The "Real" Estate Blog

Jimmy John's slices our all-natural meats and fresh veggies in-house every day. Our fresh-baked bread is made right here where you can see it, and our house-made tuna salad is fresh every day. The flavor of a ripe tomato, crisp shredded lettuce, combined with fresh-baked bread, fresh-sliced meat and real Hellmann's mayo - that's when the magic happens. Made with love every single day since 1983. That's Jimmy Fresh!

Check out Okoboji's newest urban metro hotel, the Okoboji Commons. Featuring 71 guest rooms, a meeting room that can hold up to 125 people. Conveniently located next to the bike trail, Brooks Golf Course, Okoboji Summer Theatre, and many Okoboji attractions. The hotel grounds are immaculate featuring gas fire pits, a gazebo, a large deck overlooking East Lake, a sand beach with hammocks, fire pits and a new dock to tie up your boat. Check out Okoboji Commons next time you are vacationing in Okoboji, you will not be disappointed!

One of a kind Authentic Mexican Cuisine right here in West Okoboji! A local favorite and rated five stars by visitors young and old. Be sure to put this as a favorite on your list of places to not miss when you are vacationing in the Lakes area. Close to Terrace Park so if you are feeling up for a small walk you may walk from Terrace Park to the Taco House.

This establishment offers a variety of coffees, espressos and smoothies plus mouth-watering baked goods--not to mention the fabulous breakfast and lunch items--made to order! There are daily specials as well as homemade soups. Did I mention this all comes with an Italian flair? The staff is amazing and the atmosphere inviting. Located at the Gateway to the Iowa Great Lakes on Okoboji Ave (Hwy. 71) in Milford. Stop in, you won't be disappointed!

Starbucks is located in the HY-VEE grocery store in Spirit Lake. The employees at this location are amazing. They will always provide you with great service. Even if you are not a coffee fan make sure to stop in and try one of their freshly baked muffins or cake pops!

Woodys Pizza is the oldest existing pizza restaurant in Northwest Iowa. In 1961, Woody and Mae Condon started their first restaurant in Estherville, with four tables, an eight seat counter and carry-out service. There was no alcohol served. It became a gathering place for the young people of Estherville.
In 1980 they sold their restaurant to their son, Anthony, he and his family operated Woody's for over 30 years. On Jan. 1, 2018, Dave and Tasha Welch of Estherville are the new owners.
Now, Dave & Tasha are thrilled to be taking the reins to continue not only bringing you great tasting pizza with the original famous recipe, but to bring you excellent service as a family-run business Estherville can be proud of.
Dine in or Call 712-362-5610 for Carry Out and Delivery!

In 2012, thanks to many local sponsors the city of Lake Park was able to build and design a 9 hole disc golf course. Nestled around the city park, pool, campground, and football field, the disc golf course offers some great challenging holes. The course was designed by Lake Park disc golf enthusiasts Nicholas Hemphill and Tristam Nebelsick. Disc Golfing offers a family friendly opportunity get out and enjoy the outdoors.

"The Bridge" has been referred to by the Wharf Bridge, the Kentucky Fried Chicken Bridge, the bridge connecting East and West, among other names. In the good old days, this was actually a draw bridge converted to the current permanent structure. In the 90's when the 3 lane was installed, there was talk about removing the bridge and making some drastic changes. All in all, the base of the bridge remained, and the upper structure was improved. I remember as a kid jumping off the bridge, and fishing on and under the bridge. In fact, an unforgettable memory I have is when I was fishing with my cousin and I casted out trying to reach the opposite corner of the bridge with my lure. In mid air, a pigeon flew and the timing was so great that my line wrapped around the pigeon, and the pigeon went into the water. I reeled it up and had caught a pigeon. My cousin then decided to hold this pigeon inside the front of his coat. We went to show people at Okoboji Boats what we had caught. When we got there, he opened his jacket, and the pigeon had pooped all over his white shirt.

From stylish furniture for casual living to cutting edge design in home decor. Visit INTERIORS for the best selection of Furniture, Wall Art, Everyday & Seasonal Decor, Lighting, Kitchen, Bed and Bath.

