At the "Top of Iowa"

Finding a place where I can get connected on my lap top has been a bit of a challenge here in northern Iowa. Not too many hot spots. But today I found a little computer work station set up in the "Top of Iowa" Welcome Center -- I-35 exit 214, just south of the MInnesota state line. And, guess what, there's a casino right next door! So while Jack is over there getting acquainted with the dealers, I'm sending you Happy Tuesday greetings from Iowa, the state with many styles of casinos -- riverboats, land-based traditional casinos, racinos (casinos at race tracks) and even one Indian casino on the west side of the state.

The casino at the "Top of Iowa" is the Diamond Jo, opened just about two years ago. It has a huge selection of slots from pennies to dollars. The variety of video poker is somewhat disappointing and there are no nickel or penny poker machines. Live action at the gaming tables includes varied blackjack and poker plus craps and roulette. The buffet at this casino is unique featuring (in addition to the usual menu items) food freh from the fertile farms of Iowa. There's also a Burger King and Starbuck's inside the casino. The casino is open 8am-3am weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.

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