USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “MIDWEST” IOWA

IOWA: THE HAWKEYE STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

We seem to be experiencing a lot of rain in our country.  Some people might be put off by the rain when it comes to taking a vacation and think that there is not much to do in the rain. However, if you are going to vacation in a city, rain or not there is so much to do. You can visit places you have not seen before museums, arcades, shopping malls, theaters, restaurants and movies for new experiences. So do not be put off by rain enjoy new sights on your vacations.

Cedar Rapids - The City of Five Seasons

Cedar Rapids is nicknamed the "City of Five Seasons", for the "fifth season", which is time to enjoy the other four. The symbol of the five seasons is the Tree of Five Seasons sculpture in downtown along the north river bank. The name "Five Seasons" and representations of the sculpture appear throughout the city in many forms. Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, 20 miles north of Iowa City and 100 miles east of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city

Bloomsbury Farm

3260 69th Street
Atkins, IA 52206
Phone: (319) 446-7667

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Bloomsbury Farm has activities for kids of all ages! Whether you want to bounce on the Jumping Pillow, get lost in the Corn Maze, or fly high above Dry Creek on The Zip, our 1200-foot zipline, you are sure to have a blast at Bloomsbury Farm!

Cedar Rapids Bowling Center/Volley's

265 Blairs Ferry Road NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 377-9481

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Planet X

4444 First Ave. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 294-2237

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Family entertainment center. Laser tag, minature golf, arcade, space ball, rock climbing, bumper cars, softplay system, New York style pizza and party room.

Science Center

4444 1st Ave NE
P.O. Box 96
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 363-7836

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Science Station @ Lindale is OPEN! Come by and experience our exciting Exhibit Gallery on the Main Floor down the hall from Younkers! Explore our interactive gallery which includes our Early Childhood Exploration Area for children 8 and under and the Elementary Gallery for all ages, plus cool exhibits on magnets, electricity, action-reaction and weather!

The Ceramics Center

329 10th Ave SE
Suite 117
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 365-9644

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The Ceramics Center offers facilities and a wide variety of programs in both Clay and Warm Glass – for all ages and ability levels.

The Play Station

200 Collins Rd. NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 373-1111

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The weather's always perfect at this playground! The area's favorite family fun center and largest indoor playground includes a gameroom, fresh pizza and snacks.

Wilson's Orchard

2924 Orchard Lane NE
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: 319-354-5651

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Fall is picking time at Wilson's Orchard; where, you’ll find bushels of fun for everyone. Set on 88 acres of rolling hills and a beautiful valley, Wilson’s grows over 120 varieties of apples, including heritage varieties, that are ripe for the pickin. Sample available varieties in the market area; and, then take a ride on the apple wagon and head out to pick your own fresh off the tree. No time to pick your own? No problem! We also have our apples picked and ready to sell. Our on-site bakery delivers the freshest, most delicious pies, apple cider donuts, and turnovers you’ve ever tasted. Our fresh pressed cider is unmatched because we can pick and go to production while the apples are at their peak. Not to be missed, the apple cider slushies. You will never again buy apples anywhere else. Also available are pumpkins and other in-season fruits. Visit our website for all the details, and while you’re there, be sure to visit the list of apple varieties available. Learn more about each variety by clicking on the name. Open daily August - October

Groups and special occasion events welcomed!!!

NewBo City Market

1100 3rd Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52411

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NewBo City Market is a year-round public market in the heart of Cedar Rapids' New Bohemia neighborhood, a place for shopping, dining, meeting friends, and enjoying fun activities. The NewBo City Market is a showplace for small food entrepreneurs featuring the best locally grown and prepared goods Iowa has to offer. A place where you'll find produce, specialty foods, meats and seafood, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, and crafts from local farmers and entrepreneurs. Concerts, flea markets, festivals, and cooking classes are all on tap to make this a must experience destination. Check out their website for their calendar of upcoming events.

