Cascade has done quite a lot of changing since my wife and I moved there in 2010. 12 years, 3 kids, and 1 cat later, the town has grown and updated just like my family has. My wife and I love to take, if possible, our nightly walk around Cascade. So naturally we get to keep up on all the new shops, eateries, and establishments that continue to move in to “downtown” Cascade.

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As my wife and I cross the river on our walk, we are first greeted by river view park and then, right on the corner, Eloise Raye; a family owned and operated, trendy women's boutique. My wife likes to browse the window display as we pass, and often times in the summer, we go in to take a look around. In fact, several Christmas gifts for my wife’s mother have been bought here over the years. They are also quite active on social media, doing many promotions and sales online.

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Continuing down the road is a new place called Butch and Frankie's. I’ll be honest; I haven’t been in to this store yet, but it looks interesting and inviting. They carry local Iowa goods, food, wine, gifts, and unique items! They’ve also recently partnered with the Corner Taproom to create charcuterie parings with some of their local brews. Specifically they are providing the different cheeses that are available.

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Directly across the street from here is Cheryl's Flour Garden Bakery and Coffee Bar. My wife an I have enjoyed both coffee and scones from this neighborhood shop and it was great. The interior is very rustic and industrial, and the coffee smell is warm and inviting as you enter. Cheryl’s has you covered for lunch as well, offering several sandwich options and all available for dine-in, carry out, or curbside delivery.

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Continuing down the street from Eloise Raye; my new favorite place to hang out during any volunteer board meetings and the like, is a combo stop: the Corner Taproom and Cascade's latest take on Happy Joe's (our last one burned down along with the bowling alley).

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The Corner Taproom is a great place to relax and enjoy the over 20 local Iowa tapped beers and brews (IPA's Anyone?). And now that the weather is starting to warm up, a night cap on their fireplaced-patio might just be on the cards. The taproom and Happy Joe's are connected too, so going between them for food and drinks is easy and convenient.

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Directly across the street is Interior Elements who can help you with cabinetry and countertops; with custom design services, space planning, paint selection services, and personal decorating services.

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Continuing on my nightly walk you eventually come to Wisteria Lane and Two Gingers Tavern.

At Wisteria Lane they offer holistic health and wellness options and a variety of services including therapeutic massage, organic skincare, Reiki, and guided meditation classes.

Two Gingers Tavern has a large selection of dinks and an inviting atmosphere, with a full kitchen and a good selection of food options that are great for lunch or dinner.

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As you continue down main street you will see several other small shops, insurance agencies, and hair dressers. Towards the end of the main drag you will find Hollow Tree Gifts and Floral and Graces Place.

Hollow Tree Gifts features the latest mural to be added to our Cascade area; printed on the side of its building. They also offer floral arrangements, décor, and much more.

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Meanwhile Graces Place is the latest establishment to take over the old Maid-Rite building in Cascade, offering American Cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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We finally finish off at the turn-around point of my evening walk. One of the best places to get soft serve ice cream or a delicious shake, is the newly remodeled Lyons Service Center, also known as the Conoco Station. The convenience store also sells Edgewood Locker Meats, Chads Pizza, and of course fresh bait for fishing.

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At this point in the walk, My wife and I  head back for our house, and as we do, we continue to see the Cascade Community thrive and grow. Neighbors spending time together, and kids playing each night we walk by. What can I say? It’s a great place, with great people; and I’m happy to call Cascade home.

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