Amy Anderson, 34, Cedar Rapids
Enrichment Coordinator @ Polk Elementary School

Local theater
Theatre Cedar Rapids, Orchestra Iowa and Riverside Theatres!  All have such talented and wonderful people that make us so culturally rich.

Crunch Berry Wednesdays
I love that smell while driving through town on I-380. Cedar Crapids? I think not! I like that I can drive my children through town and they recognize the smell as well.

Big city, small town
Cedar Rapids has a small town feel within a larger city. Everyone knows everyone, or at least you’re connected through no more than three people, many of whom are lifelong citizens. I’ve heard our city called one of the biggest small towns in Iowa.

Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Markets
I love wandering through the stalls, stopping to talk to people I know and all the sights and sounds of all the products being sold. It’s so nice to see how much the city has embraced this event, when just a few years ago, it was one side street with only a few vendors. It makes it so worth the heat and crowded streets!

Going places
I’ve seen a steady growth of a community-minded citizens within my generation.
I just turned 34. One of my high school classmates is a state representative, one is a Hollywood actor with strong ties to the community, several are active in Theatre Cedar Rapids and a lot of the people I graduated high school with were born here, went away to school and came back here to settle down with their families.

Jessi Mart, 29, Cedar Rapids
Kitchen/Interior Designer @ The Cabinet Gallery

Pei’s Mandarin Restaurant
Great service and food always keeps me going back to Pei’s.  With a wide variety of entrees, Pei’s is a great family dining experience. They also have an appetizing sushi menu with a large selection of seafood that is always fresh. Pei’s also offers the teppanyaki tables, where they prepare the food right in front of you and entertain you along the way. I know I always crave their shrimp tempura rolls, yum yum sauce and their crab meat Rangoon.  If you ask nicely Dave or Tom might make you a specialty roll.

Dog Gone It Designs
Started by a local designer, Amy Gharib, this stylish dog collar and leash company, is a great way to keep your dogs looking sharp.  Dog Gone It Designs offers a wide variety of cool colors and patterns to go along with any dog’s personality.  They offer all sizes from itty-bitty to extra large.  They also have leashes to match.

Palisades-Kepler State Park
This gorgeous park, just off Highway 30 between Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon, is a great sanctuary for relaxation.  I was married at the beautiful lodge a couple years back, and it made for a great backdrop for some wonderful memories.  This state park is a nice quick getaway from the city life for a weekend
or just a night with their large camp grounds, great view of the river and beautiful walking trails.

Table for One
Table for One is my favorite massage place in Cedar Rapids. No matter the masseuse, you know you will leave relaxed.  They offer a wide variety of services and have local artist’s product for sale as well.  If you want to get a gift certificate for a special occasion or just want to relax, Table for One should be your stop.  The intimate location makes it great to forget about the day’s worries.

Bever Pool
This is a great place to relax in the summertime. The pool is set back away from the busy streets with lots of old shady trees.  Sit back and read a book, take a ride on the new waterslides or cool off in the new sprinklers. It’s a great spot for any summer day.

Amber Mussman, 31, Cedar Rapids
Public Information Officer and Adult Programming Coordinator @ Cedar Rapids Public Library

All Good Things Therapeutic Massage
This cozy little shop offers the best massage in town. Located on Seventh Avenue in Marion, All Good Things offers an amazing variety of massages, including deep tissue and hot stone, as well as Reiki. When the stress of the day gets to be just a little too much, there is no better way to relax than with a massage in one of their beautifully decorated rooms. As a bonus, pick up handmade soap from Jeanne’s Soaps, located in the same shop. Her secret recipe soaps are super luxurious.

Leonardo’s Pizza
I absolutely adore the atmosphere at Leonardo’s Pizza. The low light, red vinyl booths, and sparkling lights make you feel like you stepped back in time. The thin crust pizza is their specialty, but I am a huge fan of their chicken salad, which is big enough to share.

The Classics at Brucemore
Every year in July, I gather with friends and head to Brucemore for The Classics at Brucemore. Watching theatre in the natural amphitheater on the grounds of this beautiful estate is a unique experience. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and a bottle of wine, and be prepared for a magical summer evening.

