05/04/2026
❓❓How many days do you think you could stay in a yurt (or cabin or hobbit house) on a farmstead in rural Iowa❓❓
☀️Well, we figure for a first timer you’ll need a nice, full day on the farmstead visiting with all the animals, another day for relaxing by a lake with a kayak or paddleboard, and then at least one more day for an adventure day!!
☀️So, we took our own little adventure last week to give you an idea of some the little hidden gems in our surrounding area that could enhance and extend your stay for a really fun adventure here!
☀️We got up early on Wednesday to hit a coffee spot in Keystone, Main Street Bakery and Cafe! They make amazing baked goods and serve lunch as well. The coffee is delicious and they use locally roasted beans, too!
☀️We thought ice cream sounded fun so we drove to Dysart to get that old school drive-in nostalgia. 🥰
☀️We went downtown there and did a little small town shopping and stopped by one of our favorite shops, The Blacksmith Boutique & Garden Studio They have plants and handmade soaps and gifts and clothes and the whole place is just made up so cute. We loved it
☀️We had to get a picture of the heart of the Bohemie Alps in Vining!
☀️We got off the beaten path and took a walk around West Salt Creek Wildlife area just outside of Vining. Some of the most beautiful views of the Bohemie Alps up there. This is when most people would burst out into song with the Sound of Music’s ‘The hills are alive… 🎶’ We found a little creek and a lake and it’s a great place to spot wildlife like wood ducks and deer. We thought it would be a pretty place for a picnic.
☀️We had to of course pass by our favorite place to kayak and wander, Otter Creek Lake & Park, which is another place that is doing good things for nature and pollinators and conservation.
☀️Jim was feelin a little snacky and thirsty, so we stopped by Bohemian Blonde in Clutier! Fried mushrooms hit the spot. 🍄🟫 🍺
☀️Heading into Toledo, we had to make a stop at one of the local farm stands Faircloth Farms just outside of town. We stocked up on some raw honey! 🍯 😋
☀️We passed by the new bakery there in town Bliss! (Closed on Wednesdays, but will be back!)
☀️We wanted to see more of what is West of us, so we went over to Green Castle Recreation Area where we visited the wildlife exhibits with bison and trumpeter swans! They also have a nice lil recreational lake and walking paths.
☀️Sweeping back around we headed towards Montour and passed by Rubes Steakhouse! It’s famous for its unique "grill-your-own" steakhouse experience.
☀️We popped in a little Amish shop outside Montour, Variety, and stocked up on homemade treats and breads. Yummmy. I recommend the jalepeno & cheese loaf and the homemade caramels😋
☀️A lot of people ask us where they can go fishing and so we thought we’d drive by some of the old bridges in Tama Co that people frequently fish from. Just a neat spot if you like cool old bridges, too.
☀️Chelsea has a beautiful area designated to marsh wildlife and built a viewing spot just off the road. Trumpeter swans are known to be seen here. We didn’t see the swans this time but there was a big, beautiful flock of American pelicans!
☀️We decided to end the day with a beverage from The Silver Dollar in Chelsea and talk about our favorite stops during the day. This roadtrip took the whole day and we didn’t even get to experience everything to the fullest!
☀️We decided to hit up The Regal Fritillary in Belle Plaine the following morning since they were closed on Wednesday. They have such a good vibe and great coffees.
☀️While we were in town we had to stop in the classic Lincoln Cafe for breakfast. Such a nostalgic diner experience we love.
☀️We didn’t want to be done exploring, so we ended up coming back to Belle Plaine to get some of our favorite pizza and brews from Benton Co Brewing the same day! 😃
These are only a few of the stops within 30min from the farm, and there’s so much more!
