A Visit to Panora, Iowa

Welcome to Panora, Iowa, where small-town charm meets big-time adventure. Our journey begins at Lake Panorama, just north of town. This private lake is the perfect escape for water lovers. We stayed at The Port, right on the lake, complete with a restaurant and tiki bar. It’s like a slice of paradise right here in the heart of Iowa!   After soaking up the sun at the lake, we headed downtown to explore Panora’s beautiful town square. It’s a delightful spot with walking paths, a library, and even large musical instruments that the kids – and let’s be honest, I – couldn’t resist!
woman playing bells at a music park
Feeling the need for a caffeine boost, we popped over to Crafty’s Coffee and Gifts, right across the street. Not only do they serve up delicious drinks and pastries, but it’s also a treasure trove of cute gifts and inspirational home décor. Whether you’re here to work, catch up with friends, or just relax, Crafty’s is the place to be.
coffee shop interior
Next, we hit the shops! Bella Sorella was our first stop, a charming boutique filled with trendy women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Trust me, we didn’t leave empty-handed. Before leaving downtown, make a stop at B&B Marketplace(formerly known as Britches N Bows)!women's clothing boutique
If you’re into antiques, Reborn is a must-visit. You’ll find all sorts of treasures here. And for custom apparel, don’t miss T&K Designs. They specialize in custom vinyl, embroidery, and boutique-printed apparel – perfect for a unique souvenir.
exterior of an antique store
Looking for something active? The Raccoon River Valley Trail runs right through Panora, making it a perfect spot for biking enthusiasts.  With 89 miles of paved trail, you can go the distance on this ride! Of course, you can’t visit Panora without stopping at Lake Panorama Pizzeria. Locally owned and offering more than just pizza, it’s a great spot to refuel after a day of exploring.   Our next stop is the Guthrie County Historical Village, where you can step back in time. This village features twelve buildings, including a church, schoolhouse, law office, and general store, all staged to look like they did in the 19th century. It’s a fascinating look at local history.
Historical village
For those interested in sustainability and organic farming, Early Morning Harvest is a must-see. This small-family farm uses aquaponics to grow vegetables and even mills their own flour from certified organic grains. It’s an educational and eye-opening experience.organic farm
Panora, Iowa, is a hidden gem, filled with scenic beauty, great shopping, and a warm community. Whether you’re here for a day or a weekend, there’s something for everyone. Thanks for joining us on this journey and stay tuned for our next adventure! Take a look at our other Off the Beaten Path adventures!   Watch our full adventure in Panora:

A Visit to Oskaloosa & Albia

Welcome back to another adventure-packed vlog. Today, we are thrilled to take you on a journey through some hidden gems nestled in the heart of Iowa. From savoring the finest smoothies to exploring quaint boutiques and indulging in award-winning wines, get ready to experience the charm and vibrancy of Oskaloosa and Albia like never before. So, buckle up and join me as we uncover the magic of small-town Iowa and the wonderful opportunities you can find there.

sandwich and smoothie at smokey row coffee

We started off grabbing lunch at Smokey Row Coffee Shop. Smokey Row is perfect if you’re looking for a place to bring your laptop and work, you’ll find outlets all over the café. If you’re an aspiring artist, you could even have an opportunity to play your music in front of a live crowd. The whole environment is just so fun and unique!  I even had the best smoothie I think I have ever had here!

 

book store shelves

Right next to Smokey Row, you will find the Book Vault.  It is an old bank vault turned book vault! You’ll even find an Iowa themed book vault downstairs. There is something for all ages and interests here too. You’ll find books for adults of various genres and the cutest children’s section with books for different ages and stuffed animals! There are more than just books too. You’ll find some great gifts, recipe books, unique kitchen trinkets, and even wine!

 

antique store interior

We continued to find more unique shopping downtown. I love how Oskaloosa has reinvented their downtown, taken experiences and made them into something new. This was definitely the case at Salvaged Designs. If you like unique, handmade items with meaning behind them, you need to check it out.

We also checked out the cutest boutique, Lu Roo & Co, and if you’re like me, it’ll be nearly impossible to leave without a new outfit!

 

Winery

We decided to check out Tassel Ridge Winery to relax at the end of the day. There are all kinds of wineries and breweries popping up in neighboring towns. Tassel Ridge has several award-winning wines, so I of course had to try a few! If you like sangria, they have a variety of recipes to try with certain wines. I made some with a bottle of their La Crescent, and I wasn’t disappointed!

 

swimming pool at honey creek resort

The next day we traveled on in the area. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway and you love to be surrounded by nature, you need to add Honey Creek Resort to your bucket list. Guests have the option to stay in the resort, a cabin, or camp! During your stay, take advantage of the indoor waterpark, grab a bite to eat in the Prairie Rose or The Depot, rent a bike or go for a walk along the paved trails, play a round of golf and of course, explore the lake! Play a round of sand volleyball, relax, take a walk on the beach, or watch the kids play on the giant inflatables!

 

boat dock in albia

After a fun morning at Honey Creek we explored Albia and grabbed lunch at InspireU, the most adorable little café and boutique. The food is delicious, the drinks were great, the cookies were amazing, the employees were SO nice and ladies, the clothes, décor and gift ideas are the cutest. Put this on your bucket list now.

We found more unique shopping in downtown Albia at the Mustard Seed. If you’re looking for home décor or love Magnolia Market, this store is for you.

 

liberty bell and flags at a soldier monument

Finally, a trip to Albia is not complete without a stop at the Welcome Home Solider Monument. It is a breathtaking beauty and its profound significance make it a must see for all!

That’s a wrap on our trip through Oskaloosa and Albia! From the welcoming charm of local restaurants to the unique finds in small-town shops, every stop showed us what makes this part of Iowa special. Whether you love great food, browsing for hidden gems, or just enjoying the scenery, there’s something here for everyone. Until next time, keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep creating unforgettable memories. Stay tuned for our next adventure!