Zin’s Restaurant
This downtown Cedar Rapids restaurant is one of the best places to go on date night, or any night for that matter. The food is delicious, the portion size small enough that you are encouraged to order more than one item on the menu, and they have the best happy hour deals in town. You can’t go wrong with half price wine, especially with their considerable selection.

The Cedar Rapids Public Library
I am an avid reader and I love to go to the library. The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a sanctuary for book lovers of all ages. There are a number of adult programs at the library, such as author visits and book discussions, and programs the whole family can enjoy, like music performances. While I can’t wait until the new library is built, the Westdale location is convenient and has so much to offer, it makes the wait bearable.

Meg Tisinger, 25, Tiffin

Personnel Consultant @ Remedy Intelligent Staffing, Coralville.

F.W. Kent Park

A Mecca for nature lovers, I don’t know if I know of a more beautiful place in Johnson County than Kent Park. This scenic 1,082-acre park features native prairie, wetland and forest areas, as well a 27-acre lake and beautiful conservation center. The camp areas are amazingly clean and affordable

($10 a night for non-electric campsites) and they are handicap accessible. The best times to go are in early spring when everything is in bloom and mid-fall to when the leaves are changing. You may just get a glimpse of some wild turkey and deer.

Short’s Burger and Shine

My goal for this year is to try every burger on the menu at Short’s. Located in a former shoe shine store, the décor harkens back to a simpler time in Iowa City’s history, yet the dark wood and exposed brick offer a modern twist. Every burger, chicken and black bean burger is named after a different city in Iowa and the meat, buns and seasonal vegetables are purchased locally. My favorite is the Dundee: sautéed mushrooms, American cheese, bacon, garlic aioli and a fried egg. Be sure you smother your fries in the Short’s Sauce, too!

The Silver Spider

The Silver Spider has been my favorite place for unique gifts for the past four years that I’ve lived in Johnson County. There is something for everyone, from accessories and gift items, to children toys, books, stationary, cards and a great collection of Anne Taintor products. They have two locations, Mount Vernon and Old Capitol Town Center in Iowa City, so the parking is convenient. For the savvy shopper, they also include a wide array of sale products marked down as much as 80 percent, which is nice on the pocketbook.

El Bandito’s

One of my favorite new places in Iowa City, El Bandito’s is located across the street from the Bluebird Diner in the former Paul Revere’s Pizza. Recently expanded to accommodate growing patronage, their menu is wonderful and includes Hibiscus Margaritas, Portabella mushroom tacos and a fantastic Shrimp Diablo in a spicy tomato sauce. They also offer a happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. with huge tacos for $1.50 and pints of Bud or Bud Light for just $2.

Volunteer Opportunities

One of the great things about living in the Corridor is the many places that serve the community and give residents a chance to give back. The Shelter House of Iowa City, Johnson County Crisis Center and the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Iowa City are always looking for volunteers or donations. This year, I’ve also had a chance to serve as a volunteer for the American Diabetes Association’s 2010 Tour De Cure, planned for June 26 at Prairie High in Cedar Rapids. For more information on cycling or donating, visit www.diabetes.org/tourdecure

Alison Dix, 33, Mount Vernon
Owner @ Devotion to Detail Event Planning

Brown Deer Golf Club
If you are looking for location with character to hold a party or reception, with service from a great staff, then checking out this location is a must. Brown Deer’s mission-style architecture as well as the amazing views over the lush course are what make it truly a unique experience. I have even planned a winter wedding there, and the lights bouncing of the snow made for an awe inspiring backdrop.

Sts. Peter & Paul Chapel
Another great unique location, Sts. Peter and Paul Chapel combines art and history. The beautiful brick chapel was constructed in 1916 by Czech Catholics and was turned into a private chapel in 1996. The two-story stained glass windows artfully display 10 well-known saints, and the altars are also adorned by lifelike statues of saints. Hosting a wedding there is an easy way to have a simple yet spiritual ceremony.

