Blog - Just Around The Bend Travel

December 29, 2023January 28, 2024

Poppy Seed Chicken, the Only Way To Enjoy Chicken Breast

Growing up on a small Iowa farm whose family raised chickens, you would have thought I would have tasted Poppy Seed Chicken before now, but nope, that is not the case. I have only eaten Poppy Seed Chicken twice in my life. The first was this past September 2023 at the home of an Amish family in Shipshewana, Indiana.

Shipshewana, Indiana, boosts the third-largest Amish community in the United States.

Poppy Seed Chicken is a simple casserole dish that is a creamy chicken dish made with white chicken meat. It is so good that you could easily eat more than one serving.

Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking

Henry and Carolyn Yoder, Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking, graciously open the doors of their beautiful home to visitors. The night I had dinner at the Yoder’s there was a bus group from Wisconsin, two individual travelers, the grandparents, and me.

The main course was Poppy Seed Chicken served with mashed potatoes creamed peas, and noodles.

It should come as no surprise that we had pie for dessert. The Amish are well-known for their pies. My favorite is the cream pies.

Everything was delicious, but the Poppy Seed Chicken was out-of-this-world. It seemed to melt in my mouth, and now, I can say with confidence that I really like eating white chicken meat.

After enjoying dinner and friendly conversation, we all went outside to watch the sun set over the lake. Stunning!

To make reservations, call 260-768-3078.

Recipe

If you Google Poppy Seed Chicken recipes, you will find variations, but all contain sour cream and cream of chicken soup. These two ingredients are the key to the creamy white sauce.

Now for the recipe that the Convention & Visitors Bureau shared with me. You will want to try it immediately. There are only six ingredients, and it only takes approximately one hour to make.

Ingredients

2 pounds white boneless chicken, 1-10 oz. can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, 1 stick butter, and 1 1/2 cup Ritz crackers crushed.

Directions

Cup up the raw and boned chicken meat. Fry the chicken a little and put in 8″ X 8″ baking dish. Mix together the soup and sour cream. Pour over the chicken. Melt the butter and mix with crushed crackers. Put on top of the soup. Generously sprinkle with poppy seeds.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

The Farmhouse Eatery and Gifts

Attending a women’s retreat in Spring Grove, Minn., I couldn’t help but mention to anyone that would listen just how delicious Poppy Seed Chicken is.

During the workshop, I was surprised to learn that a popular restaurant, The Farmhouse Eatery and Gifts, in Caledonia, Minn. serves Poppy Seed Chicken. Their menu changes weekly, so I started to follow them on Facebook, and it wasn’t long before Poppy Seed Chicken was on the menu. It tasted the same and was as good as the Poppy Seed Chicken I enjoyed in Shipshewana.

At The Farmhouse Eatery and Gifts, the mouth-watering entrée comes with a fresh green salad, burgundy poppy seed salad dressing made in-house, and a freshly made oat bun can’t be beat.

A popular feature is the gift shop on the second floor of this quaint restored farmhouse. The inventory changes according to the season.

The Farmhouse Eatery and Gifts is located at 219 N. Kingston St. Caledonia, Minn. Follow them on Facebook or call 507-725-8581.

I highly recommend both Yoder’s Homestyle Cooking and The Farmhouse Eatery and Gifts.

November 12, 2023December 30, 2023

It’s a Hot-Air Balloon! No, It’s Nine Hot-Air Balloons!

Another Caledonia Hot-Air Balloon Rally is in the bag! The 2023 rally took place the third weekend in October. Ten balloons from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota were scheduled to fly over the weekend. Nine balloons flew from the field behind Caledonia High School on Friday afternoon and again on Sunday morning. The fights on Saturday were canceled due to high winds. This is the most balloons, I have seen fly in Caledonia over the past 10 years.

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Safety First

Each year, the town hosts a hot-air balloon rally in October, the only balloon rally south of Rochester, Minn. There are years when the weather does not cooperate and the balloons do not get to fly or even stand-up. Organizers stress that balloon flights are weather-dependent, and that safety always comes first. Whether balloons fly or not is at the pilot’s discretion.

Keep a watchful eye on the Caledonia Balloon Rally Facebook page for up-to-date information prior to the event and during the rally. The organizers do an outstanding job posting notifications.

