Living The Van Life Back in Iowa - Amana Colonies and RV Park

Living The Van Life Back in Iowa - Amana Colonies and RV Park
(EPISODE 246)
ℹ️ About this episode:
On this episode of LivinRvision, we are heading back to Iowa. Our first overnight stay starts in Davenport, Iowa at the Rhythm City Casino and Resort. We ended up staying here for a couple nights before making our way to the Amana Colonies. Any time we travel I-80 and are going to be passing by the World’s Largest Truck Stop, we always have to stop and that’s what we did. If you like Buc-ees then you’ll want to stop at the I-80 Trucks stop, aka The World’s Largest Truck Stop.
It was time to head to the Amana Colonies but it was gong to be too late to start exploring, so we made a reservation in advance to stay the night at the Amana RV Park & Event Center. We decided to save a little bit of money and just pay for electric and water with no sewer, simply because we could just drive over to the dump station and empty the tanks. (We give a few tips throughout this video, so be sure not to miss anything).
The next morning comes and it is time to explore the Amana Colonies to eat some delicious food a rhubarb slushy and then learn about the history of the Amana Colonies. We were both born and raised in Iowa and we both had it ALL wrong about the Amana Colonies. How could that be right? 😂
We hope you enjoy and have a few laughs along the way! 😁🤓
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#amana #amanarvpark #amanacolonies #vanlife

[@marilynkozlow8400]

Very interesting place. Thank you for taking us along

[@Banagal]

Thanks for the great tour of Amana history. I enjoyed the German touch to community life especially their talent with wood working and building.

[@chrisschiel6741]

10/8/2023 We are at the Ox Yoke Inn. They did not have the Rubin burger due to being Sunday but the waitress talked the cook into making it for me Very good.

[@LivinRVision]

👍🏻😊

[@helenguilford7510]

This community reminds me a little of the Amish community. I love the history. Thank you for sharing and bringing us along.😊

[@stephaniewilson222]

What a fun video! I was excited that you played your call it a day music at the end I always miss it when you don’t! My husband and I have been watching you since almost the beginning, we went back and watched a few videos we hadn’t seen when we found your channel so we’ve been with you on your whole journey and we just enjoy that song at the end !! My husband and I are planning to do some traveling when he retires in three years. You even have us thinking about a van because we will be 65 and we’re thinking that would be much easier than a full RV would be, and watching you live in one, it seems doable , especially since we’ll be home part of the time and out on the road part of the time. Maybe 50-50. Thanks for a really fun video, you always take us all on interesting journeys!

[@LivinRVision]

🧡😊🤓

[@elaineedgington934]

I was at that Iowa 80 yesterday with another RV tripper! Dang! That place is huge!

[@gregprince2523]

Barber, Dentist, Chiropractor, upstairs as well as tv lounge, washer, dryer and showers for the folks!! The Museum is 2nd to none!!

[@pamtodd6586]

Thank you so much for your videos. The tone of your voice brings the history to life. I have family near Broomfield, IA, I've put this on my list to see.

[@bweaver760]

A lot of German influence in the Iowa area! Cool villages! They are so neat and clean too!

[@tomlee7651]

I've lived in Des Moines most of my life. I remember going to Amana as a child with family to eat. I don't remember ever seeing the colonies. I may take a trip out that way next weekend.

[@tomlee7651]

Update. My neighbors and I went to Amana colonies today. We all had a blast. It was a nice day trip, and it was fun to get away for awhile. Great food and good times. So sore from all the walking. 😮

[@iamfaithfullyhis]

😂 Michelle! Donald loves Rheubarb pie!!! I want that shake! Careful walking! Them hedges are devils! Property here is amazing! 🤔 Beautiful episode!

[@kimproffer9456]

I’m definitely going to get a burger next time I’m in that area lol.. such a cute town. My husband and I are thinking about getting a Gretch, but I wanted to see how y’all are liking it first. I know it’s the top luxury van out there ❤

[@LivinRVision]

We love it! It has made our traveling less stressful because we are nimble enough to go and fit just about anywhere.

[@kimproffer9456]

@@LivinRVision That’s awesome! I’m Pretty sure Grech will be our choice! Thank you for replying 😊

[@mikemadden865]

Great video and very entertaining. We missed this as we returned from the Airstream International Rally driving down I-80 on the way back to South Carolina. I know you love the van, but we miss you traveling in the Airstream.

[@christieflesch3750]

I just realized that I missed your video yesterday, but I was actually on holiday with my mother. We didn’t go very far but I love road trips.