X marks the spot for this family fun pirate themed mini golf! Pirate's Cove is located in Arnolds Park right next to the amusement park. The kids will love this summer activity. They will be able to putt their way through caves, over bridges, and under waterfalls. Being right in the middle of all the summer action you are also walking distance everything that downtown Arnolds Park offers.

Arrowood is a year-round conference center and hotel with over 100 guest rooms, whirlpool suites and a "Great Room" for hosting group events and hospitality suites. Formerly known as Village East, the resort offers an outdoor pool, deck, playground, volleyball and croquet courts and a heated indoor pool area. Hotel goers can also enjoy an on-site salon, Minervas Bar and Eatery and lit parking. Located on Brooks National Golf Course, Arrowwood Resort offers some of the finest lodging around. Years ago, Brooks Golf Course clubhouse was actually housed on the rear side of Arrowood, but since then, the course has been converted to 27 holes with a a new separate clubhouse. Also, the Racquet Club was a part of the facility, offering workout facilities, racquet ball, and tennis. However, with the addition of the YMCA, the racquet club was unsustainable and converted into retail.

The Family Diner is Spirit Lake, IA is a local favorite! They offer up a large portion for small money, but whether you come early or late you may be in for a wait. With homemade bread and the largest sausage patty you have seen, The Family Diner is consistently delicious. They are open only for breakfast and lunch and closed two days a week. In my former career at Stylecraft, the family diner was definately a favorite when our friends would visit from North Carolina. They were always inpressed with the bread and rolls and corn beef hash.

The beautiful Carpet One showroom in Spirit Lake features a huge selection of all the latest flooring, window coverings and more. They have certified flooring pros can get your project rolling with a free, no-obligation pre-measure - just call (712) 336-5559 today or visit their website at www.carpetoneiowa.com

Estherville Veterinary Clinic is a locally owned vet clinic that provides first-class veterinary services to Estherville, IA and surrounding communities. From vaccination and flea and tick treatment to heart worm prevention and pain management, Estherville Veterinary Clinic can help. Your livestock medical needs will be served by on-farm visits with the mobile unit. Extensive in-house pharmacy, walk-ins are welcome, and after-hour emergency services. The clinic is located at 121 W. Central Avenue, Estherville, IA

Goodies Handmade Candies is a small family-run business located in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Goodies has become a "must stop" place when visiting the area.
Goodies offers handmade candies, ice cream, coffee, and gifts. Each batch uses fresh quality ingredients and no added preservatives.
Customers from all over rave with remarks such as, "Goodies makes the best candies they have ever had."

"The Tressle" bridge used to carry the old railroad that traversed the area. Now the tressle is home to some of the areas best fishing. Served as a hot spot for fisherman, and a trail for walkers and bikers, the tressle is a classic structure of the Okobojis. We spent days jumping off of the tressle doing cannonballs, preachers, flips and the like. I know in my life my friends and I have caught literally tens of thousands of crappie and blue gill off the tressle bridge.

If you haven't been to West O, you need to go. With their state of the art brewery, and access to some of the best water in the world, their beer is nothing short of amazing. Their tasting room has a cool, industrial feel, and perfect for tasting their many types of beers. CocO Stout has been an award winning beer for years, and definitely worth a try! West O has been voted "Best Iowa Beer" by the Des Moines Register readers in 2016.

Getting's Garden is a strawberry farm where you can pick delicious Iowa berries. You can also purchase already picked berries at our Market. Stop and get a fresh strawberry shake or slushy.This is a great family outing, so bring your kids along!!!

The Humane Society of NW Iowa is an amazing non-profit organization in the lakes area. They are a no-kill shelter, run on donations from locals, and special events in the area throughout the year. The facility has started "PAWS with a Cause," a program that gives back to the community, by bringing animals to care facilities in the area, as well as provide a program for the youth in the area to teach them about how to be a responsible pet owner.

Los Pueblos is a family owned business known for serving some of the best food around with a very festive atmosphere. Enjoy one of their famous margaritas while you munch on some chips and salsa. Whether you are in the mood for enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, or fish tacos, they have something the whole family can enjoy!

