Meganastout.com

I’m taking a little trip. To Iowa. Have I peaked your interest yet? No? There is something wrong with you.

Iowa seems to be a forgotten state. There aren’t any MAJOR U.S. landmarks (unless you count the toothpick museum in Gladbrook as a national  treasure), there aren’t an un-godly amount of 5-star restaurants (in fact I’m not sure that there is even one), there aren’t any mountains, and clearly there isn’t a beach. All of these reasons have to play a part in why no one goes to Iowa of their own volition. Everyone just writes Iowa off, ignores it and decides to burrow the nugget of knowledge telling them that Iowa exists right into the back of their brain, next to the book report they did in 3rd grade on Betsy Ross.

Well, I for one am pumped to be heading to the great state of corn. Oh did I mention corn? Must not have. Corn has to be the #1 reason to visit Iowa. It’s everywhere… and honestly if you want to enjoy your time there check the local corn forecasts because if it’s not “knee-high by the fourth of July” it could be a rough trip.

Seeing (for me) as all good trips revolve around food…these are the 5 things that will make the entire trip worth while. You’ll need to check these bad boys out if you want to die happy.

1.) Old Dutch dill potato chips. Heaven on a dill chip.

2.) Puffed corn. I told you they loved their corn.

3.) Meat. It just tastes better. I think having grown up in a city left me deprived of fresh meat. Straight from the cow… or pig… or chicken.

4.) Maid-Rites. If you don’t know what a Maid-Rite is then you’re missing one of the 10 wonders of the culinary world. Please get in your car, drive to Marshalltown, IA and check out Taylor’s Maid-Rite before you continue to read on. Thanks.

5.) Zeno’s Pizza. Love it, end of story.

There is more.  Much, much more… like mini-doughnuts and homeade noodles, but I didn’t want to overwhelm you. For insight into “Iowa life” check this out! I’ll be meeting Bethany (cornfever.com) for dinner and if my intuition is correct I’ll have some sort of life changing adventure to report back on. Wish me luck.