Hawkeye Downs

4400 6th St SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Phone: (319) 365-8656

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Hawkeye Downs has been the leading entertainment venue in eastern Iowa for the last 82 years offering automotive racing, bingo, trade shows, meetings, conventions, concerts, consumer shows, motocross events, venues for trade and educational programs, go-cart racing, bicycle racing and auctions for individuals and families visiting eastern Iowa.

Carl & Mary Koehler History Center

615 1st Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 362-1501

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Learn about the fascinating people and businesses that shaped Linn County, Iowa! Permanent and temporary exhibits bring local history to life. "Life Along the Tributaries" showcases the history of the area from prehistoric times, through early Native American and European settlements, to the development of the industries that lead to the vibrant communities that inhabit Linn County today. Our featured exhibit is a fully functional model train representation of the city of Cedar Rapids in the 1940's and 50's. Who doesn't love trains? Admission to the History Center is FREE, but donations to support our mission are gratefully accepted!

Iowa Masonic Lodge & Museum Grand Lodge of Iowa  

831 First Ave SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Phone: (319) 365-1438

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Mon.-Fri. 8am-noon and 1pm-5pm

Housed in a gleaming white marble structure, the library is recognized as the most complete Masonic library in the world. Free tours are provided.

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

1400 Inspiration Place SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Phone: (319) 362-8500

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A beautifully expanded museum and library that is the nation’s foremost institution for the collection, interpretation, and preservation of Czech and Slovak history and culture. It features interactive exhibitions, heritage programs, events and a museum store. Tour programs and rental space available.

Ushers Ferry Historic Village

5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52411
Phone: (319) 286-5699

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Ushers Ferry is a venue for family friendly activities, events and programs that build community from the historical perspective of a small Iowa town at the turn of the 20^th century. Located on a ten acre site in beautiful Seminole Valley Park, Ushers Ferry features 20 historic buildings that depict life in a small Iowa town between the years of 1890 and 1910.

Whatever your meeting or party needs, you are sure to find building space or open air ground at Ushers Ferry that will work for you.

African American Museum of Iowa

55 12th Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 862-2101

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Did you know that Iowa desegregated its public schools in 1868? Or that Iowans participated in sit-ins years before the Civil Rights Movement? Come learn about these events and the rich heritage of African Americans in iowa in our permanent exhibit "Endless Possibilities." You can also explore the influence on African Americans on music in our 2013-2014 temporary exhibits "Behind the Beat". Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2013, the museum is a great learning place for children and features hands-on activities for all ages.

Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

410 3rd Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 366-7503

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The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art houses more than 7,200 works of art spanning many eras-from Roman antiquity to the present. The collection is particularly strong in American art, especially from the first half of the 20th century. There are a number of artists the Museum hold in great depth- including the world's largest collecion of works of art by Grant Wood. The Museum also possesses a strong collection of Roman portrait busts. The collection is too comprehensive to be displayed all at once. That means chances are good that you'll see different pieces each visit!

Indian Creek Nature Center

6665 Otis Road SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Phone: (319) 362-0664

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Weekdays 9am-4pm, Sat. 11am-4pm, or by appointment. Trails open any daylight hour. Enjoy 4 miles of trails through prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Exhibits, indoor honeybee hive, maple sugar house, public programs, events and giftshop.

Bring your meeting or corporate retreat out to reconnect with nature in a beautiful and rustic surrounding. Indian Creek Nature Center provides the opportunity to bring in outside catering to their three unique seetings: the Sugarhouse, Sunroom or Auditorium.

Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre

1120 2nd Ave SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Phone: (319) 365-7401

Founded in 1998 by Daniel Kleinknecht, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre presents two to three operas each season as well as several special events. International artists as well as American artists are featured singers in our productions. Our Young Artist Program, first started in June of 2002, continues to offer college and university-trained singers an opportunity to sing smaller roles in main-stage performances and to participate in the opera chorus. Opera outreach performances are also offered by the Young Artists.