A place for all ages, the Dickinson County Nature Center is a place that provides learning about nature, animals, and the environment. With many events for the community throughout the year, locals and tourists alike are sure to enjoy a fun time here. The ever popular Bee and Butterfly festival is a blast for kids, and kids at heart. We've enjoyed releasing a monarch butterfly, learning about different insects, and hearing about how bees make honey. They also provide classes for toddlers and kids to learn more about animals and nature. We always have fun checking out the animals they have at the Nature Center, and learning more each time we go.

Old Soul Charm Photography has done a beautiful job taking timeless images of families, newborns, weddings, engagements and more. The owner, Heidi, is down to earth, and very personable, surely to put you at ease when you're getting your photos taken. She's amazing with kids, and manages to capture their personalities, even if they're not cooperating. She has a creative eye, and it really shows in her photography.

A family owned and operated garage door installation and general maintenance and repair company. They have competitive pricing, their service is prompt and reliable, free design estimates are available and they cover a wide service area. Whether you’re wanting to transform your space, repair your existing door, or explore and design a new commercial or residential garage door option, Boji Doors of Spirit Lake has you covered! Call Josh today 712.330.9806 for sales, service and installation!

New to Okoboji is The Market Scratch Kitchen. They proudly offer salads, sandwiches and grab 'n go options made with fresh ingredients and prepared daily. Ask about the 'Vacation Mom' meals featuring nutritious and nourishing take-and-bake dishes ready to serve you and your Okoboji vacation family. The community is excited for a healthy food option choice in our area!

CODIT is a licensed, insured and internationally certified arboriculture tree care business, which specializes in hard to access areas.

Known locally as the Home of the “Weaser pleaser” you’ll find a full menu with a little something for everyone. The dunker burger, fried pickles, breaded cauliflower, and the crab rangoons come fully recommended. I’ve never had a meal or appetizer I wouldn’t recommend. Friendly staff and servers all inside a fun, clean, and inviting atmosphere! Located right on Grand Avenue in Spencer, Iowa they cover all your catering needs. Dine in, carry-out, reserve a party room, or stop in for Happy Hour!!

Spencer Hospital delivers the highest quality healthcare in its area.They are compassionate about their patients, while providing high-tech, and professional care to each of their patients. They have a specialized cancer center, diagnostic imaging, surgery center, and a brand new OB unit. Spencer Hospital's amazing doctors provide personalized care, and treat each patient with compassion, and care.

This unique antique shop located right off Hwy 71 in between Milford and Spencer in Fostoria, Iowa has so much to offer. Lots of home decor, up-cycled furniture, an Amish grocery store, jewelry, bath soaps and neat -dated antique furniture and decor. Their open hours are Wednesday - Saturday at 10am. The owner, Cathy, is very kind, knowledgeable, and has the place decorated tastefully! This is a MUST see; I bet you don’t leave empty handed!

Beautiful views and living on the lake without all the other commotion. Silver Lake in Ayrshire is a great place to find tranquility with every day life. Boating, fishing and friendly neighbors is what you will find in this hidden gem.

Nectar is a fun, seasonal coffee shop, serving from a cute camper within walking distance to Arnolds Park Amusement Park! Nectar offers fresh-pressed juices, espresso drinks, REAL fruit smoothies, and baked treats - making Summer in Boji even better!

Choose from a variety of luxurious condominiums and hotel-style guest rooms. Bridges Bay Resort features the area's only indoor waterpark 'Boji Splash, featuring the Cantina which serves a variety of delicious food and beverages. Bring the boat in the summer and enjoy being right on the water or get away for the weekend in the winter months and let the kids enjoy the indoor waterpark!