[@jomcfarland3118]

Welcome back to Iowa. Love the Amana Colonies

[@gwenroireau6203]

My family spent a long weekend a few years ago. We saw the communal kitchen and some of the other sites you showed. Went to a church service as well. It was lovely.

[@sweetpea8091]

Nice job on the Vlog/Video, Brian and Michelle. So interesting going back in time and seeing how people from that time lived. We go to Lancaster P.A ,same type of Historic businesses , homes and farms. And yes we go to the Chocolate Shops, Bakeries, Wineries and Cheese and Sasage Shops.Good stuff...🥞🧀🌭🍵

[@jerrilynnbicek7996]

Love your videos! Especially enjoy seeing historical locations. Your narration with information about the location is always interesting.

[@arleneblackwood835]

Really neat video. We thoroughly enjoyed this one and all of your videos. We watch you every week. Thank you very very much so enjoyable!!!!!! thank you very very much.❤🎉❤

[@LivinRVision]

🧡😊🤓

[@lindajames8300]

Enjoyed this video. Never heard of Amana colonies b4. Thx for enlightening us. 😊 always entertaining videos ❤

[@stelbotadventures]

We actually have a reservation at a HH in Amana planned for later this summer!

[@lanceblack3127]

Hey guys, I hope all is well. We were at the Amana Colonies last year at the beginning of July, and everything was closed. It sure was nice to see everything we missed. Keep up the great job, and we will see you on the road. Lol. Sorry for the Traveling Robert qoute.

[@mrsbintennessee1159]

🎶 We're riding... riding in my RV....🎶

[@sheilacaine]

❤ yummy stuff.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Very cool! I had no idea that Village was there. Thx!❤🙏 Jane in SC

[@christieflesch3750]

That is hilarious. I used to work at that casino in Davenport, Iowa that is where my ex-husband from.

[@iamfaithfullyhis]

Chocolate shop? ❤ Bakery? 🍪🥧

[@joannleboeuf1739]

I’m first 😘🥰

[@michaelburt1663]

Bukees is a truck stop? More of a travel plaza with no trucks allowed.

[@LivinRVision]

You’re right, it really is. But this is “Iowa’s Buc-ees” lol

[@ricksmith6537]

Been there also went to LaClaire where the American Pickers from the History channel are located 😊

[@betteandlinuskuboushek409]

Again, loved the video :) As a fellow southern Iowan, and having lived in Eastern Iowa for almost 40 years, I am with you on not ever really touring the Amana Colonies. Really something one should do. When you were staying in Davenport, you were only a couple miles from my house ;)

[@JodysJourney]

Love the Ox Yoke. I always get the chicken schnitzel with spätzle. ❤️

[@cas5324]

I lived on the Illinois side of the river and went a few times to the Amana colonies. Fun place to tour. Thanks for the memory!

[@thatdeliagirl1491]

Thank u for spot lighting amana colonies!! I live in the amanas, and used to work at the ox yoke ❤❤

[@davidoverholt251]

Never new of this German Village in Iowa before this Bryan and Michelle! Thank you for sharing your travels with us!

[@billpitts1034]

Leave it to you guys to show me more places I've never seen. Who knew Amana Colonies had different parts to see? Not me! Thank for rhe tour. Now I get to go back and see more.

[@anitahyde]

You two are such a delight and tour guides extraordinaire. When I watch your latest travels, I realize how special it was to have you stop in my little Pie Heaven when you were in Florida. Bless you both.

[@LivinRVision]

🧡😊🤓

[@NancyPendley]

This is my first comment. We love the show. I saw one episode where a little kitten came running up to Michelle. Never did find out what happened to it. Is there any way you could find out? Thanks to both of you. 😊 I would love to find out but I live in Rainbow City Alabama so I’m way out of your area. Have a great day!

[@LivinRVision]

The farm there was the owners

[@rebahicks3619]

Look forward to your videos every week.

[@AKRichardM]

Another cool location. Thank you!

[@jimjessup3979]

We must have just missed you at the Iowa 80 truck stop. What a place, but Buc-ees is still our go-to stop. Excellent video. Your concern about producing quality work is always evident.

[@dianabusby420]

Adding the I-80 Truck Stop to the travel plans. Thanks for sharing.

[@tanya334]

A beautiful town ❤ I'm with Michelle i would hit every Bakery and Candy shop😊 Safe Travels ❤️🤍💙

[@elaineedgington934]

Two of my best friends are from Iowa and I have been to IA with both of them. Once in January and once in July. My friend Kate and I did the Amana Colonies for Family Style Lunch. I thought I was gonna die; so good and so much!! My friend Jan took me to her hometown of Keokuck?Farmington on the Mississippi River. I just THOUGHT it was humid in San Antonio and Vicksburg!!!! Now Kate lives in NC and Jan lives in CO!!

