10 Things That Will Always Make Iowa Natives Think of Home

Whether you're born and raised in Iowa or just recently moved here, you know there are many things to love about living in this state. But if you've had to move away—as so many of us do—there may be little things that remind you of living in the Hawkeye State.

From the wide-open prairies and farmland to the friendly faces and all four seasons, there are so many things about Iowa to love. Here are just a few little tidbits that remind us of our great home state, no matter where we roam.

1. The Seasons

Anytime Iowans see an autumn season stretch out for weeks—complete with hot chocolate, walks through the crunchy leaves, and the smell of marshmallows over an open fire—we're bound to think of the beautiful, bountiful seasons in our home state. We have it all: a blossoming spring, a winter wonderland, a colorful fall, and a stunning summer.

2. Templeton Rye Whiskey

In the small town of Templeton, Iowa, lives the iconic whiskey company, Templeton Rye. The brand has built an impressive 26-million-dollar distillery right in the heart of the whiskey bootleggers' town. Now, Templeton Rye is sold all over the country and enjoyed by the greatest of spirit aficionados. So anytime we see one of these bottles, we're transported to memories of nights out in Iowa.

3. Zucchini

Zucchini squash is a popular summer vegetable in Iowa, with peak growing season happening around July, August, and September. While many people grow it in their home gardens, we also find droves of the vegetable at local markets and in the grocery aisles. Anytime we come across zucchini outside of the Hawkeye State, we think of the abundant gardens back home.

4. The Shortcuts Are On Gravel

Iowa natives know we'll get to our destination a whole lot faster if we just take the gravel road. Sure, it's a little bumpy and kicks up a lot of dust, but it's usually less crowded and will get us where we need to go. There aren't many chances to ride gravel streets outside of rural Iowa, but when we happen upon them, we get excited.

5. Taco Pizza

There’s a bit of a controversy about whether Happy Joes or Casey’s does it best, but either way, taco pizza is a true Iowa delicacy. Instead of the traditional sauce and toppings, we'll get some perfectly seasoned ground beef, Mexican spices, and shredded lettuce, jalapeño, and more atop a bouncy crust. It's truly amazing. Not many places outside of Iowa do it, but when they do, we're ordering it.

6. Corn On the Cob

Nothing beats an ear (or three) of Iowa’s amazing sweet corn. We grow tons and tons of it around here—billions of bushels per year, to be exact—for livestock grain, silage, and for cooking and eating. Chances are, if we grab a deliciously sweet bushel of corn from the grocery store, it's from Iowa. It's quite the nostalgic taste for us.

7. Epic Farmers’ Markets

Where else can you get super-fresh local produce that was lovingly grown in Iowa soil? There are around 200 farmers' markets throughout the state (one of the highest per capita in the country), selling the most ripe and delicious of fruits and veggies. We may not have the most hustling and bustling markets in our transplant cities, but coming across one harkens back to our hometown days.

8. A Proper Storm

Lightening, thunder that shakes the ground, and rain so heavy that you can’t see across the street; this is an Iowan storm. And whenever we're in the midst of an all-out thunderstorm, we are transported to our childhoods in the Hawkeye State, counting "one Mississippi," "two Mississippi," between the lightning and thunder strikes.

9. Soft Grass

We take the soft, green grass for granted here: not everyone has this privilege. Some places don't grow thin-bladed grass on neighborhood lawns—free of scratchy weeds or creepy-crawly insects. (We do see the occasional squirrel searching for food, though!) Whenever we set up a nice picnic or lie in the sun at the park, we'll think back on soft, Iowa turf.

10. Helpful People

Iowans are (for the most part) genuinely helpful people. If we need something, chances are there’s an Iowan close by ready to help. No matter where we end up, we can always spot a fellow Iowa native if they swoop in to offer a helping hand while carrying groceries, helping neighbors move, or supporting others in the community. Iowans just have that special thing about them!

If you're from Iowa, what are some other things about the Hawkeye State that remind you of home? Are there any inventions or fun facts about Iowa that could be added to the list? Take a homecoming (or first-time!) trip to the state to find more for yourself, using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide the way.