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:
Buffalo Bill
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