Day Trip Adventure: Loess Hills Scenic Byway
This weekend, I focused on spending quality time with the kids: individually and together. I had a slumber party with my daughter on Friday night, and House of Cards/movie night with my son on Saturday night. I think it's important to give your kids some undivided one-on-one time every so often. It reminds them that they are important to you, boosts their self-esteem, and helps cement the parent-child bond you have.
Yesterday, I thought we'd round out the weekend by doing some adventurin'. I made a picnic lunch, and we hit the road. I decided to take the kids down Old Lincoln Highway and then follow that along the Loess Hills Scenic Byway. If you ever want something to do on a lazy day when you have plenty of time to kill, I highly suggest doing this journey. There are quite a few scenic byways in Western Iowa that wind their way along the Loess Hills, and into its communities. There are plenty of things to see and places to explore.
We stopped first at one of three old cemeteries we passed (where we honored those who are no longer with us), then Missouri Valley, the Iowa Welcome Center (which is a great place to visit as well as pick up tourist pamphlets, including the ones concerning the byways and the counties they wind through) where we ate our lunch, Logan, Fountainbleu byway, Murray Hill overlook, Mondamin, and then back down through Sawmill Loop. The Loess Hills Lavender farm, Small's Berry Farm, and many other stops are along the way, but the aforementioned do not open until May 1.
Incidentally, we had a tire issue, which wasn't a problem as I have skill at changing tires and have the proper tools, but a perfect gentleman in Mondamin guided us to his house where he had the professional tools to change out the tire in about 5 minutes. He also gave the kids ice cream treats and myself a bottle of water. We made note of his address and will send him a thank you card. Helping others in need is not dead.
A tombstone from 1882. He was only 27 years old when he passed. R.I.P.
Another view of the cemetery, overlooking the Loess Hills. Cemeteries are serene and beautiful in the morning light.
The Rialto Theatre in Missouri Valley.
The county courthouse in Logan.
Breathtaking view of the Loess Hills from a vantage point on Murray Hill Overlook.
An old, abandoned barn.
Treetops and the signs of spring against the warm sun.
An barn/grain silo combo along the Fountainbleu byway.
Yesterday, I thought we'd round out the weekend by doing some adventurin'. I made a picnic lunch, and we hit the road. I decided to take the kids down Old Lincoln Highway and then follow that along the Loess Hills Scenic Byway. If you ever want something to do on a lazy day when you have plenty of time to kill, I highly suggest doing this journey. There are quite a few scenic byways in Western Iowa that wind their way along the Loess Hills, and into its communities. There are plenty of things to see and places to explore.
We stopped first at one of three old cemeteries we passed (where we honored those who are no longer with us), then Missouri Valley, the Iowa Welcome Center (which is a great place to visit as well as pick up tourist pamphlets, including the ones concerning the byways and the counties they wind through) where we ate our lunch, Logan, Fountainbleu byway, Murray Hill overlook, Mondamin, and then back down through Sawmill Loop. The Loess Hills Lavender farm, Small's Berry Farm, and many other stops are along the way, but the aforementioned do not open until May 1.
Incidentally, we had a tire issue, which wasn't a problem as I have skill at changing tires and have the proper tools, but a perfect gentleman in Mondamin guided us to his house where he had the professional tools to change out the tire in about 5 minutes. He also gave the kids ice cream treats and myself a bottle of water. We made note of his address and will send him a thank you card. Helping others in need is not dead.
A tombstone from 1882. He was only 27 years old when he passed. R.I.P.
Another view of the cemetery, overlooking the Loess Hills. Cemeteries are serene and beautiful in the morning light.
The Rialto Theatre in Missouri Valley.
The county courthouse in Logan.
Breathtaking view of the Loess Hills from a vantage point on Murray Hill Overlook.
An old, abandoned barn.
Treetops and the signs of spring against the warm sun.
An barn/grain silo combo along the Fountainbleu byway.
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