Winnebago County, IA The obscure history of Iowa is one of the major reasons we started this crazy travel blog and we strive to find it as much as possible. The very phrase “obscure history” may apply to some of the discoveries we’ve found in our travels when it comes to the locals. Why do… Continue reading Northern Prairie Resting
Downey, IA: Cedar County I’ve been driving past and occasionally driving through the unincorporated town of Downey for many years which is just a few minutes from the town of West Branch. Once to pick up a couch from a friend. Another time to see fresh tornado damage. And recently to see an old abandon… Continue reading Iowa Repurposed-Bank Failure Turned to Beauty
Sutliff, IA: Johnson County We’ve been to Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern many times and this is our second time writing about it. Only the most memorable of places find their way on to The Iowa Gallivant and this is one of our favorite day trips from our headquarters in Hills, IA. I ordered a sandwich I haven’t had… Continue reading The Best Between Bread-Iowa’s Sandwich Masters: Locale 29, Sutliff
Gunder, IA: Clayton County We always have a mission when we travel and one very important part of the mission is to deviate from it whenever you get a chance and always, always, ALWAYS take the long way home. We find some of the most memorable place when we’re smelling the roses which is why… Continue reading The Best Between Bread-Iowa’s Sandwich Masters: Locale 25, Gunder
Centervillle, IA Area: Appanoose County (Our 55th County!) We knew that Centerville would be where we’d refuel the Team Goodvin-Mobile, grab a bite, walk the world’s largest town square. (You heard that right…You know you have your favorite road trip music playing in your head.) This wouldn’t be the only loop we would be taking on this… Continue reading Driving From Cincinnati to Brazil
Hale, IA: Jones County (Our 50th County!) It’s the same old story. You’re craving a great sandwich and you’ll go to any length to get it. We loaded up the gallivant-mobile and set out for the historic Grant Wood Trail to the tiny village of Hale and one of East Iowa’s best destination restaurants. The beef-loving… Continue reading The Best Between Bread-Iowa’s Sandwich Masters: Locale 15, Hale
Oakland Mills, IA: Henry County Just down the road from the city of Mount Pleasant is the small unincorporated community of Oakland Mills, right on the mighty Skunk River. Up from its banks is plenty of camping, disc golf, picnic areas, a historic walking bridge, and one of Iowa’s best destination eateries. You can’t have a… Continue reading The Best Between Bread-Iowa’s Sandwich Masters: Locale 4, Oakland Mills
Villages of Van Buren County, IA Have we mentioned that we love Van Buren County? So, welcome to part 4 of our Southeast Iowa village hopping! This trip featured the area’s biggest weekend of visitors with every community finding unique ways to lure them in. It’s annual Scenic Drive Festival and you MUST get this on your… Continue reading Excuse Me But I Think There’s Turtle In My Soup: Van Buren Village Hopping-Part 4
The Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa: There’s a constant when it comes to Team Goodvin. We road trip and we road trip and we road trip again. Not so far from our Hills headquarters is Van Buren County. Just a little over an hour from the Iowa City area. We love to eat, take… Continue reading Haunted, Juicy, Fishy, & Squeaky: Van Buren Village Hopping-Part 3
Avery, IA: Monroe County (Our 24th County) The things you see when you take the dirt road and not worry about where it leads… Some of Iowa’s greatest historic landmarks, inspiring and scenic views, and unknown treasures can be found in places that rarely show up on tourism brochures and websites. Rural Monroe County is home to… Continue reading The Back Roads-Iowa’s Great Pyramids
