An old-school joint inside and out, Tumea & Sons is still doing the things that put it on the map when it opened.

There's a reason for that - the original owners are still in charge, and the "sons" of the title all play a key role in the business now.

This is a humble joint that's usually crowded with locals eating their fill of hearty Italian classics.

Lunch is a popular time here, with smaller portions and traditional sandwiches being on offer.

At dinner, the focus shifts to heaping plates of pasta, chicken parm, and other classics.

The menu here does have a few authentic Iowa touches, though - the Steak De Burgo is an affordable take on the local classic.

For dessert, the house special is the tiramisu - every bit as strongly flavored and indulgent as you'd expect.

A full bar provides the perfect nightcap to a meal at one of Iowa's best family-owned and family-run Italian restaurants.

UFOs have been fascinating people for well over a century, and countless sightings are reported over the United States every year.

The year was 1977, in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The site was Big Creek Lake - usually one of Council Bluffs' top recreation destination.

Described as a "Big Round Thing," it did something that few UFOs do - it crashed into the middle of the park, leaving behind flaming, smoking wreckage that attracted 11 witnesses, including firefighters.

It would be a while before the flames were put out and the debris could be identified.

Theories about what the mysterious craft was range from a secret government aircraft to a test flight gone wrong - but true believers have been saying that Iowa was visited by extraterrestrials for about half a century.

The walk around Belva-Deer Lake is one of Iowa's most beautiful, complete with an easy waterfront trail.

But for those who continue down the path, they'll be rewarded by a change to rolling grasslands along the 6.2-mile hike.

The path is mostly easy to navigate, although some areas have less even terrain. Wear good hiking boots!

Away from the lake, it's easy to feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, and the view is stunning no matter the season.

During the height of wildflower season, it's common for the grasslands to be overtaken by fields of color, making this a must-visit stop.

And as the season shifts to fall, and the leaves are changing, the trail takes on an especially peaceful and beautiful vibe as you explore it.

From the side of the road, Old West Mexican Restaurant might look like any other taco joint - but don't be fooled!

Inside, this restaurant is a cowboy's dream come true. Every corner of the restaurant is themed to the Old West.

That extends to the Mexican menu, which contains classics like burritos, tacos, and enchiladas on plates loaded with rice, beans, and salad.

Odds are you'll see what the specialty is as soon as you walk in - it's sizzling fajitas, brought to your table in style.

Old West Mexican Restaurant puts more effort into its menu than many themed Mexican restaurants (and don't miss the seafood section of the menu!).

Of course, it wouldn't be a Wild West saloon without a classic bar. The bartender is likely to know any Southwest-themed drink you're thinking of.

But the favorite here is definitely the massive frozen margaritas, serving as drink and dessert all in one.

When the weather is nice, consider having a meal on the patio - the theme continues outside, too!

"Henry's Diner - Nothing Finer." That's a bold boast, and one that this old-school Crescent diner is happy to prove.

If it wasn't for the sign, many people might miss this diner. It's a very humble spot, looking more like a truck depot from the exterior.

Inside, though, it's a bustling diner packed with locals ready to dig into hearty meals three times a day.

The diner is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, and for dinner every day but Sunday. Dig into hearty favorites like eggs and bacon to start the day.

For lunch, the menu shifts to some of the mightiest burgers in Iowa, at a fraction of the cost of trendy city places.

Don't overlook the fried chicken - perfectly fried and spiced, and served with a massive heap of fries.

The real highlight here, though, has to be the prime rib dinner. Look at that hunk of meat! It's no surprise that this is the favorite choice every night it's offered.

If you've still got room after all that, finish the meal with some house-made pie - or a massive brownie sundae!

Ackley's roots date back to 1852, when the earliest settlers to the region built a cabin.

For those who want to see that history first-hand, head to the Ackley Heritage Center, a collection of historic buildings and exhibits.

Inside, you'll find an old-one-room schoolhouse, historic farm equipment, and collections of military artifacts from the many wars residents fought in.

Ackley is proud of its military history, as a visit to the town's veteran's memorial and Freedom Rock make clear.

Ackley doesn't have much of a dining scene, but it is the headquarters of SkyCone, a beloved ice cream brand seen at many state fairs and events.

However, around this time of year, all eyes are on one place - Hazel Green Cemetery, a beautiful and quiet resting place.

Or is it? Over the years, Ackley residents and visitors have reported strange, paranormal occurrences, such as floating orbs, banging, and howling.

The most haunted spot in the cemetery is an old gazebo, where people have claimed to observe an old woman rocking a baby, creating an intense sense of sadness in those who see her.

Forest City is one of Iowa's most laid-back towns, and that makes it a great spot to enjoy the fall season.

The heart of the town is Pilot Knob State Park, one of Iowa's most beautiful spots to watch the leaves change.

The park is rarely too crowded, and there are plenty of well-maintained trails for a casual hike.

However, there are also plenty of spots for more experienced hikers to find and get a view that only a precious few have seen!

The park is also home to one of Iowa's most famous castle-like structures - a unique observation tower.

Work up an appetite hiking? The best food in Forest City is located in a humble diner marked only by a small sign.

Sally's Home Cooking is a classic hole in the wall, and country classics like this hot beef sandwich will surely hit the spot on a brisk fall day.

Make sure to leave room for pie - it's all homemade, and reviews indicate it's the top reason why Sally's is such a long-standing local gem.

Filled with towering trees, the Newton Arboretum is one of the most impressive spots in Jasper County.

The biodiversity is almost as impressive as the garden itself - there are almost two hundred species here.

The entire park feels like a safe escape into nature, with some gorgeous paths to wander down.

Along the way, you'll see countless demonstration beds filled with in-season flowers and other plants.

But not all the plants are organic - some are metal, because this is a sculpture garden as well.

Everywhere you turn, you'll find unique pieces of public art waiting to be discovered.

There are many quiet little spots here to sit, reflect, and take in the natural beauty and creativity surrounding you everywhere you look.

As you criss-cross the Hawkeye State, it's impossible to avoid the sight of beautiful fall foliage - but some trees are looking a little different.

Those strange tent-like structures that appear in trees are the work of the fall webworm, a species of moth that spins protective nets over tree branches as they devour the leaves.

Each of these nets contains countless caterpillars, each busily munching away.

Eventually, the caterpillars will become moths like this one, which aren't any danger to the leaves they heartily consumed as a larva.

The favored dining options of the fall webworm are hardwood trees - which just so happen to be the ones that display the most stunning fall foliage.

The good news is, the only effect these moths have on trees is defoliation, which is unsightly but not damaging in the long term. Still, if you wish to get rid of these moths in your tree, the Iowa DNR recommends using a stick to cut open the silk net, exposing the caterpillars to the many predators out there.

The laid-back patio outside Dublin Bay doesn't quite give away how unique a restaurant this is in the heart of Ames.

This really is a traditional Irish pub, with the huge central bar taking up a massive part of the main dining room.

Take a look at the wall - you'll see it lined with some of the most famous brands of Irish spirits ever made. Only the best here!

There are a lot of little details that add to the charm at Dublin Bay, like the stained glass accents in the dining area.

Just as much care goes into the food. The fish and chips are perfectly fried, crispy, and are made of flaky whole fillets.

The corned beef and cabbage, thin-sliced, comes with all the authentic accompaniments many lesser Irish pubs forget.

The bangers & mash might be the most indulgent dish here - several links of traditional Irish pork sausage drenched in an onion gravy atop mashed potatoes.

For dessert, don't miss the bread pudding made with Irish whiskey - giving the caramel sauce a little something extra!