I found a new favorite place to have a bite. A place with good food, a cozy atmosphere and live music. A place where even my five-year-old has fun and isn’t out of place dancing. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the drive.
Nestled on the bank of the Wapsi River in Stone City, IA the General Store is a little piece of history. It’s had many names and provided different services to the community, but the iconic building is as much a landmark in the town as the famous quarry down the street.
The menu has everything from tenderloins to homemade pizza and boasts unique names. Like the breaded shrimp, Wapsi Walleyes. And their appetizer sampler? The Tackle Box. And it even comes in a tackle box! But the best is the desert. The Bait Bucket is really the children’s favorite “dirt” – remember the chocolate pudding, Oreos, and gummy worms? That’s it, and it’s served in a little styrofoam bait cup. My five-year-old loved it.
And if you’re lucky enough to go when there is music you’ll really be impressed. You’ll find yourself emerged in local talent from across the state, jamming together impromptu. The first night I was there 8eithpeople crowded the stage, from fiddles and guitars to a big bass, doing covers of everything from the Allman Brothers to Bob Dylan. I think the appearance of a band on weekend nights is hit and miss, but I do know the General Store hosts open-mike night for musicians from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the large upstairs room of the restaurant.
The building itself is gorgeous, made of beautiful stone city stone. It also has two fireplaces, one on each level, which provides the warmest, coziest glow during dinner. I’ve even heard they pop popcorn and let the kids make smores in the fireplaces occasionally.
The General Store is a nice little find. If you feel like an adventure, pack up the kids and take the short drive to Stone City. You’ll be happy you did.
Contact information:
12612 Stone City Rd Stone City, IA
319-462-2811
More info on The General Store: http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090103/BUSINESS/701039896/1004
posted by: heatherjoy77
Discover The Corridor Blog 