North Ridge Pavilion
The deck overlooking the pond, the limestone fireplace, the new kitchen and bathrooms, the wood beams in the ceiling, all the windows to look out over the pond and park. It is hard for me to choose which feature is my favorite, but combined they make this one of my favorite places to host an event. It is close to the interstate, yet the noise isn’t disruptive. A grass roof makes
this building green and more inviting
and alive.

The Skillet Café
When I need a quick and affordable lunch or want to know my food is freshly made just for me, I head to The Skillet Café in Mount Vernon. At the corner where First Street intersects with Highway 1, the Skillet is a great little restaurant with a menu of omelets, pastas, potatoes, sandwiches and salads. I am always tempted to try their specials, which are new items they are trying out for the menu. My favorite is probably the Chicken Cacciatore. When I am having a crazy day, I order it to go, bring it home and pretend I cooked it.

Lehm Books and Gifts
I recently discovered this shop after a friend recommended it as a place to find a gift for a person I had no idea what to get. The array of treasures in this shop are extensive. I really enjoyed my shopping experience there, laughing at the cute signs on the stairwell, being inspired by the wild women saying and finding the perfect gift for a friend. They also have books, but to call this is a bookstore wouldn’t be enough. It is that and so much more.

Angela Quell, 26, Cedar Rapids
Community Relations Specialist @ Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families

Sutliff Cider

Sutliff Cider makes by hand a variety of delicious apple beverages right here in Iowa. But the experience with Sutliff Cider can begin before opening a bottle. A scenic drive to Sutliff will take you to the apple orchards, historic fermenting barns and a charming 120 year old renovated barn tasting room. I suggest the delicious, crisp, champagne-style Hard Apple Cider — but be sure to sample a little of everything. Don’t have time to drive out to Sutliff? Sutliff Cider is sold in local stores, too.

Kenzi Photography

Photos memorialize special life milestones — so having an accomplished, artistic photographer in my family’s life is important. Mackenzie and her staff with Kenzi Photography provide a personalized, relaxed photo session; allowing everyone to ignore the camera and be themselves to capture beautiful genuine family interactions. The unique studio in downtown Marion offers backgrounds for any occasion or you can even have the studio come to you at your home. The end products are amazing, quality at an amazing price and the DVD of photos played with music is always a must-buy.

Brucemore

Brucemore began as a home, but today it is the treasured historical site of Cedar Rapids that offers cultural, philanthropic and educational activities for the whole community. The grounds are beautiful in the summer and easy to enjoy. Nothing is better than relaxing on a blanket or lawn chairs and listening to blues legends at the annual Bluesmore, or watching air balloons inflate at the Balloon Glow, or enjoying a fun-filled interactive outdoor children’s theater production.

Benz Beverage Depot

To make a night-in special, I always stop by Benz Beverage Depot to peruse the shelves. With a variety of high-quality, high-delicious cheese, wine and other foods, I always leave the store looking forward to getting home and sampling something new. With items made here in Iowa to somewhere on the other side of the world, the Depot is a distinctive shopping option to the area. It’s also a great place for gift purchases for that hard-to-buy person in your life — everyone loves good food!

Kathy’s Pies

I fell in love with Kathy’s Toll House pie with my first bite — a brownie type pie with chocolate chips, and pecans, yum! I haven’t looked back since, and quickly discovered that a Kathy’s pie is appropriate for any occasion — birthday-pie, welcome-to-the-neighborhood-pie, or even because-it’s-Monday-pie. But this bakery offers more than signature pies. Cakes, cookies, turnovers, cinnamon rolls and other bake goods are available to pick up on impulse or plan ahead and place an order.

Tyler Penning, 27, Iowa City
Account Executive @ Stamats Communications

Millstream Brewing Company
“Long live beer made in Iowa!” That’s Millstream’s motto, and I am sticking to it. A short drive from Iowa City or Cedar Rapids, Millstream brews some of my favorite beers. Their “Iowa Pale Ale” is the perfect end to a long day or a start to an early morning tailgate. They close early during the week, but check them out on a Saturday. Take a tour of the brewery and hang out in the beer garden; you will meet tourists from all over the country.

