Megan Bannister: Blogging Success with the Weird and Wonderful
Today we have a fun chat with Megan Bannister, the gal behind the travel blog Olio In Iowa. Megan shares how she’s found blogging success focusing on writing about the weird and the wonderful. She also shares some hidden gems here in the Midwest!
✅ Listen to Megan Bannister: Blogging Success with the Weird and Wonderful on our podcast. We release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️
Quirks, Coffee Pots, and Supper Clubs: The Midwest’s Hidden Charms
Hey there, travel enthusiasts! Jack and Kitty here, bringing you another fun episode of Travel with Jack and Kitty. On today’s episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Megan Bannister from the Olio In Iowa blog. She helps us dive into some quirky gems and vibrant supper clubs here in the Midwest. 🚗🗺️
Remember: the Midwest is more than just a “fly-over” region. It’s packed with quirky attractions, cultural landmarks, and an ever-present sense of community. 😍
The Squirrel Cage Jail: Council Bluffs’ Bizarre Historical Site
First on the list is the Squirrel Cage Jail in Council Bluffs. Ever heard of a jail on a lazy Susan? Yep, you heard right. Imagine a jail where the cells are shaped like pie slices and the whole thing rotates. Now that’s something you don’t see every day! But don’t worry, this place is all part of a museum now. 🗝️
👻 Fun Fact: Oh, and if you’re into the paranormal, some say the place is haunted due to its eerie past. So, add this to your “weird and wonderful” bucket list.
World’s Largest Swedish Coffee Pot and Cup: A Roadside Delight
Next up is the world’s largest Swedish coffee pot and cup in Stanton, Iowa. They’re not just cute roadside attractions; they’re water towers turned into cultural icons. 📸
The pot was turned into a museum piece when it became a structural risk, but the cup still stands tall. Why? To honor Virginia Christine, the actress who once played Mrs. Olson, the Folgers spokesperson, and to celebrate the town’s Swedish heritage.
📸 Perfect for Instagram: Trust us, these make for some amazing photo ops!
The Sweet Smell of Waverly: The Nestlé Factory
If you find yourself driving through Waverly, follow your nose. The town often smells like hot chocolate thanks to the Nestlé factory.🍫
🍫 Ah, the aroma! Also, don’t forget to snap a pic with their big red cup. Yeah, it’s not just coffee that gets the jumbo treatment around here.
Supper Clubs: The Heart of Midwestern Culture
Finally, let’s dig into supper clubs. 🍻 These establishments are more than just eateries; they’re a cultural phenomenon in the Midwest. While the definition varies depending on whom you ask, supper clubs generally offer a communal dining experience that’s all about good food, drinks, and conversations. They’re a perfect way to end a day of exploring.
🍻 Whether it’s in Iowa, Wisconsin, or Minnesota, a trip to a supper club is an absolute must. 🚗✈️
Chatting with Megan about Midwestern Munchies
Who doesn’t love a tasty midwestern munchie? Wholesome, hearty and oh-so-yummy! Here’s a few picks Megan suggested when you’re in Iowa…
Sweet Corn & Pork: Midwest Favorites
Megan’s got the scoop on sweet corn ice cream and tenderloin sandwiches where the meat outpaces the bun. You gotta try ’em! 🌽🐖
Midwestern Staples: From Potatoes to Casseroles
Cheesy potatoes and casseroles? Yes, please! 🧀🥔
Off The Beaten Path: Discovering More Quirky Treasures in the Midwest
The Undiscovered Secrets of Iowa
Megan Bannister, the brain behind the book “Iowa Supper Clubs”, chatted with us about her new book, “Secret Iowa: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure”. It’s unexpected, informative, and inspiring. It’s gonna make you look at Iowa in a whole new light. 📚
In our chat, Megan shared a few more Midwest gems you may just want to add to your roadtrip bucket list!