2023 Pilots

2023 participating pilots include Russ Lucas, Dodge Center, Minn.; Lynn Huppert, Ellsworth, Wisc.; Chris Keefe, Cross Plains, Wisc.; Rodney Newkirk, Rochester, Minn.; Tim Cloyd, Runnells, Iowa; John Parezo, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Jeff Trzebiatowski, Appleton, Wisc.; Terry Dorshorst, West Salem, Wisc.; Sean Eakin, Tomah, Wisc.; and Kevin Kamp, Marion, Iowa.

Balloonmeister

Tom Cloyd from Runnells, Iowa, was the 2023 balloonmeister. The balloonmeister is in charge of and coordinates all the balloon activities at a balloon event. He/she ensures the pilots meet all the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

Smile!

Balloon rallies are the perfect opportunity to take photos. Bring your camera to capture the balloons as they inflate, lift off, and fill the blue sky with a rainbow of colors. It is also fun to take pictures of the kids jumping up and down and yelling, “There’s a balloon. There’s a balloon. This is also the perfect time to record short videos of all the oohs and aahs and beaming smiles as attendees watch the balloons inflate and take-off. Don’t forget to wave. #caledoniamnballoonrally

Say Yes!

If you are asked to chase or go for a ride, don’t hesitate, say yes!

November 12, 2023July 5, 2024

A Good Night at the Theatre

If you are passing through Shipshewana, Indiana and only have one night and one day to spend, this itinerary is for you.

Warning: after a short stay in Shipshewana you will want to extend your stay or schedule a return visit. There is so much to experience in Shipshewana and the surrounding countryside.

Think of this itinerary as an introduction into the Amish culture. Visitors will enjoy delicious Amish food, conversation with community members, an evening at the theater, a good night’s rest, and a shopping experience at the community’s decade-old flea market which started in the 1940s with people selling their wares out of the trunk of their cars.

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Blue Gate Garden Inn & Conference Center

The first stop is the Blue Gate Garden Inn. No matter the season, the colorful and whimsical decorations placed strategically around the property create a warm and an inviting atmosphere.

The lobby’s centerpiece is a warm golden brown wooden staircase and a comfortable sitting area at the base of the staircase. There was a stunning harvest display depicting Shipshewana’s rich farming community when I visited in the fall.

The hotel sleeping room was equipped with a small refreshment bar that includes a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, sink, cupboards, and plenty of counter space for preparing a quick snack or a four-course meal.

The spacious and well-lit bathroom contained all the amenities one would expect in a 4.6-star hotel. (Source: Travelocity.com)

The spacious room has a large window that looks out over the town and a couch for relaxing. The room decorations reflect the community’s farming industry. Left on the table was a bottle of water, perfect after a long-day drive. A new bottle appeared every day.

Tonight’s highlights are dinner and an evening at the theatre.

After returning from the theatre, the queen-sized bed was inviting and made for a restful night. I love all the fluffy pillows!

After an evening at the theatre and a good night’s sleep, the following day started with a down-home breakfast at the restaurant’s buffet, which is included in the room fee. The breakfast buffet included a made-to-order omelet station, freshly baked goods from The Blue Gate Bakery, and locally made yogurt and granola.

The tables in the restaurant are covered with 50-60’s style oil tablecloths, and the walls are decorated with barn quilts and farm-inspired decorations.

The service is helpful and eager to help and answer questions.

Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery

After settling in at The Blue Gate Garden Inn, it’s off to dinner at The Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery.

Diners have two choices: stay upstairs and order off the menu, or go downstairs and enjoy a buffet dinner. I decided to go downstairs and enjoy the buffet as I wanted to sample everything.

The country style buffet consists of three food stations. One features a large selection of desserts, including various fruit pies, which the Amish are known for. There is a salad bar and o bar featuring main dishes. Try the noodles, a mainstay of every Amish meal. The fried chicken was my favorite.

I noticed that the tables were covered with decorative oil cloths reminiscing of the 50s and 60s era. Diners are waited on by women dressed in blue Amish-style dresses, white aprons, and comfortable-looking chunky black shoes.

There are so many tasty options to choose from. It was hard to choose. Dig in!

Blue Gate Theatre

After a delicious dinner at The Blue Gate Restaurant & Bakery, it was upstairs to The Blue Gate Theatre for a first-class performance of ‘Home Game’. A story about an Amish boy, his love for baseball, and life as a professional ball player in Sin City, Las Vegas, Nevada. Baseball is a favorite sport of Amish kids. There seemed to be a ball diamond at every Amish school.