[@marthatroyer3021]

We definitely took all day when we were there years ago. We visited a broom maker, a working woolen mill, a farm museum, etc., etc. So much to see!!! We had our 3 kids with us. Pretty sure we ate where they served the delicious meal family style. MA must see if you are in the area.

[@loriburleson2448]

You were in my neck of the woods, wish I had known. My daughter worked at the woolen mill shop and loved her time there. It’s a fun little community.

[@loriwise3177]

A new and the biggest Bucees 3:55 going to be built in Ocala Fl. They have to build a new access to it first then the store. I was just at the one in Daytona…it is always a good day at Bucees. I always enjoy your videos. 😀

[@furryfriends1639]

Wow this brought back memories. Visited 30so years ago my moms Uncle Lawrence lived close to the colony. Always went to restaurant there. Loved the grandfather clock shop. Sure looks different. All gravel roads if I remember. Thank you for sharing.

[@RivBiv]

I was born and lived in Sioux City Iowa until age 20. I’ve seen more of Iowa on your videos than I have in person.

[@QuiltGeek]

I think this is one of my favorite places you have visited. So interesting. Would loved to have seen the quilt shop. I love all the history. Thank you. Kathi

[@mrsbintennessee1159]

Yet another great video! Wow, what a cute place, NEVER heard of that place!? It was precious. Love to see history preserved! Thank u for taking us there! 😊

[@tinaprice6180]

Wonderful video! Thanks for sharing it with us!!

[@ChaseYourDay]

We’re relocating to Sioux City in the fall. Not the same as Idahome, but we’re looking forward to exploring that part of the country.

[@gregprince2523]

Great tips on the stowing of your water hose Brian..... Could you and Michelle look into the orphan train kids from the olden dsys??? A part of our history not many folks know about.

[@brendawhisenhunt8444]

I had no idea of this place, I wouldn't mine living somewhere like it...

[@daverson1508]

Great video. I liked the "The chocolate shop is next". From Amanda. 😂

[@LyndaCoffill-ym1sl]

Thank you for the tour of the Amana Colonies! Yet again another place you visited that I am adding to my list!

[@garythovson2587]

That truck stop is huge, but no Buccees. Been to the Amanas many times but have not seen all the things you did. Enjoy your time in Iowa.😎🤓🥸🌽

[@randyshay7280]

That chocolate shop looked delicious! Hope y’all are doing good!

[@littlerascal6112]

Reminds me of Ohio. This village seems very Amish-like.

[@sgtzilla58]

A beautiful town tour, thanks for sharing

[@marshamelk]

Thanks, putting this on my list! Looks like the village in Winston Salem !

[@mikesobba3510]

Great video will have to put this on my bucket list

[@ly2sing]

That’s right up my alley! 💕👍🏻

[@BernardRourke]

So enjoyed this. Love the music...

[@lisafrancis7534]

what a cool place thanks for the tour

[@carolmcdaniel7693]

Fun video! Lots of goodies!

[@paulaboyce7515]

Way to go Iowan! We been to The Truck stop and Amanda colonies a handful of times . We knew they had other section but never took the time to tour the community kitchen etc. Yes, good point always go to the Visit centers when travel! My husband from Iowa and I am from RI , so I have a excuse not knowing some sites 😂 ! Ox restaurant great place! Welcome back to Iowa ! Your fans from Ankeny ! (We been back to Iowa on and off 25 yrs . So thanks for the tips

[@LivinRVision]

🧡😊🤓

[@Grammapro]

We were in Amana camping a year ago April - one cold and rainy week! Never made it to the communal kitchen which was really interesting. Bryan, your water hose is the kinkiest one I’ve ever seen 😂. And I thought Michelle said she didn’t like rhubarb yet that’s what she got several times 😜. Love your videos!

[@LivinRVision]

The water hose is a Zero-G which are colapsable hoses that make it easier to stow away. They don’t get kinks. She doesn’t care for rhubarb and neither do I but she was curious about the slushee. I was surprised also about the pie but the Amanda Colonies was having “Rhubarb Day” and I think she was just curious and wanted to try it and use that as an excuse to have pie. 😂

[@kathycampbell8000]

I have to say, the rhubarb slushie did not look to appealing after seeing Brian tasting it 😂. Safe travels!!

[@LivinRVision]

😂

[@barbarakoffman4995]

Welcome back home to Iowa!! Hope you make it back home, to southeastern Iowa.