Three Samurai
Best sushi in the corridor. Period! A few years back, the thought of eating raw fish made me gag, but now I can’t get enough, and Three Samurai is the place to be. I eat here a few times a month with my girlfriend and her brother. They have ridiculous weekday specials and always treat us right. Don’t be intimidated if you have never tried sushi; they have every roll, from cooked steak and shrimp to raw exotic options I cannot even begin to pronounce. If you have questions, ask their manager Craig; he will hook you up!

Mondo’s Saloon
If you enjoy great margs and kitschy décor like I do, you will feel right at home. Mondo’s Saloon has great Southwestern food — I recommend the fish tacos. Located in the heart of Iowa City’s Ped Mall,
the Saloon is a great place to dine or just hang out
for a few adult beverages. Do a tequila or margarita flight: straight up, watermelon, pineapple & black pepper — they have so many options.

Cedar Rapids Animal Control
Six months ago, I hated cats — and then I met Milo. Someone (who shall remain nameless) had the bright idea that we needed a feline, so I ended up with a new furry companion. It is gratifying to know that we gave one of the many animals there a new home and bright future. The sad reality is that there are many more that need homes or your donations … or for you to just be a friendly volunteer.
Donate food, toys and, most of all, yourself to
CR Animal Control; it  will change your life.

Summer Favorites/Best of the Rest!
I couldn’t pick just five,  so are the rest of my summertime favorites. I am from Le Mars — the Ice Cream Capital of the world and home of Wells’ Blue Bunny Ice Cream. There is nothing better on a hot summer day than a Bomb Pop, Bunny Tracks or anything else they produce. Lake Okoboji is my water destination of choice. Wow, I haven’t even mentioned baseball. The Hawks, Kernels, Iowa Cubs and the professional Cubs team that breaks my heart every year, hot dogs, beer? Yes, please! Golf, an ice cold John Daly (the beverage). And Templeton Rye — neat. Try it and thank me later.

Joey Zlatohlavek, 22, Cedar Rapids
Student @ Mount Mercy College

The Rut

Proximity is crucial, and as a resident of Mount Vernon Road, The Rut, formerly known as Nancy’s, is geographically my favorite bar in town. It sits on Mount Vernon Road just outside of Hitters Ball Park, which makes sense because this bar is a home run! (Man I’m good.) Primarily a blue-collar crowd, The Rut’s Patrons are generally easy going and always about a good time. This is the most drama-free establishment I’ve ever been in — as the more people drink, the friendlier they get. If there’s a sporting event you really want to watch on TV, don’t go to The Rut as it may be hard to watch on their 8-inch TVs. But TV is not what this place is about. More entertainment is found here just by mingling with the regulars than could ever be found on a television. On any given night out, The Rut always makes its way onto my destination list. Oh, and $5 all you can drink domestic draws on Wednesday, can’t beat that. Don’t let the name fool you, The Rut makes my cut.

Paddy O’Rourke’s

I first went to Paddy’s out of respect for the funniest show on TV, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” where a group of Irish dimwits headlined by Danny DeVito run a low class joint called Paddy’s Pub. Good thing for us, the Paddy’s down in our Irish District is a real gem. Paddy’s is without question the far most superior bar in the Irish District. I’ve never left this bar without thinking ‘what a great time I just had’ … at least from what I can remember. Tuesday night they have karaoke, as well as $3 draws in a giant cup, although I forget how many ounces it is. I’ve seen it all at Paddy’s, except for the bathroom, for some reason I can never find the bathroom in this place. If the Irish are truly as outgoing and fun as is claimed to be the case, then Paddy O’Rourke’s truly is a little piece of Ireland here in Iowa. Also, if you’re lucky enough to be a Paddy’s patron on a night when blond-turned-brunette Katie is bartending, your experience will be twice as nice.

