After Eric, our tour guide for the day, had us walking around Ida Grove all morning, he invited us to stop in at the newest business that just opened in downtown Ida Grove, The Farmacy.
After Eric, our tour guide for the day, had us walking around Ida Grove all morning, he invited us to stop in at the newest business that just opened in downtown Ida Grove, The Farmacy. Built out of the same storefront which used to be the town’s actual pharmacy, this business has been three years in the making for owners Brian and Lisa Lundell.
The Lundells, funnily enough, actually own a farm outside of town, which was inspiration for their business’ name. And not wanting to see one of Ida Grove’s most beloved landmarks go to shambles, they took it upon themselves, and with the help of some very dedicated friends and family, and revived the old pharmacy of yesteryear.
From pharmacy to Farmacy
Serving the residents of Ida Grove, this location had passed through many owners, but was always known to be the downtown pharmacy. Throughout the years locals knew where to get their necessities, as well as a little pick-me-up…a traditional phosphate or cream soda. And today we got a chance to sample one of each!
Wanting to ensure patrons received the highest quality product, Brian and Lisa were committed to salvaging the original equipment used to make the same high quality phosphates and cream sodas that were so popular dozens of years ago. In fact, while were there Brian even let us come around the counter so I could snag some behind-the-scenes pictures!
For the love of sugar
Walking around, I absolutely loved the antique appliances, especially the lime-green Dr. Pepper coolers. There are artwork and historical pictures on the walls, and multiple once-operational beverage equipment paired next to modern furniture. Up front when you first walk in you’ll see a large wall-to-wall mirror that is encased with an original backdrop which came out of a candy store in Sioux City. Unfortunately, after many attempts to find more information on this bygone business, I had no success. Further back as you make your way past the soda fountains are antique wood seating booths, which are original to this location.
In addition to phosphates and cream sodas, patrons can also enjoy a plethora of coffee options. My husband and I had already drank our fair share of coffee for the morning, so we passed, but we did notice a handful of customers coming in to enjoy a refreshing cold brew on this warm August day.
Plan your visit
Overall, this seems to be a favorite spot for locals doing their downtown shopping. I love that the interest is there and that locals and travelers alike can enjoy the experience of a unique and truly original landmark. After sitting vacant for over five years, Brian and Lisa celebrated their ribbon cutting back in June, then welcomed the thousands of bicyclists riding through during RAGBRAI. Which if you don’t know what RAGBRAI is, it is one of the world’s largest and longest non-competitive bicycle rides that weaves its way across the entire state of Iowa.
So, just as I wrote about how a cup of coffee can bridge generational gaps last month during our tour of Onawa, the same is here about not only coffee, but also “soft drinks”. Downtown Coffee in Onawa is helping bring life back to their small town, and I feel like The Farmacy in Ida Grove is the start of something amazing for this beloved “Castle Town”.
I can’t wait to see what plans they have in the near future, and if you are wanting to plan your visit, then make sure to keep up with them on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheFarmacySodaFountainCoffeeHouse/). Happy travels, and remember to support local businesses wherever you go.
712-300-6063
506 2nd Street
Ida Grove, Iowa 51445
Hours of Operation:
Monday: Closed
Tues – Fri: 9am to 5:30pm
Sat – Sun: Closed
