From Corndogs to Croissants: Five Reasons to Go to Indianola Right Now
Also find refined, well-designed shops filled with thoughtfully curated goods, and enjoy a beautiful drive there (I'll tell you the best route).
If you’re looking for a short day trip that combines a bit of autumn leaf-looking with a rich and eclectic boutique-y destination, I can think of no better spot than Indianola. While I wrote about this destination last autumn, I revisited last Saturday, and found even more reasons to head south. Here are the top five finds, both old and new.
1. Start with a Lovely Autumn Drive
Sure, you can hop on highway 65/69 but for the most scenic view, with hills, valleys, farms, grasslands, streams, and trees, trees, trees, take Highway 28 to Martensdale, then head east on Highway 9, which takes you straight into Indianola. Along the way, you’ll likely spot horses and cattle, of course, but you might also see goats, sheep, barnyard fowl, wild turkeys, and birds of prey. I’ve even seen long-horn cattle around these parts.
2. Savor a Morning Treat
Start your visit to Indianola at Savor the Rise (107 E. Salem St., Indianola; 515-325-7000), a fabulous bakery-cafe. They do expert espresso drinks, and the goodies case brims with high-quality sweet and savory pastries, many of which are crafted from puff pastry. I love the double-baked almond croissants here (though, alas, they don’t sell them on Saturday, which was when I last visited).
3. Poke Around the Square
Note: Many shops on the square in Indianola close at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and some are only open Thursday through Saturday. If shopping is your goal, check hours before you head out.
Big-box stores, begone! I don’t need endless options, just someone with a sharp eye picking out the best. That’s what I love about the shops here: they carefully curate the shopping experience. Among my favorites:
• Pamela’s Place (103 W Salem Ave.; 515-442-3939): I adore shops that carefully select beautiful vintage items and display them in modern, clean ways. Akin to East Village’s Porch Light shop, Pamela’s also sells new and well-chosen gifts and home goods alongside the used items.
• Adorn, 119 W Salem Ave, 515-962-5567: A lifestyle boutique with accessories, clothing, home goods, plus a delightful section of gifts for babies and children.
• Feed & Foster, 103 N Buxton St., 515-962-5450: A lovely selection of cookbooks, gourmet foods, kitchenware, flowers, wine, and artisanal cheeses.
• Lula Belle Designs (114 W Ashland Ave.; 515-314-6572): A spree-worthy boutique clothing store with jewelry, home decor, purses, handbags, and more.
• Pageturners Bookstore (101 E Salem Ave.; (515) 961-0391). How could I not love this bookstore? It’s the kind of charming, thoughtfully stocked bookstore everyone wishes they had in their neighborhood—and they just so happened to feature my book as a “staff recommended” pick.
4: Lunch Option: The Concession Stand for Corndogs, Funnel Cakes, Cheese Curds—and BBQ
New since my visit last year is the The Concession Stand (201 N. Buxton St.), a town square-adjacent venue that serves all kinds of concession-stand foods—from corndogs and cheese-curds to funnel cakes and lemonade—plus barbecue.
I had lunch elsewhere (I’m afraid State Fair food is not my thing ); however, when I popped in, I noticed the tidy, cheerful spot was doing a brisk business. Besides, according to the Independent Advocate, it’s owned by Ely Ladd, who operates concessions at Wells Fargo Arena, Principal Park, and elsewhere, so I’m willing to bet this guy knows his stuff. Also, I ran into two friends who praised the barbecue—and with the smoker in plain view out front, it looks like they take barbecue quite seriously.
Me? I went back to Savor the Rise for a lovely turkey-apple sandwich with arugula on their wonderful homemade bread. To each their own, right?
5. Day Drink on the Square
A cozy-yet-contemporary take on a British pub, The Groggy Dog (116 W Ashland Ave.; 515-962-5763) offers a rotating selection of craft brews and ciders. For something more wine-centric, try The Local Vine (126 W Ashland Ave.; 515-442-0686), which pours a thoughtful selection of wines by the glass and bottle, as well as beer and wine. Both venues offer food, though I have not dined at either.
Enjoy Indianola, friends! And let me know if I missed your favorite. Feel free to comment!
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