Shaun Ryan’s

A buddy and I found this diamond in the rough just last weekend. And from what I can remember, which for some reason seems to be a tad limited, it was a riot. It’s on Second Avenue, but it’s just north enough that it seems to be out of the jurisdiction of all that downtown madness. Kind of a horseshoe shaped bar that allows for plenty of seating, and what’s behind the bar is even more intriguing. The service here is exceptional. When I’d walked in for the first time, I was a bit uneasy as I felt like a stranger walking into “Cheers,” but the bartender made me feel right at home and it wasn’t long before the regulars did as well. So if you’re downtown on Second Avenue in that realm of craziness that is Bricks, Piano Lounge, Teegans, Volume and you’re looking to have a great time, just maybe a little quieter, then just head north a bit to Shaun Ryan’s. You won’t regret it.

The Firehouse
This place is a 5-alarm
great time! (Too cheesy?) One night, searching for
my next destination, I decided to stop in the Firehouse, and I’m sure glad I did. Who knew that a bar with the dimensions of chicken coop could be so fun? I parked myself at the bar as I usually do and things just got better from there. There was karaoke in the corner and a line for the Golden Tee game, which for my money is more fun than actual golf. How they fit all this into this tiny establishment, I have no idea. So if you’re looking to have a blast, or get blasted, and you’re not claustrophobic, check out the Firehouse. Also, the addition of Jill the bartender just increases the likability of this bar.

Timeout Lounge

The only one of my faves on the southwest side, the “T.O.” is the perfect spot to take a break from the daily grind. Whether it’s just a 20 second time out or a full one, this bar sees a variety of personalities come through the doors on a regular basis. I was first introduced to the Timeout when my brother began working at the Walgreen’s just across the street, and would occasionally walk to the bar and alleviate his post-work stress with his friend Jack Daniel’s. One time, I forgot my wallet right there on the bar. God only knows why I was so forgetful (wink wink), and I walked in the next day and the morning bartender had it waiting for me … with nothing missing out of it! Needless to say, I’ve trusted the Timeout as loyal friend ever since. So whenever you start to fall behind or just want to refresh, don’t be afraid to call a “Timeout.”

Jessica Schilling, 29, North Liberty
Graphic designer

New Pioneer Co-op
Grocery shopping isn’t supposed to be fun, right? It is if you’re willing to splurge on the good stuff. And just about everything here is good. Lest you think the Co-op is just for kefir-swilling, wheatgrass-growing natural food snobs, they’ve also got a very respectable wine selection, an amazing bakery at their Coralville location and an abundance of too-tempting deli goods at both stores. (Of course, you can get kefir, too.) Plus, they have the friendliest, most talkative, most opinionated employees of any store in the
Corridor. Period.
New Pioneer Co-op
22 S. Van Buren St., Iowa City
1101 Second St., Coralville
www.newpi.com

Java House
If I’m in town for the weekend, I’m probably here Saturday morning, nursing something tasty and gearing up for the rest of the day. The impressive array of snacks and drinks (yerba mate and a scone for me, thanks) put Starbucks to shame, and while you can always grab the New York Times off the old-fashioned newspaper rack, it’s just as much fun to hunker down for a while and watch the students and townies who fill this place to capacity at almost all hours. Got a Friday afternoon off? Stop by to hear Ben Kieffer and area musicians tape Java Blend, an Iowa Public Radio institution.
Java House
Various Iowa City locations
www.thejava
house.com

TriYoga of Cedar Rapids
Located within yards of the Play Station on Collins Road, this friendly, unassuming yoga studio is its own sort of play center for grown-ups. Their particular flavor of yoga won’t leave you twisted into a pretzel (TriYoga focuses on the ‘flow’ between poses instead of just forcing you into funny shapes), and with a variety of classes for all levels, there’s a place for beginners as well as experienced yogis
and yoginis. The first class is free, too. What more could
you want?
TriYoga of Cedar Rapids
5250 N. Park Place NE, Cedar Rapids
www.triyogacr.org

