*We’re back on HWY 34 and it’s time for another round of gallivanting in a community that’s just right for a grownup getaway. Our trip was sponsored by Osceola Chamber-Main Street. Some of the services were complimentary. The views expressed in this blog post are of our own. Now, let’s gallivant!
Osceola, Iowa: Clarke County
Lunchtime
Never gallivant on an empty stomach! Dr. JayJay’s orders! We headed to town on a Saturday afternoon and I knew where I wanted to get a meal and it was at one of Osceola’s most popular eateries. Time to get this gallivant started correctly at the Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill on the town square!
One of the most highly recommended items on the Iron Horse’s menu is their famous onion rings . And I can’t remember ever turning down a recommendation like that! Their salad selection was irresistible so we made sure to order this Apple Gorgonzola masterpiece with candied walnuts, cranberries, spinach, spring mix and tossed in a red wine vinaigrette!Reuben alert! The Iron Horse uses house smoked pastrami for this classic sandwich and if you love reubens then you’ll want to get in on this one!One of Iowa’s most iconic meals! The Iron Horse pork tenderloin sandwich is a Sam Adams beer battered slice of deliciousness and piled high with your choice of fresh toppings. Don’t pass on the sour cream & chive fries….
Let’s Go Shopping
Directly on the town square are some fabulous ways to fulfil that holiday shopping list. Or head here anytime of year and shop small in Osceola, Iowa at Grassroots Home, Ivy Rose Boutique & Home Decor, and Earth Angels Gifts!As you can see….there’s plenty of options in Osceola to get your special someone an amazing gift. I suggest getting a few things for yourself while you’re at it, too. Osceola wants you to treat yourself!
Check-In
Time to check-in and experience our suite at Lakeside Hotel & Casino! 54 new machines and a multi-million dollar casino floor renovation! 777 Casino Drive directly off of HWY 34 and I-35, Osceola, Iowa 641-342-9511The comfort is real in this suite at the Lakeside Hotel & Casino. We had no problem falling asleep on our king sized bed in spacious surroundings. Clean and well taken care of this suite. We thank the whole housekeeping crew and staff for a great stay!Even Hank Hill joined us on this gallivant to Osceola! I think you and your buddies could have a great get-together here in this suite before hitting the casino and a show!Hmmmmm……What else can we do in the area? I think kicking back and relaxing in our suite is the number one goal at this moment.The sunshine flooding into our fantastic room created a peaceful setting on our patio overlooking West Lake.Sunset on the lake outside our suite. Not a bad way to enjoy an evening in Osceola at Lakeside Hotel & Casino.
Dinner Time
Taco time for a dinner out with my smiley wife at Playa Margarita Mexican Restaurant. Birria tacos are some of the greatest inventions in culinary history and Playa Margarita serves up the authentic flavors.Take those Birria tacos for a swim in your bowl of rich and beefy consume for a truly remarkable meal. And slurp the rest of that consume up after all those juicy tacos!Fajitas with veggies and cactus! That’s right….cactus! Let the professionals at Playa Margaritas cook up this traditional Mexican dish.
Dessert Time
Time for our kind of nightcap. Ice cream at Sweet Scoops on the town square!Roll out, gallivant nation! Sweet scoops has some tasty rolled ice cream options and your sweet tooth will be loving you even more. So indulge yourself…It’s date night for crying out loud! This tropical sunset flavor will be great for the soul.The caramel apple crisp shake topped with cinnamon toast crunch cereal! One of the most unique shakes I’ve ever had during our gallivants!
Rise & Shine
Waking up at Lakeside Hotel & Casino can give you a beauty of a sunrise. It’s like the reflection in the window is giving this property a halo!Don’t worry, Starbucks lovers. Lakeside Express has your go-to while you’re visiting. One trenta ice coffee with two shots, please!Looking good Miss Mermaid….You made me feel properly energized like usual.That moment when you tell your wife a joke and she makes you feel good by laughing at it. Now, get back to relaxing on the patio outside our suite!Need a workout? Take some laps at the Lakeside pool or get into this exercise room. Watch out because I’m a beast when I’m in here…The Westlake Bar & Grill went through a recent renovation as well and it was thee place to be for a Sunday brunch in Osceola. The breakfast classics are ample, hot and tasty. Plate one in the books!Belgium waffles make any brunch batter. Look how amazing this one turned out! The Westlake Bar & Grill’s chef was working the waffle and omelet station while we were here and kept us all delightfully fed. The stick to your ribs course was screaming my name. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac and cheese, fried shrimp and more!
Now, that was a grownup getaway! HWY 34 has given us so much to do and we’re still cruising back and forth on the blacktops. Osceola, Iowa is a community that can keep us all entertained from sunup to sundown. You better get over here and shop small, eat some wonderful meals and get to know the locals that love to see visitors. See you again, Osceola!
