DR Cillaliz: Every time I've ever met someone from Iowa I've always told them I've never been there but that I've heard so much about it that there are several places I'd like to visit.
Inevitably, the person will ask, "Where"?
And I reply:
"Oh...Dubuqe, Des Moines, Davenport, Mashalltown, Mason City, Keokuk, Ames, Clear Lake...yes, I'd like to give Iowa a try."
More often than not, I'll get a smile and a chuckle. But there is the occasional glassy-eyed stare.