Safe Travels, Anyone?

Wow! Has life changed in 2020 or what? None of us expected anything like what we have experienced this year, and we are all still struggling to accept our new reality. That reality includes so many changes- not gathering with family and friends in the same ways, not dining out with the same freedom, perhaps attending church or our favorite sporting event virtually, the list goes on and on. Oh, and what about the changes to work and school? My daily commute went from 30 minutes in my car to 30 seconds walking downstairs to my new basement workspace!

Travel is also hugely changed, and Chariton Homeplace is ready to assist you with safe travel, even in the midst of this pandemic. We are monitoring and doing our best to follow cleaning guidelines as recommended by the CDC and the guidance of VRBO and other similar sites. We have all the equipment you need to prepare your meals and eat at the house rather than dining out, or perhaps pick up your food and bring it back to the rental for your meal. We also have great internet connectivity and a desk, should you need to work or do school work while you are at the house. Chariton Homeplace is ready to welcome you and your family during this unprecedented time! So, hop in your car, drive to Southern Iowa, which will soon be popping with gorgeous Fall colors, and stay at Chariton Homeplace while you explore all there is to do in the area. I might suggest a walk on the Cinder Path, or a visit to Red Haw State Park for fishing or a picnic with friends and family. There are many activities that are "pandemic friendly" in the area! Need more ideas? There are brochures from local attractions and many ideas for activities at the house. We look forward to welcoming you to Chariton Homeplace soon! In fact, if you don't rent the house, I may pack up the car and drive to Chariton for my own change of scenery!

Chariton Homeplace is warm, cozy, and ready for your visit!

It has been a cold and snowy winter so far in south central Iowa! Prior to the melt this past weekend there was 14" of snow pack in Chariton. Last week, despite record breaking temperatures in the area, Chariton Homeplace was warm and cozy. I had a free week and wanted to paint the last room that hadn't been freshly updated, the kitchen. I had been putting this task off, but found it surprisingly rewarding to see the progress of my efforts each day. Now with fresh paint and a new tile backsplash above the stove, the kitchen is ready for you to prepare family meals, or just heat up something if that is more your style. If you do visit during the winter, you'll find the house comfortable even in the coldest temps with lots of warm blankets on the beds and cozy places to curl up and relax with a good book and a hot beverage. While winter may not be everyone's favorite season in Iowa, I actually found it to be quite pleasant on my recent stay. And Spring will be here before you know it with peeks of green and early flowers poking through that amazing black Iowa soil.

Speaking of visiting Chariton Homeplace, despite the fact that it is new on the market and hasn't been widely advertised, we are getting bookings and hearing great feedback about the house. We've had one group of return visitors to the property, so we must be doing something right. We already have a summer booking during a Knoxville race weekend, as well. Check out our calendar to see if your preferred dates are available and book your stay soon! We look forward to welcoming you any season of the year.

It's a beautiful Fall in Iowa!

Fall is my favorite season of the year! As a child I was excited about what I was going to wear on Halloween, and I loved to rake up a big pile of leaves and jump in. The smell of burning leaves and the sound of Saturday afternoon football games on the radio will always be favorite memories of the Falls of my childhood.

Now, I no longer dress up for Halloween and burning leaves is a thing of the past, but there is still so much to enjoy about Fall. I love to decorate with pumpkins and mums and drive through midwest farm lands as the crops are harvested and the trees turn brilliant colors. Yesterday my husband and I took a walk on the Cinder Path and experienced the sight of corn fields partially harvested and heard geese honking as they landed on the marshland west of the path. The leaves fell around us and it was a perfect Fall day in Iowa.

If you aren't familiar with the Cinder Path Trail that meanders between Chariton and Derby, let me tell you about this treasure! This trail was the first abandoned railroad bed to be converted for hiking and biking in the state of Iowa. It travels along the Chariton River valley for a total of about 14 miles. The grade is flat and the path is generally well maintained with bridges over small creeks, plenty of wooded scenery, and even occasional wildlife along the way. It receives regular use but is never crowded and is a wonderful way to be out in nature while getting some exercise. To access the trail in Chariton, park near the city sign on the Highway 34 Bypass and enjoy your walk, jog, or bike ride in the natural beauty of southern Iowa. By the way, while you are in the area, a great choice for lodging is Chariton Homeplace!