Local Secrets, Big Finds - IowaLocal Secrets, Big Finds - Iowa

Local Secrets, Big Finds - Iowa

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For more travel tips visit Amy Ziff's monthly column, Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z, or visit IgoUgo to get recommendations from other travelers.
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Lidderdale Country Store
Lidderdale

712.822.5322
In the town of Lidderdale, "they take pork and beef seriously." The local Country Store is no exception. While the front part is simply an "unremarkable convenience store for farmers who live in remote western Iowa, the back area of the building houses the little restaurant that serves the best pork chops in the world." The beef is "much better than can be found in places like Chicago or New York City." Although there’s "not much of a wine list" and the "salads are ordinary," it’s "well worth the long drive for a steak and pork combo that melts in your mouth."
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Iowa

Mushroom Hunting at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
Missouri Valley

712.642.4121
Don't leave all the mushrooms for the Smurfs. Come spring, you can get in on the "exciting hunt for morel mushrooms" at this historic wildlife refuge. Lewis and Clark wrote about this area of Iowa in their journal, describing a place of "forest, grassland, and wetland." Additional areas of the refuge are opened to the public for morel mushroom picking, an "educational outdoor family activity." Set on the Missouri River floodplain, this time of year is also when the park is visited by "great masses of migratory ducks and geese." Read more.

Rube’s Steakhouse
Montour

1.800.847.8237
The steaks here are so good, and such a closely guarded secret, that the owners of Rube’s "will not even reveal where their meat comes from." This "tiny, grill-your-own restaurant" is dimly lit and offers a unique dining experience--you can "pick your own meat and veggies" and then either grill it for yourself or have them do it for you. The atmosphere "feels like a pub in the middle of the countryside," and suitably there is a great beer selection. If you like what you eat, you can order their meat "to be shipped anywhere in the U.S." Read more.
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Iowa

SF Martin House
Atlantic

712.243.5589
At this "Victorian-style bed and breakfast inn, there is no hurry and no hubbub." The building features five marble and onyx fireplaces, a grand staircase, and period chandeliers. There’s also an old-time player piano. Meals at the inn are served in courses with time to reflect and linger. If you’re looking for outstanding food and easy access to downtown Atlantic the SF Martin house is it. But be sure to make a reservation because tables are limited. After your meal locals suggest that taking a stroll to see the "beautifully landscaped" shopping area, which is "only a block away."

The Valle Drive-In
Newton

641.792.3558
Making a night of the movies is a "special occasion for the whole family" at this old-fashioned drive-in — one of the last of its kind in the Midwest. Although it opened in 1948, everything old is new again and in the last few years this attraction has gained popularity. Kids under 11 get in free, and families often show up early so the kids can play. For adults, the price is generally $7 to $8 for two movies, which is a real steal. Sit in the car and listen through the stereo, or bring a lawn chair and have fun under the stars watching new movies.
Local Secrets, Big Finds - Iowa