Franklin County Fair
Hampton

Voted as the best county fair in Iowa, the Franklin County Fair has great grandstand events and entertainment. It's "fun for all ages." A "large, working, pioneer, farming exhibit" showcases "lots of old equipment;" an "old-time town, with a bar" also sells sarsaparilla. The town's general store, jail, train car, woodworking shop, and broom maker are also "worth a visit." The fair is held in July, the perfect time to enjoy the famous homemade ice cream. Read more.

Gray's Lake
Skyline Parkway

Canoeing, kayaking, running, hiking, biking, and rollerblading are a few of the numerous activities at Gray's Lake Park. Visit the "beautiful beach" during the day, and walk over the "illuminated bridge" at night. Live music concerts are held on Sunday nights during the summer, and there are a few concession stands "in case you get hungry or thirsty." There are "many old, humongous trees" in this well-established park and playgrounds, too. Kids "love the beach because there's actual sand, not rocks." Read more.

Sweet Corn Festival
Adel

August is the end of summer in Adel, which means it's time for the Sweet Corn Festival. This is where to go for "the best corn," and to get a "slice of hometown"--Midwest style. Held on Adel's "beautiful town square, dominated by an ornate French-inspired courthouse," people gather to celebrate Iowa's "most popular vegetable" along with crafts, unique jewelry, antiques, baked goods, grilled pork sandwiches, and ice cream. The festivities begin with a parade through Adel's "historic brick streets." And the parade route ends where the lines for the free corn begin. Read more.

Snake Alley
Burlington

Ripley's Believe It or Not labeled Snake Alley the "Crookedest Street in the World." It was built in 1894 by three German immigrants who wanted to create the allure of a winding hillside, similar to what you'd find in the vineyards of France and Italy. It "drops 58 feet" from top to bottom with "switchback curves." The intent was that "horse-drawn carriages could get downtown without going down the steep inclines of other streets." Although Lombard Street in San Francisco is similar, this was "the original." Visit during the summer when the Snake Alley Art Fair is held. Read more.

Lincoln Cafe
Mt. Vernon

Lincoln Cafe serves "absolutely fantastic food!" And the atmosphere is "familiar and welcoming" to everyone, whether it's your "first visit, or your tenth." This "small bistro is located in the "charming town" of Mt. Vernon. "Quaint and classy," the town still holds onto its "small-town feel." Each dish is a combination of "fresh, local, and regional fruits and vegetables," and there are three "specialty selections," usually a beef, pork, and chicken dish. The specials are "always original and edgy, and taste amazing." Each dish is so unique and creative that it's "hard to describe." A smaller cafe menu is also available. Although they don't have a liquor license, diners are welcome to bring their own beer or wine. Read more.

The Canteen in the Alley
Ottumwa

A family-owned hamburger shop, the Canteen is one of a kind. It opened in 1936, and not much has changed over the years. It is "so popular" that when they tried to move it to build the town's only parking structure, there was "such an uproar" that they had to build the structure around and over the restaurant! This "shoebox-sized, one-room brick building" holds about 12 stools around the counter at a time. The selection is "bare-bones: loose-meat hamburgers, hot dogs, pies, and malts." Come for lunch because it's not open for breakfast or dinner.

Danish Windmill
Elk Horn

The Danish Windmill was built in 1848 in Norre Snede, Denmark and was erected in Elk Horn in 1976. Fittingly, Elk Horn, with one of the largest Danish populations in the U.S., decided to bring this Danish windmill to Iowa. The windmill was dismantled in Denmark, shipped to this little community and put back together. More than 300 volunteers worked to assemble the windmill. Now, tours are given and there is a neat gift shop attached with Danish gifts and food. The best time for a visit is during the summer or at Christmas. Read more.

The CART
Davenport

Art workspace, easel space, a photo studio, and a darkroom, plus lots of social space and classes, the Community Art Resource Tank harnesses a bevy of creative energy. The CART is a not-for-profit art workspace that is dedicated to providing "art exposure and exploration to everyone." Regardless of your wallet size or your level of expertise, this is for "the beginner, novice, community hobbyist, or anyone who wants to stop in and have fun creating art." Located in the heart of downtown, "it's a great destination in the Quad Cities." Read more.

Devonian Fossil Gorge
Iowa City

Walk over acres of "fossilized ocean floor" at the Devonian Fossil Gorge in Iowa City. In 1993, "massive flooding" and "raging waters" eroded a 15-foot deep channel to reveal "large, fossilized coral beds," remnants of the age when the Midwest was covered by ocean. Find fossils from millions of years ago, which are "now preserved for view by current-era inhabitants," right under your feet. It's a "great place for kids to explore and climb."

Dutchman's Store
Cantril

A Mennonite family runs the Dutchman's Store, a "unique store that functions as a local grocery and market." Located in the heart of the business district, it serves as "the centerpiece" of town. Find bulk groceries, dry goods, and fabric--it's a step back in time and "includes dried herbs, home-canned foods, homemade clothing, and unique gifts." Kids, and kids-at-heart, will love the candy aisle, which is loaded with all kinds of bulk candy. Read more.