The last remaining Frank Lloyd Wright hotel, located in downtown Mason City, which includes a great bar and restaurant. Fun fact: the bar is where Evan invited Emma's parents to ask for their blessing before he proposed, and where Emma and Evan had their engagement pictures taken!
Music Man Square features a streetscape of "River City," the small Iowa town featured in "The Music Man," a musical written by Mason City native, Meredith Wilson. As a fellow native, Emma suggests a visit.
We would be remiss if we did not share the history of our reception venue. Following The Winter Dance Party in 1959 at the Surf Ballroom, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper chartered a plane during a snowstorm to their next performance. Shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed in a corn field just north of Clear Lake. A memorial site is held there to honor "The Day the Music Died."
After a visit to the crash site, stop by the Surf Music Experience Center. This immersive music experience honors the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper.
Greek-style broiled steaks, made with top quality Iowa beef. This is Emma and Evan's favorite restaurant. For reservations, you must call the night of at 4:30 pm.
A variety of menu options from salads to sandwiches to seafood and steaks. For an appetizer, the edamame and spinach & artichoke dip are a must.
A classic sports bar, with good food. We recommend the pizza!
Locally-owned craft brewery in downtown Mason City. One of our favorite spots to grab a drink and hang with family.
A Mason City staple since 1931. We can't go home without making a stop here! You really can't go wrong, but Emma prefers a butterscotch malt, while Evan prefers a scoop of one of their many flavors of homemade ice cream.
Cookies baked fresh daily and located right near the lake! Evan originally planned to ask Emma to their freshman homecoming dance with a cookie from here, but got too nervous and ended up enjoying the cookie himself!