Added: 04/06/2006 |
Iowa City - Perfectly Showcasing Iowa's DiversityIowa is known as the Hawkeye State, and Des Moines is the capital city. Iowa became the 29th State in 1846. On its east and west sides the state is bordered by two rivers, the Mississippi and the Missouri. Iowa has a rich agricultural tradition and ranks first in the nation with corn and soybean production as well as in hog production. Iowa was home to many famous individuals such as Herbert Hoover, John Wayne, Glenn Miller and Grant Wood, to name a few.
Among the top cities in Iowa are Dubuque, Iowa City, Davenport, Burlington, Mt Pleasant and many others.
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Iowa City offers big-city amenities along with small-town hospitality. The city has long served as a locus for culture, education, variety and fun. Downtown Iowa City is a great place to walk, with over 4,000 parking spaces within two blocks of downtown. Its epicenter is a charming, tree-lined Pedestrian Mall that includes locally-owned specialty stores, dining and entertainment options.
From music and art festivals to Broadway performances, Iowa City has an event to suit anyone's taste. Enjoy Sidewalk Sales in July and September, plus a variety of art and cultural options throughout the year. The Friday Night Concert Series, Iowa Arts Festival and Iowa City Jazz Festival provide festive outdoor music throughout the summer months. The University of Iowa campus, intertwined with downtown, offers museums and other attractions. Downtown you might come across college students vied in a game of chess played on the plaza's life-size game board. The state's Old Capitol Building looms to the west of this scene.
Iowa City is home to several community theaters, including Riverside Theatre's Shakespearean stage. Located in City Park, this open-air theater presents shows under the stars. Iowa City is also home to the recently restored historic Englert Theatre downtown and also has a vibrant Iowa City Community Theatre. The University of Iowa's Hancher Auditorium showcases the best in Broadway production entertainment.
Iowa City is proof that the state's geography isn't merely a flat and vast plain, but rather a place of rolling hills, lush and scattered woodlands, and tall grasses. In the Iowa City area alone, there are 41 public parks, several of which overlook the scenic Iowa River. The Coralville Lake, located to the north of Iowa City, offers a multitude of recreational activities. The area is laced with attractive trails used for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
Iowa City is full of unique shops - from the Old Capitol Town Center, Pepperwood Plaza, and the Sycamore Mall to family-operated businesses. Scattered throughout Iowa City, there are numerous cafes and restaurants that offer a variety of foods, from international dishes to home-style meals. Depending on the weather, you might decide to dine outside at one of the downtown's outdoor cafes.
Whether a first-time visitor or a native returning home, you will discover that Iowa state is where tradition comfortably exists alongside change.
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