Legion Arts/CSPS

1103 3rd Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 364-1580

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Legion Arts - Based at CSPS, a century-old, renovated former Czech social hall, Legion Arts is an award-winning and nationally recognized presenter of contemporary art, music and theatre.

CSPS Hall - Overseen by the award-winning nonprofit Legion Arts, CSPS Hall is a former Czech social hall, first opened in 1891 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. A $7 million renovation and expansion, carried out in 2011, has rendered the landmark building safe, comfortable and accessible.

Orchestra Iowa

119 Third Ave. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Phone: (319) 366-8203

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Founded in April 1921, Orchestra Iowa is one of the oldest symphony orchestras in continuous operation west of the Mississippi River. Its 82 professional musicians perform more than 120 public performances throughout Eastern Iowa each year.

Opening Fall 2011. The Opus Concert Café is an upscale performance destination that will offer theatrical acoustics and lighting, as well as gathering space, bar, and café. The Café anchors the restored Symphony Center and the Paramount Theatre.

REFERENCE SITES

http://www.cedar-rapids.com/

http://www.cedar-rapids.org/Pages/home.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_Rapids,_Iowa

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Iowa is kind of a fascinating place. 
Mike Leach

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “MIDWEST” IOWA

IOWA: THE HAWKEYE STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. With all the chaos, jet-lag, partying and other excitement of travel comes a whole lot of stress on your mind and body. By the time most vacations are over, another one is needed to recover so taking a few minutes each day to rejuvenate will make it easier for you to resume your normal life when it's all over. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Easy-going Iowa is a classic, Midwest mix of sprawling cornfields, picturesque prairies and traditional towns, neatly connected by a network of scenic byways and trails.

Iowa has a veritable pick and mix of road trips. The Mississippi River winds down the state's eastern border; along its shore, the Great River Road passes 19th-century river towns, prehistoric Indian mounds, chugging paddleboats, and rocky cliffs, where you can catch sight of soaring bald eagles in winter.

Alternatively, you might discover Iowa's Danish and German heritage on the Western Skies Scenic Byway or drift around the Driftless Area, a region of Iowa renowned for its limestone bluffs and tree-blanketed valleys.

Or how about a jaunt down Route 6, which winds 5,877km (3,652 miles) from Massachusetts to California? Iowa's chunk boasts its share of quirky roadside attractions, including the world's oldest ice cream fountain and a 5m-tall (16ft) gas station man. Iowa's wacky sights don't stop there. There's also the world's largest bull (Albert, built in 1964), a 4m-tall (13ft) wine bottle (also a statue, sadly) and the planet's teeniest church.

Pretty Iowa City is North America's only UNESCO City of Literature and is an essential stop for budding scribes, who can join one of the University of Iowa's renowned writers' workshop. The Lycra brigade are also well catered for: the state boasts more than 2,900km (1,800 miles) of bike trails through native woodlands, wetlands, trestle bridges, open prairies and farmland. Stop pedaling to pick apples or glug cider at dozens of orchards.

Taste a bit of everything at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids, a regenerated industrial site turned buzzing market, stuffed with local produce, eateries, artists' studios and performance spaces. Or cycle alongside horse-drawn buggies in Amish and Mennonite communities and bag yourself some baked treats.

Things to see and do in Iowa

Amana Colonies

Travel through the Amana Colonies (www.amanacolonies.com), a cluster of seven villages of early German immigrants along the Iowa River. Taste German dishes in local restaurants and tour museums, craft and woodworking shops, wine shops and even a microbrewery.

Des Moines

While exploring the state capital Des Moines see the 23 karat gold-leaf dome of the Capitol Building. Children will enjoy the Science Center of Iowa (www.sciowa.org), with its great selection of amusements, impressive laser shows and simulated space shuttle flights.

John Deer Tractor Factory

Join agricultural enthusiasts on a tour of the John Deer Tractor Factory in Waterloo, then cool off at the nearby Ice House Museum, where ice was once cut, stored and distributed.