Bijou Theater
Even now that it’s possible to have Netflix drop whatever you want on your doorstep within a matter of days, there’s still nothing like actually going to the cinema, forking over a few bucks for a box of Junior Mints and sitting in the dark getting swept away by a good story. Since we’re kind of in the middle of nowhere as far as movie distribution is concerned, we’re stupendously lucky to have the Bijou bringing in acclaimed indie flicks – and without any silly art-house snobbery. I mean, where else can you see a super-serious documentary and some campy sci-fi epic in the
same night?
Bijou Theater
Iowa Memorial Union, University of Iowa
ww.uiowa.edu/~bijou

Crazy Girl Yarn Shop
OK, I admit it.
I’m a really lousy knitter. But after working on computers all day, there’s something really nice about sitting down with a cup of tea and doing something as technologically, well, non-advanced as knitting. The staff at Crazy Girl is always happy to recommend a project, give some advice or even help sort you out when you’ve managed to make a mess of whatever is currently on your needles. And their merchandise is delicious – back when I lived in the UK, I’d save room in my suitcase for a yarn stash whenever I visited the folks back in Iowa. Now, if I could only finish that scarf I’ve been working on, I’d have an excuse to buy more yarn …
Crazy Girl Yarn Shop
1150 Fifth St., Ste. 152, Coralville
110 Main St., Cedar Falls www.crazygirl
yarnshop.com

 Amanda Happel, 32, Cedar Rapids

Senior Administrative Assistant @ Rockwell Collins

Theatre Cedar Rapids

 Have you seen that building? No amount of water can stop those theater people. Talk about on a mission! The hard work, blood, sweet and tears paid off. I’ve never seen the Iowa Theatre look so good, including a new marquee that would fit in on Broadway. A few weeks ago I attended “The Producers.” I never laughed so hard; I loved it. And the fun doesn’t stop there. “Proof,” “Still Life with Iris” and “Rent” are all coming soon.

Theatre Cedar Rapids | 102 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids | www.theatrecr.org

Taste of India

I love the melding of so many flavors I’ve never experienced before. Indian food is amazing. After being introduced to the cuisine, just three short years ago, I’m happy to name it high on my fave foods list. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Try the weekday lunch buffet and sample a number of Indian entrees. Taste of India has even inspired me to try to cook some Indian chicken dishes on my own.

Taste of India | 1195 Boyson Rd., Hiawatha | www.toicr.com

Noelridge Park

The spring flowers will soon to arrive at Noelridge Park; the grass will be green. Then the park will be filled with people feeding the ducks, joggers, families, kids playing and people walking their dogs.   Soon spring will break way to summer and the pools will be open and Jazz in the Park will start. For many years Noelridge Park has played a role in my summers. No matter which part of town I live in, I find my self stopping at the farmers market, taking a walk on the trail, picnicking and listening to the music in the park. Right in the middle of the Northeast side of town, you can get away for  10 minutes or for hours.

Noelridge Park | 4900 Council St. NE, Cedar Rapids | www.cedar-rapids.org/parks

Basket Bowtique

 Basket Bowtique has a huge secret I’m willing to share. Behind the tables of prepared baskets and hanging empty baskets, in the back corner of the shop, they are hiding wines from all over Iowa. No need to drive out of the Cedar Rapids Metro area for those Iowa wines, they are right at your finger tips. Choose from wineries like Wide River, John Ernest, Park Farm, Daly Creek and many others. Stop in at Basket Bowtique during a wine tasting — you will see me there — or just pop in to shop and look around. You will never go wrong with giving a bottle of Lincoln Highway Red from John Ernest Winery.

Basket Bowtique | 758 N. Center Point Rd., Hiawatha

Name that Tune

Ever feel that there is nothing to do on a Wednesday night? Ever wonder whether knowing the name and artist of every song will ever get you anywhere in life? Wonder no more! Stop into to the Longbranch on Wednesday and play Name that Tune. Pool together a group of friends, win prizes and compete with other tables. You can be The Stevie 1-ders, Six Chicks None the Richer, Piano Woman or Hair Heavy Hair Bands. Hey don’t steal my names. Come up with your own.

Name that Tune @ The Longbranch | 90 Twixt Town Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids | www.thelong branch.com