Food was limited to homemade chicken salad or the like sandwiches, took forever to get our order…read more The Candy I bought over $20 was all old and chocolate discolored!

For a small town in what I consider to be practically the middle of nowhere, this place is great!…read moreThey have a museum of local items which is more or less just a pass through of town archives. It's very nostalgic. They make the fountain sodas right at the counter. We also got some chocolate to go and it was incredibly good! We were traveling so did not try the icecream however the cute old booths were super inviting for a sundae, it was hard to say no. Really enjoyed this gem!

Good little local grocery store. No frills, but plenty to choose from. Good place to stop and grab…read morea cold drink when riding through. The name is whimsically nostalgic and heightens the experience slightly!

Really cute little grocery store near the Herbert Hoover Museum. It carries a lot of local…read moreproducts, and the checkout cashier was super friendly.

Best candy store we have been to in a long time! We got to enjoy homemade & nostalgic,…read morecandy/desserts, that we have not found anywhere. You provide such variety, that everyone left happy & excited! Thank you

Worked with them to send a special gift for the holidays. Kimberli was attentive and helpful and…read morecompleted the order quickly and efficiently. A great holiday experience. And I'm told by the recipient, also great candy! Can't recommend Divine enough

They have the Dubai chocolate bars! $20 per bar so more than some other local places. I will have…read moreto say the Belgian chocolate is superb from some other local places. And the details with the presentation is also above the others. Personally I do have one other place that beats this one. I would recommend this place to check out as they have so many other options to try. And they had other kataifi flavored bars like hazelnut. They are also at the Iowa City farmers market during the warmer months!

My go-to to chocolate place. Owned and operated by a young woman and her mother that produce super…read morefine tasting chocolate.

Stopped here on a road trip and was genuinely impressed. This has to be one of the nicest truck…read morestops I've ever visited. Everything was clean, well maintained, and there was plenty of parking available. What really sets this place apart is how much it offers. There are countless food options, a large gas station, and even amenities you wouldn't expect like a chiropractor, dentist, movie theater, and museum. It truly feels like a one stop destination where you can take care of just about anything while traveling. Whether you're driving across the country or just passing through, this is a fantastic place to stop, refuel, grab a meal, and take a break. Highly recommend!

This truck stop lives up to its billing of being the World's Largest Truck Stop. This place is huge…read moreand amazing. You can get gas here. Then inside is like a mini-mall. They have a food court with a Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut Express, all with seating. They also have a truck parts store, tourist souvenirs, convenience store items, clothes, and custom truck parts. The place was really clean, especially considering how many people go through there. You will find an actual tractor-trailer truck in the auto parts section of the truck stop. There are a lot of photo ops here at the truck stop, including the tractor-trailers and other vehicles inside, and murals and antique gas pumps outside. There is also a truck museum across the parking lot that is free to visit, but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. I came here on a Monday, so of course it was closed. If you are coming into or leaving Iowa, this is a must-stop. This place is amazing and has just about everything. The staff there was very friendly too. I am glad I made the stop here, and I did not even need gas.

A favorite stop for my grandkids when we're in the area. It's truly a magical place for kids with…read morea large selection of candy in a bright, inviting storefront. They havevpackaged candies as well as some shop made selections, oh and least I forget, locally made high quality ice cream. Truly a gem for adults and kids.

Awesome taffy and great chocolates. Not cheap but worth it, quality is always great. I like the…read moremint chocolate truffles, grape taffy, and caramels!

Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor--easily the best ice cream around! Awesome vibes!read more

I some fantastic Dan & Debbie's ice cream here at the Sweet Mercantile. The ice cream was a…read moredecadent black raspberry cheesecake. The tart berries cut through the sweetness of the cheesecake flavors. The staff were warm and cheerful and as sweet as the candy next door. I felt like a long lost friend upon arrival. I enjoy the cozy & old fashioned atmosphere of the Soda Fountain Shoppe. The building is an impressive 150 years old and was a traditional mercantile/general store. It feels both old and yet familiar to me. Even the restroom was clean & tidy. With a price as yummy as their treats I feel I'm likely to return often.

Bulk foods Heaven. Reasonable prices. Lots of items made locally, lots of items not made locally…read morebut branded 'Stringtown Grocery.' Produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, candies, fudge, jams, jellies, small section of personal care items and supplements. Check out their greenhouse that's filled to the brim with annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, beautiful lawn and patio furniture, bird feeders, garden care items, and much more. We bought of of this year's vegetables plants for less than $25! Highly recommend. Cash or check only.

Such a charming little store! Stringtown Grocery is a wonderful hidden gem in Kalona. The shelves…read moreare filled with bulk goods, local produce, homemade baked treats, and unique pantry staples you won't find anywhere else. The store is clean, organized, and has a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the prices are very reasonable. I always leave with something special -- whether it's fresh cinnamon rolls, hand-packed spices, or locally made jams. Definitely worth the trip if you're in the area!