37 Things You Only Know If You Grew Up In The Iowa Great Lakes
I might be all grown up and married, living life far away from the homeland, but if there is one thing my heart knows backwards and forwards, it's the Iowa Great Lakes. Here are 37 things that you would only know if you grew up there:
- The University of Okoboji is not a real university.
- You have had to correct a tourist's pronunciation of "Okoboji" (Oh-koe-boe-gee) more than one time in your existence.
- Only first-timers to the IGL swim in East Lake. The rest of us know the algae will give you swimmer's itch. Pssht. Rookies.
- Oh, yeah, there are actually tons of summer tourist's in the Northwest corner of Iowa. It's basically the Iowa version of the Wisconsin Dells. Just a lot smaller... and probably prettier. No one outside the state will believe you when you tell them you're from a "tourist town in Iowa." Unless they have family that owns a lake house there.
- The 4th of July in Okoboji is the single best celebration in the Midwest.
- Winters in the IGL are certainly quieter, but still full of great events. The Winter Games on frozen West Lake, for example.
- At least once, you probably got stranded at a friend's house during a blizzard because your parents didn't want you to risk driving home... as if this was a bad thing. Sleepover on a school night?
- Even though Spirit Lake and Okoboji are rival schools, everyone still had friends at the other. You either worked together at Hy-Vee or an area restaurant, your parents worked together, or you were actually neighbors.
- You probably had a teacher who was married to another teacher in the same school. In fact, there were a lot of teaching spouses.
- Uh oh, car broke down? Take a tractor to school, son.
- You had at least one friend who lived on a farm or in the country.
- Nothing to do? Wal-Mart.
- Using the bike trails to get to the beach/movie theater/work was typical.
- Okoboji got a late start... wait for it.... SPIRIT LAKE TOO! (or vice versa)
- Of course you had Minnesota friends, they were 15 miles away!
- Every fancy/celebratory dinner = Minervas
- If you had to choose the summer traffic on Highway 71 through Arnold's Park or slick winter roads, you'd probably choose winter roads.
- Boats, booze, bikinis: summer summarized. Except you were probably working more often than not, while all the tourists got to enjoy it.
- Tropical Sno: Making up a flavor and naming it.
- Blue Bell Ice Cream is for the South. Up here, we have Blue BUNNY. #LeMars
- Also, Nutty Bars are a staple. These are not a Little Debbie treat, either...
- Taco House season opening FTW!!!
- If you didn't have an ice fishing house, your best friend did.
- Cruising Lakeshore Drive is a windows-down-ride only.
- Didn't you know? Harrison Ford has a house on it... #rumors
- "Mom, I'll be at the waterspill watching the carp"
- Hey! Good Cookies ice cap? Who needs Starbucks..
- Great Lakes Cinema 7: Only worth it if the movie you want to see is in one of the stadium theaters.
- The Abby Gardner Museum will tell you about the massacres on our land. And scalpings. It was a typical field trip... one in which you always hoped you would somehow spot an arrowhead in the surrounding dirt.
- Santa comes to our radio station every year for gift requests from kids who call in.
- Oh, there's a tornado warning? Let's all watch the sky on the porch!
- Bonfires every.single.weekend.
- "K-U-O-O Oooooookoboji!"
- Sunsets in 'Boji are unbeatable.
- Riding on "The Queen" is not nearly as fun as whipping past it on a wave runner.
- "Cruising the Loop"
(I was a loop-hater, but if I DID cruise the loop, I jammed out to all the wrong songs. Such as Elvira by the Oak Ridge Boys (which I just discovered is like a really gross song). It was just better if I didn't go to the loop) - When you go home to visit, anywhere you go, you'll know at least one face. There's no place like home.
Growing up in The Iowa Great Lakes was so memorable and came with such a tight-knit community. Though I've moved all the way to Georgia and will not be giving up the sunshiny, warm weather anytime soon, those summers on the beach of West Lake will always have a place in my heart.
Hilton Head, SC
An ode to a two-person Christmas:
Twas the night after Christmas and all through the town, no family was visiting, there was only a spouse.
The couple decided to go away on their own to see the near ocean and call it their home.
The bikes were all packed in the car with a squeeze, their overnight bags could fit nicely with ease.
Early in the morning, they set out on the trek, not really sure if they'd ever come back.
The wife fell asleep as she usually does, while the husband drove smoothly - not causing a fuss.
Three short hours in, they made it to Savannah, there they filled up on tuna (also known as Joy's manna).
Thomas had parked the car nicely in parallel form, while his wife gave her praise at his marvelous charm.
It was time to keep moving, the ocean awaits! The Red Roof Inn would be tonight's pearly gates!
Soon enough they arrived, and they shrugged at their room, they knew right away the beach would be where they'd loom.
The beach was a tad chilly, as they bundled up warm, but the sunset was worth it, and the pictures affirm.
To dinner they wandered for the freshest seafood, but they found that their taste buds have a "high and mighty" attitude.
Gelato followed up the subpar restaurant place, because wife needs to wash things down with a sweeter taste.
The next morning was slow and relaxing and calm, but soon enough now they'd be biking along.
To the beach with those bikes! They rode slowly to see all the waves and the smells and sweet ocean breeze.
Afterwards a fast lunch filled their bellies once more, then they slowly drove home a different way than before.
Though their time had been short they felt refreshed and renewed, and once home they decided to carry on with that mood.
