The “Best of Oskaloosa” is here and you helped us discover it!
Best of Oskaloosa Awards 2016
The Oskaloosa Chamber’s Tourism Committee asked the community to help us find the most Simply Brilliant things in Oskaloosa so that we can share them with visitors and celebrate them in our community. 260 surveys were completed and helped provide insight on the highlights of Oskaloosa. This information will help newcomers find those great gems within the area. The contest ran February 1 until March 31. Only entities in and around the Oskaloosa area were eligible. Top vote recipients in each category were announced in April 21st. “Best of Oskaloosa” brochures will be available end of April and distributed throughout the city and state so people will know the local favorites when they visit Oskaloosa.
Best Pizza: Breadeaux Pizza
Best Burger, Tenderloin, or Sandwich: Taso’s Steakhouse
Best Cup of Coffee: Smokey Row
Best Sweet Treat: Jaarsma Bakery
Best Healthy Food Option: Subway
Best Family Restaurant: Taso’s Steakhouse
Best Place to Grab Drink: The Cellar- Peanut Pub
Best Hotel: Comfort Inn
Best Place to Stay on a Weekend Getaway- McNeill Stone Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Best Place to Entertain Kids: Edmundson Park
Best Place to go on a Date: Peppertree
Best Antique Shop: The Antique Peddler
Best Gift Shop: Mahaska Drug
Best Massage: Mahaska Health Partnership
Best Pedicure or Manicure: Studio 404
Best Golf Course: Harvest Point Golf Course
Best Historical or Cultural Experience: Nelson Pioneer Farm
Best Live Entertainment: George Daily Auditorium
Best Place for a Bike Ride or Run: Mahaska Recreation Trail
Best Park or Gathering Place: Edmundson Park
Top 10 Events & Activities
1. Sweet Corn Serenade (July)
2. Art on the Square (June)
3. Lighted Christmas Parade (December)
4. Friday after Five (Summer)
5. Tim Timmons- Christian Concert (July)
6. Oskaloosa City Band (Summer)
7. Southern Iowa Far (July)
8. Nelson Pioneer’s Fall Festival (September)
9. Air-cooled Antiques Car Show at the Cellar Peanut Pub (April)
10. Rollin Oldies (July)
Top 10 Unique Places for Food & Drink
1. Smokey Row
2. Tassel Ridge
3. Jaarsma
4. Grate Expectations
5. Frosty Udder
6. Mango Tree
7. Hunters
8. Peppertree
9. On the Green
10. Creamery and Co
Top 10 Places to Shop
1. Mahaska Drug
2. 804 Décor
3. Book Vault
4. Hunters
5. Antique Peddler
6. Shady Lodge Mercantile
7. Eagles Nest
8. Timeless Treasures
9. Simba Shop
10. Crow Row
We will start our search for the 2016-2017 Best of Oskaloosa beginning in May. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 641-672-2591 or vmcreynolds@oacdg.org
