West Quest Part Deux - Day 4
Day trip to Oskaloosa and Pella, Iowa
Saturday, 13 August 2022
The Kellogg RV Park where we are staying has turned out to be a nice surprise. At first, it looks rather ordinary and it’s quite close to I-80, making the highway noise loud. That said, it’s so cute! The owners have added quite a few personal touches all around the campground that are fun to look at and just make the place a little paradise. Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.
Just before noon, we headed to nearby Oskaloosa where Frieda was born in Mahaska County Hospital a few decades ago. At the time of her birth, her father was working at the now-closed Vennard College located right next door in University Park, Iowa.
While we were in Oskaloosa, we stopped by a wonderful family-owned gift store called Hunters Gifts and Coffee Cafe where Shirley Hunter runs the gift part in the front while husband Frank runs a cafe in the back along with a friend who happens to have the first name Hunter. We each had the house speciality chicken and chestnut casserole that was absolutely delicious. Thank you Shirley, Frank and Hunter for a wonderful experience!
A few doors down, we visited a very cool independent book store called The Book Vault located in an old bank that features three gorgeous 19th century Mosler Safe Co. vaults. It’s always amazing to see how craftsmen of that day added all kinds of details to their work that had nothing whatsoever to do with the functionality of the product. Just pride of craftsmanship.
One thing for sure about the Midwest is that you meet the nicest people — folks like Katie, the owner of Betsy’s Boutique where Frieda found some wonderful cardigans.
After doing quite a bit of other shopping in Oskaloosa and feeling like we had done our part to help the local economy, we headed to nearby Pella.
On the recommendation of a friend, we enjoyed a snack from the very popular Jaarsma Bakery then ducked into the de Kelder Speakeasy for an afternoon refreshment.
Maddie and Skipper have been terrific when we leave them for several hours during the day. They like the Ollie and think it’s a gigantic dog crate. Of course, when we return home they always get a long walk. They seem to enjoy all the grass and nearby corn.
See you tomorrow!
You two just might become Iowans some day 😃🌽 . So glad you are enjoying our little bit of Heaven!!
The workmanship on that safe is amazing. Great pictures and narration. Thanks!