Loose Hills Scenic Byway

Follow Iowa's two national scenic byways: the Loose Hills Scenic Byway along the Missouri River in western Iowa, and the Great River Road along the Mississippi River on Iowa's eastern border.

Madison County

Drive under the covered bridges of Madison County (www.madisoncounty.com), made famous by the book of the same name. Pay tribute to the Duke while visiting John Wayne's birthplace in Winterset, Madison County.

Maquoketa Caves State Park

Explore caves and trails at Maquoketa Caves State Park, Iowa's most unique state park. Early Native American artifacts have been found in the caves. Camping and picnicking facilities are available.

National Balloon Museum

Head out of town to the National Balloon Museum in Indianola. Watch the sky fill with colorful hot air balloons during the National Balloon Classic (www.nationalballoonclassic.com) in August. Visit Iowa City (www.iowacitycoralville.org), dominated by the University of Iowa campus. Tour the beautiful Old Capitol building among the cluster of historic buildings called the Pentacrest. Museums include the Museum of Natural History and the Medical Museum in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I'm from Iowa, we don't know what cool is!

Ashton Kutcher
    

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “MIDWEST” IOWA

IOWA: THE HAWKEYE STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling has great educational value and increases of our knowledge. While travelling, a person comes across people of different races, religions, regions, etc. and   also visits different places. Each place has a historical importance of its own. Traveling is also a source of great pleasure. It gives us respite from our dull and dreary routine. It relieves us of our worries.  It enables us to meet new people and know their customs, habits and traditions. We can also know the different kinds of food eaten by people belonging to different regions. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 Des Moines

An oasis of modernity amidst miles of rolling farmland, Des Moines is the biggest city in Iowa and its cultural capital. The city's skyline houses a major business center for the Midwest, and visitors expecting a 'hick town' will come away with a vastly different impression of their holiday in Des Moines.

Located at the intersection of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, the city was formed in 1843 when settlers built a fort for trading with the local Sauk and Meskwaki Indians. The city grew rapidly, and today is home to more than 200,000 people. It has a number of historic buildings, including the gold-domed Capitol Building, the Tudor-style Salisbury House, and the Governor's residence at Terrace Hill. Other Des Moines attractions include the Des Moines Art Center, the State Historical Society, and Hoyt Sherman Place.

Children will have plenty to see and do in Des Moines as well, like feeding the giraffes at the Blank Park Zoo, playing in Bubble Bay at the Science Center of Iowa, and riding the roller coasters at Adventureland Park.

Des Moines has a busy and eclectic arts community, with many theatres and live music venues; the city boasts its own symphony, ballet, and opera. The East Village has a broad range of buildings, shops, restaurants, and art

galleries, and is a pleasant neighborhood to explore. The Court Avenue Entertainment District is the heart of Des Moines' nightlife, with a number of restaurants and nightclubs. The city hosts several festivals over the summer,

including the Des Moines Arts Festival and the World Food and Music Festival, among many others dedicated to food, wine, film, music, and more.

Getting around in Des Moines

Getting around in Des Moines is simple thanks to the Des Moines River, which flows through the center of town and acts as an orienting landmark. Streets east of the river are prefixed with 'East', and those west of it have 'West' or no prefix at all. The streets are easy to navigate. However, driving in winter is not something to be attempted lightly, as snow and ice make conditions difficult for inexperienced winter drivers. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) system has a network of buses covering most of the city, and service that runs into the evening. There are several taxi companies available 24 hours, but cabs must be called in advance.

Climate in Des Moines

Iowa lies in the humid continental zone and generally has hot summers, cold winters, and a wet springtime. Des Moines is located far from any large bodies of water and has warm and humid summers, with daytime high

temperatures averaging 86°F (30°C) in July. Tropical air masses from the Gulf of Mexico bring frequent thunderstorms, with persistent rain in June. Winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging between 14°F

(-10°C) and 31°F (-1°C). Snowfall is light compared to other states. Autumn (late September to early November) is a pleasant time to visit Des Moines, as the colorful fall foliage can be spectacular.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I started out as a farm girl in Iowa, and I dreamed of being an astronaut

and an explorer.  And I made it.