Though Christmas is never the same without family near, with each other and the ocean, they did find their cheer.
Milwaukee Adventures // Part 3
I'm the WORST these days. We were in Iowa one weekend, Up North another weekend, we had friends in town from out of state, and the list goes on...
But how about I give you a more exciting list, ehh?
Here's my third installment of the adventure series - and take note, because one of these is an AWESOME annual event that is happening this coming weekend! In fact, let me plan the most PERFECT Sunday for you. On June 22nd, just plan on this itinerary. You won't regret it!
First of all, you need to start your day off with an absolutely amazing cup of coffee. Anodyne Coffee Roasters is currently my favorite coffee joint. Their dark roasts are have such depth and arrays of flavor, just drink it black. They have locations in Bayview and Walker's Point, but I personally love their Walker's Point Roastery locale - seriously give these awesome people your business!
Hang onto your hunger for a few hours because next you need to go on your adventure. Side note, Thomas and I came upon this last year by complete accident. We were doing our usual putzing around downtown after church and the Milwaukee Air and Water Show was happening on the lakefront! It gets super packed, but the show is amazing! Helicopters upside down? Planes writing in the sky? You name it, it's there. It goes from 10-3, but just show up whenever and enjoy the people watching :) Oh, and be wary of parking, it's a zoo.
This gem. Ohhh this GEM. Be prepared to take this meal slow. Balzac is a wine bar just off of Brady St. Sundays, they have a deal for their wine - HALF OFF ALL BOTTLES UNDER $60. Thomas and I split a bottle between us and work on a good buzz. You are required (by me) to try their Sac Mac. It's mac'n'cheese like you wouldn't believe. Perfection. Everything else is small plates that are meant for sharing and you probably can't go wrong with anything on their menu.
If you're looking for some "heavier" food, try Stubby's Gastrogrub and Beer Bar. Cheese curds, nachos, flat-breads, wings, burgers...typical Wisconsin fare. But be careful how much you eat! We were full through the following morning!
After lunch, get back to the A&W Show or finish off your day with a walk or bike ride on the gorgeous trails found all over the MKE area.
Happy Adventuring!
Milwaukee Adventures // Part 2
Alright folks.
Here is another food and adventure list for you!
In the mood for an interesting beer? Maybe NOT one from Wisconsin?...or even the U.S.? Head over to Rumpus Room (a Bartalotta restaurant!). The atmosphere feels intimate and reserved while serving up their high quality drinks and food, but it's also super relaxed and their service in superb and friendly. Expect bar food, but amped up to gourmet. Their menu will seriously knock your socks off. (Ummm you can order bacon as a snack??)
Maybe you're more in the mood for wine. The Ruby Tap let's you grab a glass, and fill it up a little, a little more, or a lot and pay for only what you fill to...hence the "Wine on Tap." Try all sorts of wines or just find a favorite! Add some of their truffle popcorn or some incredible meats and cheeses to please your palate. Fill out your own menu sheet, hand it to the waitress and she'll bring you your personalized order in just a few minutes.
Sometimes I get in that mood where I don't know WHAT I want to do...I just know I don't want to be in the house anymore. In that case, grab some take-out or a pizza and find your way to Big Head Brewing Company. They're basically just a micro-brew in a big garage/warehouse. Buy a flight of their awesome brews, pick one of their many board or card games from a shelf, and watch whatever game is on. Then head over to the other room and play a game of bags, enjoy the free pinball machine, or throw a few free darts. Whatever you're in the mood for, Big Head will be a pleaser.
This week's adventure is...*drum roll*.........the Racine Lighthouse!
There is a small museum there that is open from 10AM - 4PM on Saturdays. You get a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan and the lighthouse is just a great sight to see up close! Not far from the lighthouse are a bunch of great trails for hiking and being "nature-y."
Hope these give you some inspiration for adventuring! Happy Sunday!
Milwaukee Adventures // Part 1
So I've mentioned in previous posts that Tom and I have become a couple of Milwaukee foodies. This place is the best kept secret in the Midwest for its foodie culture, and we are digging in! Milwaukee Food Tours does a great job shedding light on the hidden gems of this city.
On that note, I've decided it's time to start a series.
Not only will I include some short reviews or recommendations on restaurants, but I'll also offer a few tidbits on what to do! We aren't big spenders and tend to find adventures in everything we do, so I'll share a few of those secrets with you...some mostly free date ideas!
This blog post idea came on when a girl from work made a comment on how I always find such cool places - so I threw together a little Milwaukee adventure list for her (knowing she loves some good date ideas) and then decided it was blog-worthy info.
Welcome to Milwaukee Adventure Series - Part 1!
Ever wondered what Whiskey flavored ice cream was like? How about Balsamic Strawberry? Or Blackberry and Quark? Check out the 5th Ward for a taste at Purple Door Ice Cream! Their Salted Caramel is definitely a winner.
If you appreciate a strong cup of joe, like we do, Valentine Coffee Company is an absolute must. Every cup is single pour brewed...to perfection.
Need some yummy American-fare? The Wicked Hop has a burger that's sure to please and a bloody (that I have yet to try) that'll have you coming back for more. Check out their menu online and try not to let your mouth water.
For a fun adventure - we discovered that with a Student ID, you can go to the ticket counter at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts a couple hours before the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra plays and pay only $12 for any seat in the house. A perfect excuse to dress up a little and feel cultured!
Have a fabulous weekend!