World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, Kansas
One of Megan’s favorite places! Picture this: a ball of twine so massive, it’s practically a local celebrity! What’s even cooler? You can add to it. Yep, bring your own loop of twine and make your mark on this ongoing masterpiece. 🧶
Elwood, the Shy Garden Gnome – Ames, Iowa
We agree with Megan – a must see stop is Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, home to Elwood—the world’s largest concrete garden gnome. He’s a bit shy but totally down to earth, and he’s captured our hearts. 🍄
Tiny Tim and the Hotel Fort Des Moines
A tidbit that had Megan chuckling was Jack’s time with his old babysitter, Tiny Tim! Yes, that Tiny Tim. Like, “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” Tiny Tim.
Tiny Tim once lived at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, and when Jack was a kid, he would often visit Tim at the hotel. Megan gave us an update saying that the hotel has been beautifully renovated, so you can still visit and soak up the history (and maybe hum a tune or two). 🎵
Making Waves in Travel Blogging: The Unconventional Approach
We switched gears to blogging, a subject dear to our hearts. Megan talked about how she narrowed her focus over time. Her love for weird and offbeat things started with family trips. Now, she’s a beacon for all things odd in the Midwest.
Megan’s Tips: TikTok and Niching Down
Interestingly, Megan never planned to be big on TikTok. 🎥 But a trip down Route 66 and a love for the world’s largest things changed the game.
Now she has a huge following and a weekly World’s Largest Wednesday feature. Psst… did you know there’s a world’s largest ketchup bottle? No, it’s not filled with ketchup, but isn’t the whimsy the point?
Niche is Nice: Quantity Over SEO
Are you wondering how to make it big in the world of travel blogging? Forget about SEO domination! 🙅♀️ Megan found success by focusing on content that’s a bit off the beaten path. 🌱
Rather than chasing high search volumes, our savvy writer discovered that unique topics have their own appeal. These articles might not have “sky-high” search stats, but they fill a void. 🚀 So instead of having three top-ranking posts, Megan may create ten or twelve solid pieces that offer value to readers.
Building Community is Key
Forget numbers and algorithms; it’s all about people! Megan created a Facebook group dedicated to quirky Midwest places. The platform acts as a hub for people to discuss travel plans, places to visit, and everything in between. 🗨️
This is a key to Megan’s success! 🔑
The Publishing Dilemma
In an era where anyone can self-publish a book, Megan still swears by traditional publishing. Why? Relationships and networking. She got her book deals because she knew the right people, who knew editors, who were looking for someone to write particular projects. 🤝📚
Making Money in 2023: Diversification is Key
So, how does one make money in this unpredictable world? 🤔💰
It’s all about having multiple income streams. Megan not only monetizes her blog but also collaborates with brands for sponsored content. She even does a fair bit of freelancing, including writing for magazines and doing copywriting gigs. 📝
Future Plans: Beyond Blogging
What’s next for Megan? Digital products! 🌟 One exciting project in the pipeline for Megan is a passport-style booklet for “World’s Largest Things,” inspired by national park passports. 🌐
Our Takeaway
So there you have it! In a digital age obsessed with algorithms and SEO, you can still make your own rules. Sometimes the key to success is following your heart, not the herd. ❤️
Megan taught us the value of niching down and owning it. She’s all about the weird, wacky, and large—and it’s clear why her audience loves her for it. She inspires us, and we hope she’ll inspire you too. So next time you’re in the Midwest, keep an eye out for that giant ketchup bottle or who knows what else. 😄
Happy travels! 🚗✈️
✅ Don’t miss out! Listen to today’s podcast episode, Megan Bannister: Blogging Success with the Weird and Wonderful – where we delve even deeper into this story. Remember, we release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️
Show Notes: Links to Stuff We Talk About
Megan Bannister’s Blog
Megan has a great blog called Olio In Iowa. That’s where you can also find info on her new book, “Secret Iowa: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure”.
Listen on YouTube
Make the most out of your trip to the Midwest! Click here to download for free.
