Yesterday I posted about a great article that got me thinking about unique fun things in Omaha. You can read my post here. But, ever since I read the article written by Josefina Loza about 32 Adventures in Omaha yesterday, I have been slightly obsessing over one of the 32 adventures she presented. She said:

"If you've never seen a traditional soda fountain, head to Shenandoah, Iowa. It's worth the hourlong drive. The George Jay Drug Co. has had a soda fountain since the 1890s and it still prepares treats the old-fashioned way."

So, I thought, this adventure would be a great weekend warrior fast and furious getaway!! I can assure you, next time we have a free day, we will be trying this out!

I looked up the directions from my house in Omaha to Shanendoah, Iowa, and found out it is about an hour and a half drive. I thought that if I was going to drive that far, I would want to do more than just the Old Fashioned Soda Fountain, so I looked up Shanendoah to see what else we could do there.

According to Wikipedia:

Shenandoah is a city in Fremont and Page Counties in the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 5,546 at the 2000 census. Once referred to as the "seed and nursery center of the world," Shenandoah is the home to Earl May Seed Company and the radio station KMA, founded by Earl May.

After reading this, I feel like a day in Shenandoah would not be complete without a stop over at the original Earl May-maybe we could pick up some things for our garden.

I also found a fantastic website here that lists Apple orchards in Iowa. There are 2 Apple Orchards that are only 18 miles from Shenandoah: Mincer Orchard and Wright Orchard both in Hamburg, IA.

So, here is what my plan for a daycation to Shenandoah would look like:

• Wake up early and drive out to Mincer Orchard or Wright Orchard in Hamburg, IA to pick apples (You will have to call them ahead and make sure they are in apple picking season and make sure they are open/available for you to go there: Mincer: (712) 382-1793, Wright: (712) 382-1146)
• After picking apples, head over to The George Jay Drug Co. to get old fashioned sodas and maybe lunch.
• Stop by Earl May.
• Head Home having had a great adventure with the family!!

***Please note that The George Jay Drug Co. is closed on Sunday's so don't do this adventure on a Sunday!***