[@barbarakoffman4995]

We Love Amana! We stay there in the fall for Octoberfest! Done it for 3 years. Have to love it when you pull a camper from Albia!

[@loriwise3177]

Love the music!!!!

[@judy6416]

We stopped there lol

[@iamfaithfullyhis]

Muffins too!!!! 😮

[@teresaburleson7226]

Good morning 😃

[@raygrupp1869]

What kind of issues have you ever run into parking your van

[@LivinRVision]

The only time we have had an issue is when we have been to a place that the parking lot is very full and busy. As we have said before, we can back into a normal parking spot as long as there is nothing behind us like a steep incline, a sidewalk or a shrub. The tail of the van goes over the curb and once the back tires come in contact with the curb, we are fully in a normal parking spot. In some larger parking lots that have open space back to back, we can pull into a double spot straight ahead and just take up two spots as long as the parking lot is not too busy. We seem to always find a place. Once we took the ebikes off the back it made it even a little easier as well. It is actually the same exact situation as it was with our F250 Super Duty when parking it.

[@iamfaithfullyhis]

Russian?

[@Debrawood-c5e]

I can’t believe I missed you guys! My daughter owns The Chocolate Haus in the Amana Colonies and I’m there at least 4 days a week. Ugh!

[@LivinRVision]

Oh man! Wish we could have met you both!

[@Debrawood-c5e]

Hopefully another time! Safe travels!🍫

[@marykaylayman1078]

We keep our water filter in a plastic bag to keep it from getting moldy. Just thought I’d share.

[@marykaylayman1078]

Forgot to say in the fridge 😂

[@LivinRVision]

We don’t cover ours because if you cover them in tight place like wrapped in a bag that holds moisture in, which is what helps mold grow especially in dark places. Instead, when I put them in the tub, I leave the tub cracked open so it can breathe and we also use a clear tub to allow light in and also easier to see which tub has what inside.

[@anitaweinstein2194]

Thanks so much for the great tour.

[@LivinRVision]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! 🧡😊🤓

[@elizabethlemke6058]

Have you guys ever done Ledges State Park in Iowa? Or the train in Boone when you guys come back to the Des Moines area? It would be so great for a KZbinr to cover these great gems of Iowa. Of course maybe I'd juat kayeb want you to come here to meet you. 😂😂😂

[@LivinRVision]

We would love to meet you too! We did go to Ledges State Park and have a video on that about 2 years ago. We haven’t done the train in Boone yet but hopefully will get to that some day.

[@elizabethlemke6058]

@LivinRVision ohhhhh I'll have to search for that one! I have only been following you two for about a year. I'm still catching up on all the past videos. Hopefully I can meet you guys some day. 🥰🥰

[@elizabethlemke6058]

@LivinRVision oh and the train now has pedal cars so you can pedal them across the high bridge. It's amazing!!

[@harterbob]

Brian, what was in your Reuben burger? I saw the sour kraut. Was there also Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese?

[@LivinRVision]

I’m not sure what cheese was on it and I think it was thousand island dressing but whatever it was it was so so good!

[@harterbob]

@@LivinRVision I love Reuben sandwiches. I make them at home with thick cut rye bread, Boar’s Head corned beef, swiss cheese and either Thousand Island or Russian dressing. I’ve eaten Reuben Grouper sandwiches at restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, which are essentially Reubens, substituting fresh grilled or blackened Grouper for the corned beef. I am going to try to recreate your Reuben burger at home. It’s funny; my wife, Barbara, doesn’t care for sour kraut but she loves my Reuben sandwiches.

[@LivinRVision]

It sounds yummy!!

[@joannleboeuf1739]

I’m second you know I could just keep going somebody please stop me. You see I am forced to wait a whole week for my new video so it appears I’m going a little crazy. Wish you guys came closer to my area of the woods cause I’d LOVE to meet you. You need a rally that’s it a RALLY. ❤

[@LivinRVision]

Where’s your neck of the woods?

[@joannleboeuf1739]

@@LivinRVision My neck of the woods is south Louisiana. Deep South, we live 45 miles south west of New Orleans. Here there are many old plantation homes, deep back woods swamps, and absolutely great food. If you are ever coming anywhere near to here we would LOVE TO SEE YOU.

[@joannleboeuf1739]

Oh and Michelle, I will GUARANTEE you a coconut cream pie, that’s right I am not above BRIBERY

[@LivinRVision]

We would love to meet you too!

[@LivinRVision]

😂

[@wandrousvindella716]

"Call it a day and celebrate"..... thanks for taking us along !

[@Noonecaresme]

Ck out Quapaw Oklahoma …. Downstream casino has the best spa and pool in a casino ….