*The T-Bone Trail started in Cass County a few weeks ago right in time for Beef Month! We were happy to be hosted by the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce for another trip back to where we have so much Iowa Gallivant history. Some of the products, meals, and services were complimentary. The views expressed in this blog post are of our own. Let’s Gallivant!
The first ever town ever referenced on TIG was Massena, Iowa. It was only fitting that we start the inaugural T-Bone Trail here in Cass County as well. We’ve become regulars to the Atlantic area, and we’ve always found more places to see and do each time we come back. Especially when there’s big honkin’ steaks involved. Oh, baby! We’re big on beef but as usual we Gallivanted Cass County like crazy again!
Get Active
State, county, and anything with “park” in it are very much on our radar this year. Its only May and I have already lost count of how many we’ve visited. Good thing there’s a neat little website called The Iowa Gallivant to remind me! We’re not the only ones circling the landscape searching for these local treasures. Legions of American travelers are too and they’re looking for these beautiful off the beaten path areas.
I love a county with a state park. I REALLY love it when they have TWO state parks! One of the most popular lakes in the area is in Cass County, and they have a long list of folks who have flocked here over the decades. One of the reasons they travel here year after year is to experience Lake Anita State Park. And the recent showers are making this lakeside area pop!
Roadside Attractions & History
Iowa has a rich history in two very important plights that have shaped our nation’s history. If you were to say “meet me on the corner of the Underground Railroad and the Mormon Pioneer Trail” you may have your landmark here at the George B. Hitchcock House.
It’s always handy when you can view a historical site and then take in a much needed hike on a Cass County spring afternoon. The grounds, gift shop, museum, and the long nature trail, that’s just steps from the front lawn, are all kept up with great care at the Hitchcock House.
Sometimes you get invited to a place and you think all the times you may have seen what it is they specialize in before you get there. I keep an open mind, but I am guilty of assuming things every now and then. I’ve seen a lot of motor cycles. I’ve seen them in museums and I also lived in the Black Hills for a few years. So, ok…Let’s see what they have and…….HOLY CRAP! THIS CAN’T BE WHAT I’M SEEING!!!!!
Baxter Cycle is in the very small town of Marne, and the motor cycle inventory is higher than the population of it’s home base. From brand new models to unbelievable vintage models that make you wonder when James Dean or Marlon Brando will show up and ride away into the Western Iowa sunset. If you’re not a big bike kind of person than no biggie. Stop here anyways because you might be when you leave. Oh, by the way…They ship these motor cycles all over the world too. That would be the coolest care package ever!
I am very genuine when I say this…My jaw almost dropped to the floor like a cartoon character when I stepped inside the first of multiple showrooms. This place gets the blood pumping even before you get your bike on the open road. The best part was the walk to the backroom where some of the rarest bikes in the world were located. You go past hundreds of thousands of parts and all unbelievably organized for models of motor cycles you may not have known existed. The majority of them for sale with a few collectables that will never leave the property of Baxter Cycle. Seriously, click on that link above and see our video from this place and get revved up!
Check-In
Nature trails, lakefront strolls, warm Cass County sun, window shopping on Chestnut Street-Atlantic, more walking trails…..Time for a gosh-darn nap! Atlantic Inn & Suites had the runway open for a smooth late afternoon landing into this much needed bed. Hey, Mom! My socks are matching! An Iowa Gallivant first!
The hotel business is picking up and during our stay at the Atlantic Inn & Suites the entire staff were keeping up with the busy weekend. We arrived to the front desk and less than 10 minutes later I was in comfort country shamelessly taking a little power nap. Atlantic Inn & Suites is just a short drive to everything in Atlantic and walking distance to restaurants, bars, stores, and more. That’s what we like to hear when we Gallivant! Stay tuned because this is just a taste of what we have to say about Atlantic Inn & Suites!
Let’s Eat Steak-Wiota Steakhouse
The Wiota Steakhouse is located between Anita and Atlantic and has a long list of regulars that have been filing into this wonderful small-town restaurant for many years. It was a traditional busy Friday night and it was a great way to get the T-Bone Trail started. I mean look at the char marks on that Ribeye! It was thick-cut and you can see with your own eyes how juicy it was. Our server was hustling all over the dining room and never missed a beat. Restaurants are seeing more people returning and I know Wiota Steakhouse is getting ready for a huge summer ahead. They have prime rib night every Saturday and that would pull me back in a heartbeat. Thanks for the steaks, Wiota! Your mouthwatering Ribeyes have a good home there in Cass County! Oh wait….You gotta see this!
While we were at Wiota Steakhouse, we met a very special group of locals that congregated by the table next to us. Coleen Babe of the Cass County Cattlemen brought in a family for us to meet. And why not, right? It is the T-Bone Trail, and Western Iowa is loaded with Iowa Beef producers. We even got to meet Paige Jensen who on that day was crowned Cass County Beef Queen, and one of the first things she did in her early reign was sit down with The Iowa Gallivant. Click here and see what this great group of Cass County locals had to say about what they love about Iowa Beef!
Bonus Beef
That sums up the Cass County leg of the T-Bone Trail! We traveled and walked many miles of the area and would do it all over again. Cass County gave us another reminder of how tight-knit small-town Western Iowa can be. The whole time talking with Coleen and the Jensens at Wiota Steakhouse I thought they were all one family unit out on the town. It wasn’t until I left when I realized that Team-Jensen were close friends with Coleen. That’s how it works out here, folks. The table you share with your kids is the table you share with your buddies and you all treat each other like kin. Then we showed up and this Cass County Cattlemen crew treated us like we’ve been yucking it up and ribbing each other for decades. This is why we Western Iowa our tails off when we can. It’s why we will always return to Cass County. That and giant sides of Ranch dressing! Sweet bless’ed mother of condiments that was awesome!
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Way back in 2014….
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