In Case You Missed It rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
Jason Momoa’s Post-Oscar’s Iowa Excursion
Where would you go after walking the red carpet at the #Oscars? Actor Jason Momoa, who is from Norwalk, flew back to Iowa and dined at Tasty Tacos. https://t.co/X8MH5fiUWR
— Des Moines Register (@DMRegister) March 29, 2022
Hollywood is great for a night, but there’s no place like home. Just ask Jason Momoa, who knows that after spending the evening on the Oscars red-carpet, homemade Iowa food hits the spot. Momoa, star of blockbuster hits including Aquaman and Dune, presented at the award show, then proceeded to change out of his tuxedo into a plain yellow t-shirt and venture into Tasty Tacos in Des Moines. Raised in Norwalk, the actor is rumored to frequently visit Iowa restaurants such as Waveland Café, where he has a dish named after him.
Iowa’s Top 10 Best Burgers
JUST ANNOUNCED: 2022 Iowa's Top 10 Best Burger Winners: https://t.co/a7Xg7jEt3v #IABestBurger ?? pic.twitter.com/XRMh1EC1aj
— Iowa Beef Council (@iowabeefcouncil) March 18, 2022
When it comes to finding a juicy and delicious Midwest burger, there is no shortage of choices in Iowa. During the months of February and March, Iowans sent in nominations for the best hamburger in Iowa. The state’s top 10 burger restaurants will be evaluated by a panel of judges to determine and announce the ultimate winner on May 3.
“Iowa cattle producers work tirelessly to provide high-quality beef to consumers across the state, country and globe,” said Bob Noble, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association president. “We are proud to support the Best Burger contest, and would like to congratulate the top 10, who serve 100% real beef. We thank you for serving our product and bringing out the best of beef.” Visit the list of nominees below and decide who you think should win!
Cedar Rapids to Host National Gay Pilots Fly-in
Have you heard the news? NGPA is landing in Cedar Rapids for "Wings Over Iowa," June 3-5! ???????
— Cedar Rapids Tourism (@CRtourismoffice) March 23, 2022
While here, the group will partner with CR Pride for the first ever CR Pride Parade, and host an aviation block party at @fly_CID.?? #thisisiowa
Learn more ?? https://t.co/BuDLPtUn69
Iowa’s aviation scene will take flight when Cedar Rapids hosts the National Gay Pilots Association’s fly-in event June 3-5. “Wings Over Iowa” will bring members of the worldwide LGBTQ aviation community to Iowa’s second-largest city for an interactive celebration. The first-of-its-kind experience is an effort by officials to make Cedar Rapids a welcome place for the LGBTQ community to land. The event is also partnering with CRPride, a nonprofit that puts on local Pride parades. The Pride parade will be held on June 4 and followed by a bigger festival in NewBo on July 9.
Lady of the Lake Celebrates 35 years in Clear Lake
Congratulations on 35 years on @VisitClearLake Lady of the Lake! Have you taken a ride on this paddle excursion boat before? Learn more: https://t.co/J8P8qCgH3A #ThisIsNorthIowa #ThisIsIowa
— North Iowa Bloggers (@NorthIowaBlogge) March 21, 2022
There is no Iowa summer attraction like the Lady of the Lake. Built in 1960, this beautiful ferry chartered passengers across the Missouri River before bridges had been built in the area. Now owned by Scott and Niki Monson, the Lady resides in Clear Lake as one of the top tourist spots in the area. The ferry offers 90-minute narrated tours around Clear Lake during peak tourist season, which are guaranteed to be even more special now that the Lady of the Lake is celebrating 35 years of providing rides.
“Taking kids for rides is a major highlight,” Manson said. “When they honk the horn, it just lights up their day … well, either that or it scares them!”
Iowa Hotel Restored
Hotel Fort Des Moines in #DowntownDSM restored to 1919 essence https://t.co/HviNCOQ4a6 @downtownDSMUSA #DSMUSA #DowntownDSM
— Jay Byers (@jaybyers) March 23, 2022
Nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Hotel Fort Des Moines is a beautiful historic building originally built in 1919. For the past seven years, hotel owner Raj Patel has been working to restore the building to its original historic glamour with a massive $50 million renovation. The renovation features the reconstruction of key elements in the hotel to look nearly identical to the original version. With columns measured down to the millimeter, custom-designed light fixtures and 6,000 feet of marble hallways, a trip to this Midwest hotel will be like stepping back in time.
