If you’re drifting through a haze of heat exhausted and you see a painted shack near the side of the road, don’t worry, it isn’t a mirage. It really is nirvana. Nirvana in the form of icy cold refreshment. Nirvana in the form of the Flamingos Tropical Cone stand. For more than five years, Flamingos has been serving up icy cold treats – from smoothies to drinks to Mexican ices to flavored fruit concoctions and more – at its 801 Oregon St. location, and at 1903 Park Ave., right outside Muscatine Mall. Gabby Aguilar, 28, who owns both of the shops, is proud and thrilled to see her dreams... Read More

Keeping your items safe and secure is what fires up the owners of Blue Flame, a secure storage facility at 18602 County Road in Fruitland, Iowa. How do they achieve that? “We have a very secure storage facility and buildings,” said Rocky Phillips Jr., manager of Blue Flame. “We have one building with temperature controlled units, indoor and outdoor parking, an access controlled gate and cameras all over to keep tabs on everything.” What led them to start up the business? “We noticed there were a lot of storage units in Muscatine and noticed a lot of them were full,” Phillips said. “We... Read More

Right off the riverside hustle and bustle of Mississippi Drive in Muscatine is an oasis of calm. You walk in, and you’re greeted by soft, gentle music, a room painted in violet and blue and filled with the scent of lavender and sandalwood. This is Nutrition Outlet, and it’s not your average vitamin store. The outlet, at 403 W. Mississippi Dr., has been open since 2000, beginning as a sports supplement outlet before morphing, over the years, into something far more. “It’s not just your run of the mill mall store, with stuff that everybody has,” said Shelly Meier, who owns the shop with... Read More

Hey Muscatine, kids out of school on Friday? Looking for a fun way to kick off the Easter weekend? How about an Easter Egg Hunt? Make plans to spend your Friday morning at the O’Brien Family McDonalds (2520 Park Ave Muscatine) in the Play Place for a fun-filled time with Easter Egg Hunts and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny! The hunts will take place on Friday Mar 30 at the following times: 0-2 years old                 9 – 9:15 a.m. 3 years old                   9:30 – 9:45 a.m. 4 years old                   10 – 10:15 a.m. 5... Read More

Looking for an exciting and entertaining way to finish out the month of March? Then make plans to hang out at Missipi Brew this Saturday night! Bugeye Sprite will be rocking out at Missipi Brew (107 Iowa Ave Muscatine) this Saturday Mar 31 from 9:30 p.m. – 1:20 a.m. This will be the first time Bugeye Sprite plays at the Brew! This classic rock band will keep you on your feet all night long! Bugeye Sprite consists of members Randy Pavelca with lead vocals, Gary Kespohl on the guitar and vocals, Jeff Venhorst on lead guitar, Scott Lancial on bass and Mike Mudd with drums and vocals. For more information... Read More

Still having some motivational issues with your resolution to improve your health? Well then let RMT help you out this weekend! RMT, located at 701 Orange Street Muscatine, is opening their doors to the public this Saturday Mar 31. Their Spring into Summer Open House will be from 2-4 p.m. and is free to all! If you have ever wanted to see what RMT was all about but, like most, are hesitant to make that first step into the gym, then this is the event for you! During the Open House, the RMT staff will be sharing information about the new events being held this summer. From 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Martin,... Read More

Are you planning a graduation party this year? A birthday party? Reunion? Wedding? Why not call the professionals and take the stress out of the entire event? Tiny’s Tunes Entertainment is the place to go for all party-planning! This family-owned and operated one stop shop will take care of all of your event planning needs. This weekend, Tiny’s Tunes Entertainment will be unveiling their brand-new showroom for the world to see! This showroom will allow you a central location to sit down, discuss ideas and even see first-hand some of the wonderful items they utilize to ensure your special day... Read More

Connect with your inner artist this weekend and check out the latest exhibit at the Muscatine Art Center! In conjunction with the “Faces of Iowa State” exhibit, artist Rose Frantzen will be giving a portrait painting demonstration this Saturday Mar 24 from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Muscatine Art Center (1314 Mulberry Avenue Muscatine). While the admission is free, donations are appreciated. “Faces of Iowa State” features 39 portraits painted by Maquoketa artist Rose Frantzen. Frantzen’s art has been featured nationally, including an exhibit of her Portrait of Maquoketa project at... Read More

Have you been wanting to spruce up that old piece of furniture in your home, but aren’t sure where to start? Well then, this is the class for you! Fresh Vintage, located at 208 W 2nd Street in Muscatine, is offering their popular Chalk Paint® 101 class this Saturday Mar 24 from 1-4 p.m. This beginner level class will teach you four decorative finishes using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and wax. You will learn how to do a simple finish, two color distress, rustic and even the wet paint method. This one of a kind instructional class will discuss style, complementary colors and utilizing Chalk Paint... Read More

Are you looking for a little family fun in Muscatine, this weekend? Then make plans to head to the Grant Elementary Spring Carnival! Grant Elementary (708 Barry Avenue Muscatine) is hosting their annual PTO Spring Carnival this Friday Mar 23 from 5-7 p.m. This fun-filled evening will provide entertainment for the entire family! Come enjoy raffles, silent auction, games, bake sale and much more! A delicious pizza dinner will be provided for $2 per slice (cheese, pepperoni and sausage) or $3 for a pizza meal that includes a pop as well. You won’t want to miss the magical performances by ‘Topper... Read More