episode 2: solon

discovering solon

In the second episode of Blend | An Iowa Foodie Experience, Nate Kaeding visits Solon, Iowa, a close-knit community where local flavor and hometown pride meet in every direction. The journey includes a conversation with Yuki Miura of the Iowa Heartlanders, who reflects on his five seasons with the team and the growing hockey fandom that’s bringing new energy to the region. Nate then stops at The Eat Shop, a family-rooted bakery known for its handcrafted pastries and warm atmosphere, and Big Grove Brewery in Solon, a celebrated local brewery whose taproom has become a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. The episode also highlights Bike Iowa City, showcasing the scenic routes and outdoor experiences that make the area a destination for cyclists, along with a visit to Baxa’s Tavern, a classic Sutliff dive bar just a few miles north of Solon that has long served as a familiar stop for cyclists and travelers passing through. Together, these stops reveal the people, places, and stories that make Solon a uniquely vibrant part of the Iowa City area.