We Heart Grinnell, Iowa
August 5, 2023
I’ve always held an appreciation for visiting a new town or city, exploring the streets by foot, popping into quaint shops and restaurants, and enjoying something different from what I’m used to.
Shocking fact, I always look for a bakery.
Today, Emily, Carrie, and I popped in, explored, and enjoyed Grinnell, Iowa. The town itself boasts a private liberal arts college, beautiful tree-lined streets, and a main street filled with awning-topped shops. There, on that main street, we found Grin City Bakery and Bill, one half of the father-son duo that owns this sweet place. Of course I bought sticky pecan-cinnamon rolls. Delish.
But I digress.
We knew that Emily and I would reunite for the first time in 31 years that day. Exciting, right?! What we didn’t know was that Grinnell would seal a spot in our hearts as a place where the people who live there take the time to meet visitors to their hometown.
From Grin City Bakery to RJ’s Barbershop, Prairie Canary Restaurant, The Vinyl Stop record store, to the cozy parks with communal hammocks, we were hooked. Picture Gilmore Girls meets Iowa and Bill from the Bakery was our Luke, the diner owner with a loving heart.
We caught up under a lovely gazebo, checked out an old train stop, marveled at the beautiful arches decorating the college campus, and simply enjoyed our moments together. Steve, from The Vinyl Stop, mentioned Rock Creek Park–a must-see when you’re there. Obviously we checked it out. It did not disappoint.
Emily and I have always felt like family to each other. I describe our reuniting hug as “like home.” However, we never ever considered that Grinnell Iowa would serve as our place to reconnect; certainly not that it would be a town where everyone welcomes visitors as if they simply are a part of their home, too.
We laughed, we cried, we stuffed our faces with sweet caramel soaked cinnamon rolls. Thank you, Grinnell. You helped us connect with each other and with you.