ia Magazine

Saturday, April 25, is Independent Bookstore Day, a day to celebrate locally owned and operated bookstores nationwide (and a convenient excuse to buy more books). There are dozens of unique bookstores across the state that are worth the drive. Here are five that I’ve enjoyed, in no particular order:

Choose your own adventure on Indie Bookstore Day Across Iowa, there are dozens of unique bookstores that are worth the drive

I didn’t know it then, but the Rural Road Trip started in fall 2019. Mallary Snakenberg wanted a way to draw people to the The Feathered Farmhouse, the shop she opened a few weekends throughout the year outside of Sigourney.

We stumbled upon it purely by accident. Back in April 2024, two of my cousins, a sister-in-law and I met up in Kalona for some shopping and lunch before heading to an overnight stay in a converted train depot a few miles south in Washington. Other than our goal to hang out together, we didn’t have any firm plans for the trip — at least, not until we saw a sign on the door of the first shop we entered. That sign, about the Rural Road Trip, set the agenda for the rest of the weekend:

Head out for a Rural Road Trip in Eastern Iowa Every road trip needs snacks. Stock up on fudge at the Kalona Creamery. (Photo: Travel Iowa) By Jessica O’Riley We ...

True confession: I love quirky museums and roadside attractions. I’m one of those people who actively seek them out on a road trip, to my family’s mixed reaction. World’s largest popcorn ball? Sign me up. (Sac City, by the way.) A collection of spoons? I’m there.

Which is how I ended up at the Mississippi Spoon Gallery in Davenport. The collection belongs to Cammie Pohl but started with her great-grandmother, Amelia:

Spoonful of history: Davenport collection is world’s largest Stir things up at the Mississippi Spoon Gallery, which holds a Guinness World Record. (Photo: MSG) By Jessica O’Riley True ...