1) The bluffs of Iowa!!!!! I'm still not entirely sure what a bluff is but Sarah (who recommended Palisades State Park--a total gem) says it's like a cliff. Or, "a steep headland, promontory, riverbank, or cliff," as Webster specifies. Anyway, it was real nice. And a lone fisherman made it quite the tableau. We also went to Coralville Dam, which is about as interesting as it sounds when it is pouring rain, hence the lack of photographs.
2) But I'll tell you what is so interesting you could weep with joy: Solon, Iowa!!!!! Home to 1,700 good American folks, Solon also sports one of the hippest mainstreets in Iowa. See Exhibit A (Home of the best pork tenderloin in Iowa--not the USA or the world, mind you, Solon is a very down to earth place. And it did not dissapoint. The sandwiches were literally as big as our heads!) & B (supposedly a very delicious organic, farm-raised, la-di-da restaurant that was unfortunately very closed for lunch):
A.
B.
3) Next up was the adventure known as Sharpless Auction!!!!! This was only my second time back to Sharpless (the first time I left with some sweet bounty, if you remember the squirrel/acorn salt & pepper shakers). This time, not only were they having the usual amazing consignment auction, but they were also having the annual boats/RVS/fancy jewlry auction! I'm here to tell you that heaven can't wait, because it's at Sharpless Auction. Not to be missed...
...the creepy pilgrim (?) mask going for who knows how much. I'm still terrified.
...& the KOALA PLANT STAND! I totally lust after this thing and you can see exactly why:
We made a quick pit stop at the Natural History Museum!! (quite possibly one of my favorite places in Iowa City, mostly to check out Rusty our giant ice age ground sloth that my dear friend Kendra gets to dress up--it was Rosie the Riveter for Women's History Month, if that gives you any idea how awesome (s)he looks dressed up--there is also quite the hubbub concerning its actual sex. For years they've called it a "he" but recently research shows that it may very well be a "she." Total drama-rama!
4) On the way up to Minneapolis we decided to hit up the Pella Tulip Festival!!!!!!! It was just like being in Holland BUT BETTER [yes, that is a blatant lie]! But it was pretty amazing. There was, for instance, my all time favorite carny treat--funnel cake. Smothered in strawberry preserves and powdered sugar. Dreams keep coming true in Iowa, folks. Oh, and there were like windmills and giant clogs and a giant coronation throne for the tulip queen and small children dancing in old Dutch outfits and the oldest man playing a rickety organ, and yes, tulips galore.
5) And of course, Minneapolis!!!!! If it wasn't enough to love it for its many lakes & gorgeous cityscape, then the sparkling palm tree (very Lisa Frank) shimmering over a store front would be enough to endear it to you. What really sealed the deal for me was the Gay 90s Club. A total wonder, complete with a motorcycle displayed in the second floor window. I can only imagine the play list at this place...and oh, what joy it brings me!
I got to meet the delightful Cook family--parents of the lovely Emeline--and also Long Lost Cousin Jim! The Cooks were wonderful hosts and took us to this hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, which was everything I could hope for and more. We took Emma to the library for reading time and got to sing songs, read board books, and hug a gorilla (stuffed animal, unfortunately). All in all, Iowa/Minneapolis Tour May 2009 was a total hit!
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