The performance is as entertaining as any I have seen on Broadway or in Las Vegas, Nevada; Branson, Missouri; or London, England.

The 300-seat theatre guarantees everyone a perfect seat. Being up close to the stage makes it much more personal, as if the actors are talking just to you.

Upcoming performances include: The Christmas Candy Caper, Blackberry Smoke, Three Dog Night, Doug Church: Elvis Beyond ’77, The Return Of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Gatlin Brothers Christmas, Wheel of Fortune Live, Daniel O’Donnell Christmas, Kenny G, Sawyer Brown, Celtic Angels Christmas. Visit for an up-to-date schedule, https://www.thebluegate.com/shipshewana/blue-gate-theatre/schedule/

Theatre goers will not be disappointed.

Shipshewana Flea Market

The Shipshewana Flea Market is billed as “Midwest’s Largest Outdoor Flea Market.”

It is an experience that should not be missed. With 40 acres and 700 open-air booths, you will need a plan as there is no way to visit all 700 booths in one day, much less a week.

Pick up a map at the Visitor Center located near the entrance. The flea market is open May through September from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. The 2024 season opens on April 30.

The greeters at the onsite visitor center are super informed. One of the greeters is a former vendor.

Next to the visitors center is a people mover shop where visitors can rent shopping carts, wagons, and electric scooters.

One of the first shops sells licorice, perfect for snacking on while you shop. In addition to black licorice, they also sell a variety of flavors, including strawberry and cherry. Besides being delicious tasting, the licorice does not stick to your teeth.

There is something for everyone at the flea market: metal signs, crafts, Amish jellies, antiques, kitchen utensils, wood crafts, clothing, plus more.

If you are visiting on a Wednesday, check out the antique auction from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., year-round. If you plan on bidding, pay attention, as there are anywhere from 6-10 auctioneers chanting simultaneously. The auction moves fast!

Hungry? There are a variety of food vendors on site. For an authentic Amish experience, enjoy a Fried Pie or a tasty pretzel from Ben’s Soft Pretzels.

August 25, 2023October 13, 2023

It’s All Good at Barney’s Bar & Grill

Barney’s Bar & Grill in Burr Oak, Iowa, made Just Around the Bend Travel‘s list of must-visit small-town bar/restaurant in the Driftless region. To find out why continue reading.

Barney’s Bar & Grill is owned and operated by North Winneshiek graduate, Trisha Ryan.

A rainy day is the perfect day for a visit to Barney’s Bar & Grill.

Barney’s Bar & Grill is located in the farming community of Burr Oak, Iowa.

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Location Location Location

Tourism marketing professionals often refer to the importance of location, location, location when discussing a destination. Barney’s Bar & Grill is blessed with its location.

For this Winneshiek County resident, Burr Oak is located barely 10 minutes from the family home in Hesper, Iowa, making Barney’s Bar & Grill convenient, especially for that evening when one doesn’t want to cook. They are open six days a week, closed on Sunday.

Second, Burr Oak is one of the communities North Winneshiek students called home, plus it was the closest town to the rural school, so both Burr Oak and Barney’s Bar & Grill hold a special place in the heart of North Winneshiek graduates. What memories!

The unincorporated village of around 200 is centrally located in the northern sector of Winneshiek County in NE Iowa. Burr Oak is adjacent to Highway 52 north of Decorah, Iowa, just minutes south of the Iowa/Minnesota state line. The town’s location makes it easy for visitors to find the restaurant and is convenient for residents. Tip. In the winter, Highway 52 is one of the first roads cleared after a snowstorm.

A favorite of North Winn alumni, pizza burger and fries!

Tasty Pizza Burgers

Visitors will find traditional fried bar/pub food at Barney’s Bar & Grill. Pizza burgers were a hit with North Winneshiek students when attending school. The ones served at Barney’s Bar & Grill are not the same as the ones served at school, but they are as delicious and even more delicious when dipped in the yummy pizza sauce. The bun is toasted, creating an ever better sandwich.

A favorite meal of farmers, a burger and onion rings.

Other fried foods include a wide selection of sandwiches including hamburgers and cheeseburgers, crispy or grilled chicken sandwiches, and Iowa’s specialty, breaded tenderloin sandwiches plus fish sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Philly steak sandwiches.

