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Eric "Howsitgoing.eh?" B.'s Profile
Iowa Great Lakes
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1. Three Sons the
I love coming here every year and really enjoy the funky family friendliness that this Richter family enterprise provides.
The main floor (with loads of merchandise) remains pretty much out of my price range. However the upper floor that features…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/4/2007 First to Review
Three Sons is the founding HQ of the University of Okoboji (Home of the Fighing Phantoms). The… Read more »
2. Arnolds Park Amusement Park
A generational favourite! Short of the one at the Santa Cruz Beach Boadwalk, there's not a better wooden roller coaster around. Also try the nutty bars just outside the park, a ride on the Queen II, the Iowa Rock and Roll Museum and of course Lake…More »
3. Bogenrief Studios
Jesse greeted us when we walked into the old Post Office that is Bogenrief Studios. You can also admire and purchase his studio's work at Art on 16th and Piece of Work in Spirit Lake, as well as the The Wine Bar in Arnold's Park.
Jesse was his usual…More »
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/5/2009
Gayle and I returned to Bogenrief Studios last week and did some significant damage to the credit… Read more »
4. Fresh Bistro
Gayle, the Kid, and I came in for our annual Fresh Bistro lunch and the place was packed! And although the service slowed down accordingly, we appreciated Jennifer's (the owner) smile and hospitality, and of course the comfortable dining area.
My son…More »
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/5/2009
Gayle and I continue love this place and we hope that the Lakes community continues to support it.… Read more »
5. Dairy Queen
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
(712) 336-5483
Living in the SF Bay Area can spoil you food-wise, whether it's Bi-Rite Creamery for ice cream or Peets for coffee. But when I come home to the Midwest, there is nothing better than soft serve ice cream from the local Dairy Queen. It's local,…More »
6. Art on 16th
During this year's trip to the Iowa Great Lakes, we signed the Kid up for a Clay class with Hank here at Art on 16th. We also got to see Hank and another artist in action on their potter's wheels during the 1st Friday Art Walk. In between we took…More »
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/2/2010
Your Creative Laboratory....
Gayle and I made our annual stop at Art on 16th, and Hank has really… Read more »
7. Funny Barn the - CLOSED
Decent evening entertainment at the site of the old Spirit Lake Bakery.
8. Lee's Barber Shop
I brought my son in recently for a haircut. Lee has been cutting hair for over 57 years, and gets to eat lunch and fish from his dock on Spirit Lake over his lunch hour. And when the Community is waiting for him at the front door when he opens in the…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/4/2007 First to Review
A GREAT community barber. Lee Currier has been around for a long time. He was one of the men who… Read more »
9. Lakes Art Center
Okoboji, IA 51355
(712) 332-7013
5 Stars for a handsome building that reflects an community that really values art. However, I'll subtract 1 star for rather sparse activities and exhibits during the late summer time that I'm usually in town.
10. Little Swan Lake Winery
Wine in Iowa? Yes indeed. And sometimes pretty darn good wine too.
