like a chicken wing cook-off, an epic car show, and many street vendors.

A long day of BBQ, cotton candy, and killer muscle cars makes Team Goodvin need to get even more energy out. How ’bout a cool dip at Lake Icaria, a big family evening walk down a secluded dirt road in rural Adams County, and a sunset visit to the Icarian Village and nearby wind turbines. Yet another reason why we keep coming back year after year.

Hold on! The Day is not over yet! One glass of wine between Monie and JayJay would be nice. A trip to the bar…Nah. A quick run to the grocery store…Nope. A local winery just a mile away…Brilliant! Corning Winery here we come!

The peaceful night came and the meat sweats started to subside for me. All of Team Goodvin settled in to my Aunt and Uncle’s house and we went into peaceful slumber. I had to rest up knowing full well there was going to be a huge breakfast waiting fir us at Three C’s Diner! Waffles, breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, perfectly cooked eggs…

Before I went to bed I reflected on the weekend. I loved seeing my aunt Bonnie and cousin Rick at the 5k on Saturday with my uncle Larry cheering them on and then bumping in to them again and again that day. Being a fellow BBQ judge with my cousin Adam and having my cousin Jessi at our side at every turn. Let’s not forget my cousin Tracy’s thirty’ish class reunion she was gearing up for! I’ve been visiting Corning my whole life and I love seeing where my father’s hometown is going. I have so many great memories of Corning and I can see my kids and wife gathering up their own with every trip we make. The Iowa Gallivant will be back!

A very HUGE thank you to..

Thanks for reading! -Team Goodvin