Ruthven Meat Locker is a local family owned business. Ruthven Locker at the Lakes is their 2nd retail store (with the original Meat Processing plant being a staple in the small town of Ruthven, Iowa). They are a full service meat shop providing their customers with excellent high quality cuts of beef & pork. Also provided are smoked meat snacks which they make right on site in Ruthven. Sure to please even the pickiest of palates! Ruthven Meat Locker prides themselves on promoting other local small businesses by selling them in our Spirit Lake store. You find everything from fine wood pieces to local honey, microgreens, baked goods, and delicious cheesecake. The Butcher’s Wife is always available to answer your questions and take special orders. Come on in and you’ll soon see that the rumors are true!

For more than 45 years, we have been providing tax preparation, business planning, financial reporting services and personal financial planning. Founded in 1974, Erpelding, Voigt & Co., LLP has grown to encompass more than 49 professional associates and staff in five locations. As a progressive accounting firm employing the latest technologies, we have developed a reputation for professional excellence through the consistent high quality services we provide. We bring a wealth of knowledge and value to each of our clients.

Little Swan Lake Winery is a family owned and operated business located 1-1/2 miles north of the small town of Superior in Northwest Iowa. The tasting room, a remodeled 1920's barn, features 35 different wines all produced on site, a selection of gourmet cheeses, and buffalo meat from the owners herd which roams nearby. The vineyard consists of two acres of northern cold hardy grapes. The gift shop features clothing and wine related items. Little Swan Lake is dedicated to producing the finest and most enjoyable wines and invite you to spend an hour or an afternoon with them. The bed and breakfast is a renovated grain elevator and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty that is Little Swan Lake! They have weekly live music, check their website for the schedule!

Consumers Lumber Company is the only locally owned and operated building center in the area. They have been proudly serving the best builders and homeowners with the best materials and services since 1906.
They have locations in Spirit Lake and Spencer Iowa with a complete line of building materials and builder’s hardware. They also have full showrooms of millwork, stone, decking and cabinetry.
Dollars spent with Consumers Lumber stay in Dickinson and Clay counties. They support all the area schools and youth organizations along with several other community charities. Consumers Lumber Company is also very proud of the fact that their 15 employees have over 200 years of combined service to our company and that they all live, shop and play here.
They offer timely and accurate project bids and drawings to better serve the areas builders and homeowners. They also provide free and fast delivery to the four county area.

Okoboji Mattress Co. is a Sleep Specialty Store located .7 miles west of the junction of 9 and 71 in Spirit Lake, IA. We are a locally owned Sleep Boutique featuring Serta and Simmons Mattresses and bases. Stop by try Malouf Z Pillows before you buy! A great selection of Serta, and Simmons Beautyrest Mattresses, Adjustable Bases, Malouf Sheets, Mattress Protectors, and Comforters, Malouf Z pillows, and more! New Sleep Lift Recliners from Mega Motion and Ultimate Power Recliner!

Silver Lake in Lake Park is a 1,000 acre lake with an average depth of about 6.5ft and a maximum depth of about 10ft. Silver Lake offers some of the best walleye fishing in the IGL's, especially in the spring and fall. The shoreline been developed with some beautiful homes, especially in South Shore Estates and West Bay Estates. Silver Lake is a wonderful spot so escape the hustle and bustle of other area lakes. It is a great lake to learn various water sports, as you won't encounter near the boat traffic. Do yourself a favor, and check out all that Silver Lake has to offer.

Omaha Beach is on the north end of Echo Bay, extending out into Omaha Point. Known for its secluded private access from Lakeshore Drive, Omaha Beach properties are some of the most sought after on West Lake, easily fetching over $15000 per linear foot of lakeshore.

Let the experts at Sanford Home Medical Equipment help you find the medical equipment you need. Their services focus on your safety and comfort. Sanford is here to help you find the products and services that are the perfect fit for your health needs, physical characteristics, environment and lifestyle.

Looking for a pace to get organic, and natural foods? Wilder Thymes is your go-to place! As the only shop in the lakes area to offer such things, this quaint little shop is definitely a place to check out. They offer organic, and local foods, from snacks, spices, cooking ingredients, gluten free, dairy products, and more! Wilder Thymes also has an array of natural cleaning products, and personal care items that are hard to come by. Not only can you buy groceries here, but they also have a deli! Pizzas, wraps, braked goods, soups, and sandwiches are just some of the yummy things you can buy at Wilder Thymes!

