Tuesday, September 20, 2016

4 Reasons to Visit Franklin County, Iowa This Weekend

If I could sum up Franklin County, Iowa (my home) in three words I'd say welcoming, innovative and genuine.  Franklin County is a rural area in North Iowa with only 10,000 residents living within its borders and one working stop light ;) but we don't let our small stature get in our way of being inventive and bringing in people to experience our slice of heaven on Earth (Cue Field of Dreams - Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa.).  I'm proud to call this spot in North Iowa my home and this weekend is one of the many reasons why it is such a great place.

Reason #1 - Main Street Hampton Restaurant Crawl, Thursday, Sepetember 22nd

Looking for a fun Thursday night out?  For just $10 you can dine at four restaurants in Downtown Hampton!  A first of its kind event for Franklin County, this Restaurant Crawl runs from 5 to 7pm and includes stops at:
  • La Frontera - Appetizer/Nachos and Dessert/Pear Tart
  • Breadeaux Pizza - two Salad options
  • Willies Sports Bar - Brisket and Tenderloin Sliders
  • Rustic Brew - Roast Pork Loin topped with Cooked Apples with a side of Fingerling Potatoes and Carrots
You can start at any restaurant and eat in any order.  Tickets are required for this event; contact Dawn Collins at mainstreet@hamptoniowa.org or stop in at the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce/Center One.  This event supports local food producers, downtown restaurants, Hampton-Dumont Bulldog Cafe students and Hampton-Dumont music students.  Students involved with the Bulldog Cafe have helped test the recipes that will be featured Thursday night.  They will also be the servers at each of the restaurants.  Music at each restaurant will be provided by the school music students and local musicians.

Main Street Hampton, Iowa Restaurant Crawl, Thursday, Sepetember 22nd

Reason #2 - The Geneva Market, Friday, September 23rd and Saturday, September 24th

Does anyone else love the "Only in Your State" lists?  Well, I sure do and I am proud to say that Franklin County's, The Geneva Market, made the 6 Must-Visit Flea Markets in Iowa Where You'll Find Awesome Stuff list.  

The best parts of this fun, antique, vintage, upcycled market is that it happens in both the spring and the fall (the fall market happening this weekend) and the money raised through booth rentals and the $3 admission fee goes to the Geneva Betterment Committee.  The Committee is currently working on repairing the Geneva School Auditorium, where they plan to host future markets, as well as wedding receptions, family reunions, etc. after renovations are complete.

The Geneva Market is located at Mayne's Grove (west of Geneva and south of Hampton) and will take place on Friday, September 23rd from 10am to 7pm and Saturday, September 24th from 9am to 5pm.  Be sure to check out their Facebook page to get a look at some of the up to 100 vendors that will be there this weekend.  I have always come home with something fun from The Geneva Market.  This spring I bought two, neat, metal art flowers for my yard.  I bet this weekend there will lots of exclusive buys for your home, especially fall decor.

The Geneva Market, Friday, September 23rd and Saturday, September 24th

Reason #3 - Make-A-Wish Fall Ball at Enchanted Acres, Saturday, September 24th

Now this third reason is very near to my heart.  For the second year, Enchanted Acres, located outside of Sheffield, is hosting a Fall Ball for Make-A-Wish Iowa from 9am to 5pm.  A $5 per person gate fee will be donated directly to the Make-A-Wish North Iowa Committee, that will go towards helping wish families.

Besides supporting wish kids, you also get to have lots of fun!  Everyone is encouraged to dress up as your favorite character for the all day costume party.  Special attractions exclusive for Saturday include inflatables for the kids to play on, face painting from 9am to 1pm and Dragonfire Dancing Horses performances at 11am and 1:30pm.  To learn more about all of the activities, check out the Facebook event.

Enchanted Acres is a favorite fall destination for my family and I.  There are a lot of fun opportunities, while still having that close-knit, comfortable feeling.  Thank you to Enchanted Acres for hosting this event for the second year in a row!

Make-A-Wish Fall Ball at Enchanted Acres, Saturday, September 24th

***September 23rd Update - Due to the rain and flooding at Enchanted Acres, Saturday's Fall Ball is being postponned to Saturday, October 29th.  Sunday's Farm Crawl is still going on as planned.***

Reason #4 - Fresh on the Farm at Enchanted Acres, TownsEnd Winery and Carlson Tree Farm, Sunday, September 25th

The final reason to visit Franklin County is happening this Sunday.  The Fresh on the Farm, Farm Crawl has been happening the last few years and looks to be another great way to enjoy a beautiful, fall day this weekend.

The Farm Crawl provides the public a fun, interactive opportunity to get to know some local producers and to taste the flavors of fall.  At each farm there will be tours, food samples, and products to buy from Noon to 5pm.  You can start wherever you want, but you'll want to make sure to visit all of the sites.  This year's farms are Enchanted Acres, TownsEnd Winery in Hansell and Carlson Tree Farm in rural Hampton/Coulter.

Fresh on the Farm at Enchanted Acres, TownsEnd Winery and Carlson Tree Farm, Sunday, September 25th

So what's stopping you?  Be sure to visit my home this weekend for some great fall fun.  What event are you really interested in?  Remember to Comment for a Cause!

5 comments:

  1. I wish I lived a little closer, I want to do it all!

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  2. I may have to move out to Franklin County! Only 10,000 people that sounds very laid back :)
    My family and I traveled a lot with our camper when we were in High School and I loved going through Iowa. The country side in your state is very gorgeous.
    Thanks for visiting.
    Best,
    Bibi

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excellent article! We will be linking to this great post on our site. Keep up the good writing. what to do in Corfu

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  4. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, be sure to check out the event management in Franklin County, Iowa! There's sure to be something for everyone!

    ReplyDelete