Peggy Whitson
 

Enjoy Life, Love and Travel to create remarkable memories that will last a lifetime!

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “MIDWEST” IOWA

IOWA: THE HAWKEYE STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

People in general consider traveling as their personal interests.  Traveling can quickly become an interest simply because it is such an enjoyable experience. When you travel around the world and you will see a variety of different cultures and people.  There are two things to remember while traveling. The first thing is to be open-minded about people and their culture. The second thing and the most important, is to respect other cultures no matter how different. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Overview of Iowa

Between the Mississippi and Missouri river, in the heart of the Corn Belt, lies the state of Iowa. Its reputation reflects that part of the American identity which celebrates small-town life amid the rolling farmland and patch work countryside. It also contains several bustling cities, such as the state capital of Des Moines, where tradition and

innovation is perfectly combined.

Nothing is more traditional than visiting one of Iowa's many local's farmers markets. The rural meets the urban in the most popular of the markets, like the Downtown Farmers Market, which sets up right at the center of Des Moines, the state capital.

Throughout the state, there are efforts to preserve Iowa's rural heritage and tradition. The Iowa Barn Foundation sponsors the free All-State Barn Tour every September, aimed at saving and restoring these structures. The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival has been a time-honored tradition in Madison County since 1970. The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge has reconstructed the tall grass prairie ecosystem, complete with bison and elk.

Iowans have also embraced innovation in various areas. An initiative to plant alternative crops has resulted in a fledgling wine industry. Today, travelers can explore three different wine trails. At the famous Iowa State Fair, the tradition of sculpting a cow from butter remains, but it has been joined by a line-up of the well-known musicians.

Along the Mississippi River, visitors can choose between watching the sunset from the stands at a minor-league baseball game in Davenport and trying their luck aboard a luxury riverboat casino in Dubuque.

For a real taste of America, travelers should head to the Hawkeye State during a presidential election year to witness some good old-fashioned stumping. The Iowa caucus is the country's first major electoral event for candidates seeking their parties' nomination. Thus contenders, one of which is the future US president, make

numerous appearances at local diners and town halls, lead parades, host barbecues, even clamber atop bales of hay to address voters. Around the 4th of July, campaigning reaches a fever pitch, not to be missed.

Iowa City

Deep in the American heartland lies Iowa City, a college town on the Iowa River with sidewalk cafés and leafy neighborhoods of old homes. However, beneath its small-town surface pulses a vibrant cultural scene. The city is a giant in the literary world, thanks to the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa. The Worship counts notables like Flannery O'Connor, John Irving and Pulitzer-Prize winner Michael Cunningham among its alumni.

Downtown in the Old Capitol District is the place to be. The Pedestrian Plaza is a stage ground for numerous events, especially during Summer of the Arts, which includes the Iowa Arts Festival, Iowa City Jazz Festival, Friday Night Concert Series, and Saturday Night Free Movie Series. Visitors can also catch great performances at the Hancher Auditorium, Englert Civic Theater and intimate Riverside Theater, which also hosts an outdoor Shakespeare festival. At Prairie Lights, one of the best independent bookstores in the country, world-renowned authors frequently give readings. If this sounds too stuffy, keep an eye out for the rock bands that often play at the many local bars.

The best way to enjoy Iowa City is on foot, starting with the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, which is the Midwest's version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Panels along the sidewalk celebrate the many writers with Iowa connections. At the University of Iowa Pentecrest, site of the original capitol building before the state capital was switched to Des Moines, visitors can admire the Old Capitol Museum before crossing over the river on a footpath to enjoy the walking trails of City Park.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

My debut upon the world's stage occurred on February 26, 1845, in the State of Iowa.

Buffalo Bill
 

Live, Love and Travel to create incredible memories that will last a lifetime!