This Small Business Saturday, we invite you to take a different approach—one that celebrates the incredible bounty of North Iowa and supports our local food producers. Instead of browsing only boutiques and shops, let’s turn our focus to the delicious side of local! From farm stores to meat lockers and everything in between, our region has an abundance of small food businesses that make North Iowa truly special.

Create Your Own Local Food Adventure

We challenge you to create your own local food trail this Small Business Saturday! Explore the best of North Iowa’s local food scene with our interactive map, which highlights restaurants that source local foods, farm stops, meat lockers, and local food grocery stores. Imagine crafting your own adventure by stopping at a farm store for fresh eggs, picking up locally cured meats from a locker, and grabbing a cozy lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant—all while supporting your community. 🌿

The Categories to Explore

  • Grocer / Farm Store: Farm-fresh produce, unique baked goods, or pantry staples—these stores have everything you need to make your meals memorable.
  • Lockers: Treat yourself to locally crafted meat bundles. Perfect for gifting or preparing a feast for family and friends.
  • Restaurants: Dine at a local restaurant that features North Iowa ingredients in between stops and pick up a gift certificate while you’re there! It’s a delicious way to celebrate our community’s vibrant food culture.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Local Producers

Supporting local doesn’t just mean buying for yourself—consider giving the gift of North Iowa’s finest foods to your loved ones! Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Gift Certificates: For farm stores, farmers markets, or local restaurants.
  • Fresh Baked Goods: Fresh bread, pies, and other treats make for perfect gifts—and most freeze well for later!
  • Local Meat Bundles: A selection of locally-raised meats is a great gift for any foodie or grill master.
  • Seasonings, Honey, & Maple Syrup: Locally produced pantry items that bring a taste of North Iowa to any dish.
  • CSA Membership: Give the gift that keeps giving throughout the seasons—a CSA membership for fresh, seasonal produce or meats!
  • Locally Roasted Coffee Beans: Perfect for the coffee lover in your life.
  • Local Beer: Grab a few bottles or cans from a North Iowa brewery for the beer enthusiast on your list.

Make This Small Business Saturday About Local Food

Small Business Saturday is about more than just shopping—it’s about supporting the businesses that are the heartbeat of our community. This year, let’s celebrate our local food producers who work tirelessly to bring fresh, high-quality products to our tables. By focusing on local food, we’re not only supporting small businesses but also making a positive impact on our community’s economy, health, and sustainability.

So grab your family or friends, bundle up, and head out to explore the incredible local food scene we have here in North Iowa. Share your adventure using #GrowEatPlay—we can’t wait to see the amazing local stops you discover!

Ready to Start?

Check out our interactive map to start planning your local food trail and experience the best of North Iowa’s food community today. Let’s grow, eat, and play—together. 🌟