Pike's Point is located at 15973 213th Ave, Spirit Lake, IA on beautiful West Lake Okoboji. It is one of the largest parks in the Iowa Great Lakes, and provides for all kinds of activities including fishing, swimming, bird watching etc. This park also has a rest room, and a beach. If coming by boat, one wants to be careful as the point extends far into the lake, and there is a warning buoy roughly 300 feet from the point of shore. In 2010, many trees here were uprooted because of some severe straight line winds during the storm that reaked havoc through the Iowa Great Lakes.

Enjoy an Unparalleled Golf Experience at Brooks Golf featuring 27 holes and immaculate bent grass fairways and greens!
Nestled among the Iowa Great Lakes is Brooks Golf. Originally constructed as an 18 hole layout by Val Brooks in 1932, the course attracted many famous players such Sam Snead, Walter Hagen, and Babe Didrikson Zaharias for exhibition matches and hosted the Iowa Open. In more recent times, Brooks has hosted the Iowa PGA Section Championship and the Barb Thomas Pro-Am.
Always known for its beauty and excellent course conditions, Brooks has matured into an excellent parkland layout for Midwest vacationers. In 1995, Brooks began an expansion to 27 holes, thus beginning one of the most aggressive improvement projects for golf in Northwest Iowa. Brooks Golf blends masterful design with superb playing conditions featuring bent grass fairways and greens. We welcome you to play and enjoy your stay in Okoboji.

Ferguson's is arguable the most popular place to buy flowers, trees and more in the lakes area. They're a family owned business, providing flowers, trees, plants, supplies, and furniture. They also have a small gift shop inside, as well as a floral shop, with freshly cut flowers. They have amazing customer service, and are there to help with all questions regarding planting and gardening. Ferguson's seems to go above and beyond, offering to bring anything you buy from them to your front door!

Sunshine Foods, located on Highway 71, is Milford's only full service supermarket offering Fresh Produce - Butcher Fresh Meats - Deli - Kitchen

Haywards Bay on West Lake Okoboji boasts low approaches and one of the few areas on West Lake to offer sand beaches. Renowned for the "bay of the flags", you will know you are in Haywards bay because of the all the American flags on the end of the docks. Fishing is great in Haywards Bay and the sunsets are one in a million. To get to Haywards Bay by car, one would drive the east side of the lake on Lakeshore Dr.

Arguably the most iconic spot in all of the lakes area, Barefoot Bar is the one place you must visit when you're here for the summer. They have the best blended drinks, as well as every other cocktail you can think of, served in their signature cups. Its the perfect place on the lake to sit back and relax with friends, while enjoying the view, and all of the palm trees. Barefoot Bar also has a menu, to enjoy some food while you're soaking in the sun. Its even the perfect place for kids, with a full swing set, and even a slide that goes right into the lake!

Located in the Great Lakes Mall, The Look is one of the most popular places to shop for clothes in the area. With the most stylish clothing for juniors to women, they have new styles arrive daily! This store is always up to date with the latest fashion trends, and you can always find something you're dying to have. This is my wife's favorite place to shop in the Okoboji area.

Lake Park has a couple choices to choose from when deciding to camp on Silver Lake. Both campground are on the lake and offer daily, weekly, monthly or even seasonal rates. The one "in town" is a great spot located near the public pool, ball fields, the city park, public fishing dock, and the dam that flows out of Silver Lake. The camping season runs from April 15 to October 15 each year. Click the link to find more information as well as their camping rates.

Calling all Mexican food lovers! Los Lagos has a wide variety of authentic Mexican food to choose from. Come in and sit down in the large, open dining room with a full-service bar. They offer happy hour drink and food specials that are sure to please!

West Boutique located at Okoboji Boat Works Marina carries all of the latest fashions for women of all ages and sizes.
Available brands: Free People, Anama, Velvet Heart, KUT Denim, Articles of Society, Grace in LA, Lush, Willow & Clay, Pink Martini, Pixie Mood, and more!