Swedesburg, Iowa: Swedish American Museum

December 9, 2016Ally Iowa, Swedesburg Leave a comment

One day I may actually move to Swedesburg.

If you’re passing through Henry County, Iowa, near Mt. Pleasant, try stopping off in Swedesburg and visiting the Swedish American Museum. I really enjoyed my visit there. They have all kinds of things for sale from Sweden, some antiques, and an informative video you can view to learn about Swedish settlers in the US. The ladies who were running the shop that day were very nice and helpful. I do have some Swedish ancestry, so it was particularly interesting for me, but even if you don’t, it’s still a really neat place to visit.

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Fort Dodge, Iowa: Soldier Creek Winery

October 20, 2016Ally Fort Dodge, Iowa Leave a comment

I visited Soldier Creek Winery in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. It was my second time there in the past year and a half…I HAD to go back since I was in the area.

Goodness gracious, this is some of the best wine I have ever tasted. Sorry Napa! I love wine, but I REALLY love Soldier Creek Wine. If you are a wine lover and find yourself in Central Iowa, GO TO SOLDIER CREEK WINERY. I’M NOT KIDDING. Plus, the setting is just beautiful. Instead of corn fields (which are also nice), there are rows and rows of grape vines. And they sometimes have live entertainment and other activities. Check it out if you can. Website: http://soldiercreekwinery.com

I didn’t get many pictures unfortunately, so check out their website for some gorgeous photos!

Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Czech & Slovak Museum; Czech Village

October 17, 2016Ally Cedar Rapids, Iowa Leave a comment

There is a really nice museum in Cedar Rapids – The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. I don’t have Czech or Slovak ancestry, but I’ve been to Czech Republic several times and have been to Bratislava (capital of Slovakia) and LOVE that part of the world.

I don’t have any pictures inside the building…they have different exhibits throughout the year and a fantastic gift shop. Website: http://www.ncsml.org

Nearby is Czech Village. It’s a street with several antique shops and restaurants. It’s a nice place for an afternoon stroll and some shopping.

Saw this in one of the antique shops:

Fort Dodge, Iowa: Community Orchard

October 14, 2016Ally Fort Dodge, Iowa Leave a comment

I visited Community Orchard in Ft. Dodge, Iowa.

What a really neat place it is. The setting is gorgeous and quaint all at the same time. There is a playground for kids, apple orchard (of course) with 15 types of apple trees, a small cafe, and lots and lots different types of apples and apple-based products (and non-apple based products) for sale (pies, salsas, muffins, mixes, etc.). Plus, in the shop upstairs, there are really cute items for home decor. They also have a pumpkin patch and a corn maze in the fall!

They are not open certain months of the year, I think mostly winter, so check their website for details if you find yourself heading to Ft. Dodge and want to visit. http://www.communityorchard.com