Barney’s Bar & Grill has the largest selection of sides that I have ever seen in one restaurant. There are regular fries, seasoned fries, onion rings, sweet potato fries plus yellow and white cheese curds, chicken fries and strips, wing dings, mini tacos, cheese potatoes, pickle fries, mushrooms, breaded cauliflower, corn nuggets, fried green beans, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeño poppers bites.

Which sides are your favorites?

Living It Up Outdoors

The spacious outdoor patio offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy Iowa’s pleasant weather. What can be more enjoyable than sitting outside listening to live entertainment?

The atmosphere at Barney’s Bar and Grill is as comfortable, as well-worn clothes.

Since it is a small town bar, the chances of running into someone you know is a high probability. If it is your first visit, you will definitely find a local that will strike up a conversation with you.

Barney’s Bar and Grill is a safe place for their customers to hang out at.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Another reason why Barney’s Bar & Grill is a must-visit establishment. Burr Oak has an important former resident, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and her family called Burr Oak home. The Ingalls family lived in Burr Oak from 1876-1877 and operated the Masters Hotel for one year before moving on. The Masters Hotel is the only childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder that remains on its original site. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Their stay was not included in the Little House series written by Laura and is referred to as “The Missing Link”.

Take a guided tour of the Master’s Hotel.

New to the park is a country schoolhouse moved from its former location in Burr Oak. School tours include a class in the schoolhouse.

A local family donated The Burr Oak Mercantile to the Laura Ingall’s Wilder Museum non-profit organization. The two-story building is scheduled to become the museum’s future office and visitor center.

Go Where the Locals Go!

Barney’s Bar & Grill is located at 3607 236th Ave, Burr Oak, IA. The establishment is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. They are closed on Sunday.

Stay up to date by visiting Facebook.

July 22, 2023October 13, 2023

Wyoming, a gold mine of history!

Rural Midwestern towns are rich in history, and the town’s residents love to share stories with visitors and residents. Wyoming’s historic walking tours provide an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the town’s beginning and its evolution.

The town’s active historical society created four historical walking tours that make it easy for visitors to learn about the communities’ rich history while enjoying the town’s natural and architectural beauty. A brochure with all four tours is available at the city library.

Wyoming Area Library

A library visitor taking advantage of the computers and internet.

Libraries might not be on top of your to-do list when visiting a new town, but they should be your first stop. The Wyoming Area Library has a wealth of information and activities for all ages. There are also a number of comfortable sitting areas where visitors can relax in an easy chair while reading the local newspaper or one of the many magazines.

Visitors can use the copier or get on a computer to check their email or surf the internet.

It is also the perfect location if you need to get out of the rain and are looking for something to do. The Wyoming Area Library has two tables where visitors can put puzzles together, plus an area to build Legos. There are also kits for children. The disc golf kit is a favorite for all ages.

When at the Wyoming Area Library, ask for a copy of the Historic Walking Tour of Wyoming published by the Wyoming Historical Society.

The brochure is a gold mine of historical information and pictures, including four historic walking tours that meander through town. There is a 1-mile trail, a 2.3-mile trail, a 3.5-mile, and 4.5-mile trail. Walkers can choose to do one or all four trails in one day, depending on your skill level and how much time you have.

Hallberg Center for the Arts

Why is the community art center located on a historic walking tour? The center is located in a historic church.

The Hallberg Center for the Arts has two art galleries. One is on the first floor, and the Underground Gallery (love the name) is located in the basement.

The sanctuary is a space for musical performances, and the altar works as a stage.

In addition to offering new exhibits and concerts every month, classes are also offered at the center. There was no cost to enjoy the exhibits.

The Gallery is closed on Sunday and Monday, and open Tuesday through Friday from 2-8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 12-6:00 p.m.

Don’t let the road construction on E. Viking Blvd. during the summer of 2023 stop you from visiting the art center. The center is open during regular hours.

Cornerstone Pub and Prime

Cornerstone Pub and Prime not only serves up plates of delicious food, like prime rib and fish & chips, it is also located in a historic building on the town’s historic walking tour.

The two-story building is the former Wyoming Hotel, built in 1914, located on the northeast corner of Forest Blvd. and E. Viking Blvd.

The restaurant is open Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

A one-story addition to house a massive wooden bar was added to the two-story building. A spacious patio was added for outside dining.

Try your hand at a game of bean bag toss.

Thanks to Old Highway 61 for hosting Just Around the Bend Travel. We will be back.