In fact, one of my High School friends who now lives on the East Coast (Gator), grew up nearby usually buys a case whenever he's in town. And of course it's a "destination" spot for…More »
11. Tweeter's Bar & Grill
I have been coming here off and on for 30 years. I have always enjoyed the comfortable atmosphere, the University of Iowa Hawkeye Focus, and the food. My only gripe is the cigarette smoke. However, the last time my parents were in, there was a…More »
12. Clark Museum of Area History & Antique Acres
These guys sell their "antiques" on ebay, but if you really want to see the breadth of all the neat stuff that these guys have collected, take the short trip out of town and visit this place yourself. I have even found stuff from my Father's old gas…More »
13. Goodies Handmade Candies
We come back every year and David Tvedte's business still impresses. My son got his jawbreaker again, while Gayle picked out some assorted chocolates. Over time, Goodies has expanded its offerings to include specialty coffee, ice cream, cards, and…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/4/2007 First to Review
Goodies has a nice variety of tasty and well-made homemade chocolates and candy. My son is partial… Read more »
14. Hardee's
I was "shocked" to learn that Charlie O. will be coming to Northwest Iowa next summer and a few weeks ahead of my own family trip. And I'm sure that if I don't review all the fast food places between Estherville and Spencer (including the Iowa Great…More »
15. McDonald's Restaurant
Okoboji, IA 51355
(712) 332-7983
This McDonalds is conveniently located near almost anywhere you want to go in the Okoboji and Arnolds Park resort areas. It's also located on a corner that offers you 2 routes to and from the town of Spirit Lake. When my son was younger, this…More »
16. Emmet County Fair
Estherville, IA 51334
(712) 362-7163
A nice small town fair. It doesn't even come close the Clay County Fair (in nearby Spencer), but that's OK. The local food stands, the nearby roller rink and the farm animals and limited exhibits all add up to a comfortable stroll and social…More »
17. Estherville Daily News
It's not the New York Times, but it is my old hometown newspaper. I was a paperboy for this paper for several years in my youth and the good memories are still strong. The paper is very readable and many of the feature stories are well written.…More »
18. Estherville Snyder Drug
Estherville, IA 51334
(712) 362-3154
Categories:
Drugstores,
Photography Stores & Services
This is the corner drug store that I grew up with. On the other 3 corners of Central Avenue and 6th Street are a restaurant that used to be a Rexall, the Estherville Library, and the old Iowa Trust and Savings (now Bank of America) where I used to…More »
19. Estherville Municipal Airport
Where the 2-prop engines roar!
This is my home town airport and is located ~4 east of City limits on State Highway 9. It is also home of the Flight Breakfast held every year on July 4th. When I went as a kid, they made a big deal about winning the…More »
20. Hardee's of Spencer
I must have been around here the same time as Charlie O. And when you grow up in small town Iowa, the opening of a chain fast food restaurant can be a big thing. That's especially true if that opening is in a town (Spencer) that is an arch-rival…More »
21. Estherville Lincoln Central Community Schol Dstrct
I grew up and went to school here in Northwest Iowa. Does anyone remember the Iowa Test of Basic Skills? Or the Iowa-based ACT? There is many a time when I wish that my son was getting a better education in the Midwest than what I think he's…More »
Recently updated lists from Eric B.
Yelp Elite Events! (38)Between my son, Gayle, and work, there's not much time for Elite fun. Business trips to other Yelp cities help. |
2 Star Reviews (64)You Really Have to Try Hard to Get Less Than 3 Stars From Me! |
My ROTDs! (18)I'm a prolific writer and enjoy telling stories. It's an honour to receive an ROTD as recognition, although I have no idea how they are reallly picked. |
Where to Show My Brother/Family Around SF? (27)One Guide For The Perplexed.... |
Fix It Guys (20)Sometimes every home owner needs some help! |
My Spirtual Journeys....To Be Continued (42)Peaks and Valleys, but always moving ahead... |
1 Star Reviews (7)With 2100+ reviews, only 6 have earned my lowest rating..... |
Ashland Oregon (105)Gayle and I come up to Ashland in April for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and a great time away....Please also refer to the excellent Ashland lists by Jen K. and Toni M. |
Greater Genoa Nevada (30)Near the Kingsbury Grade, there's a magical place..... |
Independent Book Stores (42)In this world of http://Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble, these gems are becoming more rare. |
See all 24 lists »
"Chasing the Past, I Stumble Into the Future....."
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25602 Useful, 15166 Funny, and 22246 Cool
Albany, CA
Yelping SinceMarch 2007
Things I LoveMy Son, Gayle, My Parents and Siblings, My Home, My Work, My Dogs and Cats, Iowa, and Canada.
Find Me InAlbany or Pleasant Hill
My HometownEstherville Iowa - Home of the Mighty Midgets!
My Blog Or WebsiteEvery Yelp Posting Tells A Story About Me, Past, Present, or Future....
When I'm Not Yelping...I'm With Gayle, My Son, at Work, at Home, or on Facebook.
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI Love America and Freedom!
My Second Favourite Website The Last Great Book I ReadAnderson Valley Advertiser
My First ConcertElton John at the Iowa State Fair
My Favourite MovieField of Dreams, Slapshot, or the Fugitive
My Last Meal On EarthPagliai's Pizza in Iowa City
Don't Tell Anyone Else But...I'm a Yankee and an Aggie (Gig Em!)
Most Recent DiscoveryI Don't Roll on Shabbos!
Current CrushMary Gayle