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The Culture Compass

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Why Not Turn Sunday Dinner Into a Mini Road Trip?
Looking for a Sunday dinner worth the drive? Toot-Toot Family Restaurant in Bethany, Missouri serves up a hearty Sunday buffet, homestyle comfort food, and the kind of small-town hospitality that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable mini road trip.
Tricia Rivas
Feb 112 min read


Your Best Iowa Weekend Getaway Might Be 30 Minutes Away: A Staycation Adventure
Sometimes the best adventures are right in your own backyard. We planned an affordable Iowa staycation filled with farm-fresh cider, patio dining, cozy stays, and the best part—supporting incredible small businesses every step of the way. Discover how we turned a weekend into pure Iowa magic without breaking the bank.
Tricia Rivas
Jan 155 min read


Rural Road Trip Iowa: Holiday Edition 2025
Y'all, we just wrapped up our 4TH ANNUAL Rural Road Trip Holiday Edition, and my heart is SO FULL! From Kalona to Wellman to Sigourney to Oxford, every stop was filled with handmade gifts, festive décor, cozy boutiques, and shop owners who greet you like family. We sipped artisan coffee, found meaningful treasures, and soaked in all the twinkle lights and small-town joy. This is why I love Rural Iowa—small shops, huge hearts, and holiday magic everywhere. Ready to plan your o
Tricia Rivas
Dec 17, 20255 min read


Gravel Travel Sundays: The Best Iowa Backroads Adventure
Forget fancy therapy. Give me gravel roads, good company, and Iowa's best-kept secrets any day. This weekend, my parents and I discovered pure magic on Iowa's backroads - from legendary Bloody Marys with tiny beer chasers to Iowa-grown wine that tastes like a hug, homemade cookies at a cidery with live music, and the corn dip that dreams are made of. Join me on this gravel travel Sunday adventure through Waveland Café, Covered Bridges Winery, Winterset Cidery, and The Talk Sh
Tricia Rivas
Nov 11, 20255 min read
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