Cedar Rapids
A gem in the Midwest shines with a mix of old and new
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is on the banks of the Cedar River and has a great vibe because of its nice people and the exciting revitalization effort that is taking place all over the city. This city in the Midwest of the United States has a nice mix of old and new, with urban renewal projects and a lively community culture. Look at the city’s old buildings, go shopping, and enjoy the city’s thriving food and drink scene.
Historic places of culture
The city of Cedar Rapids honors its past by keeping its old buildings standing. The beautiful and ornate Paramount Theatre opened in 1928 as a movie palace and still hosts dance acts, concerts, and Broadway shows. There are many cultural places where you can learn while walking. Some examples are the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, the Indian Creek Nature Center, and the Brucemore estate, which is a historic Queen Anne-style mansion and grounds. At the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, don’t miss the Grant Wood work. From June to August, you can take a walk of Usher’s Ferry Historic Village and go back to the late 1800s and early 1900s to get a feel for life on a small-town farm.
Shopping for a Variety
When you go to NewBo City Market, you can buy locally made foods, jewelry, soaps, and other things to take home. The Czech Village New Bohemia Main Street District has a lot of strange shops, both old and new, where you can buy gifts and treats. This busy neighborhood was built in the middle of the city by Czech immigrants. It is also the center of arts and events. Before looking at the locally made goods, have lunch at Farmer’s Daughter’s Market, where the food is made in Iowa.
New Ways to Eat and Drink
There are restaurants in Cedar Rapids that cater to almost every taste. The changing menu at the award-winning Cobble Hill Eatery & Dispensary is a classy way to eat. In the old People’s Savings Bank, which is now Popoli Ristorante and Sullivan’s Bar, you can enjoy an Italian meal. Drink a craft drink or beer and share an appetizer at the cool, modern White Star Ale House. Want to quench your thirst? A lot of wineries and breweries in Cedar Rapids have won awards. Some examples are Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery, Lion Bridge Brewing Company, Iowa Brewing Company, and Another Road Brewing.