Lisa Schreihart, 37, Cedar Rapids

Sr. Systems Engineer @ Rockwell Collins

Hamburger Mary’s

Mary’s is a unique restaurant, gathering place and nightclub with high-energy alternative entertainment and a different atmosphere on any night of the week. I’m there on Monday nights for Charity Bingo. I also enjoy Wednesday’s game night and Thursday’s karaoke night. I have the most fun on the weekends, when the stage heats up and diverse crowds come out for female impersonators, musicians and open-mic variety shows. The menu features the best burgers in town, a wide range of appetizers, an impressive martini list and the most fun and friendly wait staff I’ve found anywhere.

CSPS/Legion Arts

A cutting-edge art, music, theatre and film venue, this Cedar Rapids gem offers live entertainment that rivals that of Chicago and New York City. Most popular touring singer-songwriters inevitably make their stop in Cedar Rapids, put “on the musical map” when Legion Arts opened its doors in 1991 in the historic and acoustically-awesome former Czech Hall. CSPS has hosted my favorite indie and alternative performers, such as Ani DiFranco, Shawn Mullins, Janis Ian and Buckwheat Zydeco (a 2010 Grammy winner who packed the house this February).

Iowa Women’s Music Festival

Started 17 years ago, the Iowa Women’s Music Festival continues today as the state’s one-of-a-kind summer festival honoring women in the arts. I’ve been attending and volunteering for this September festival for many years, and it gets better every time. The current location, Iowa City’s Upper City Park, is a beautiful venue for relaxing and listening to music. The mix of music is fun and the performers are of the highest quality. I love IWMF as much for its celebration of community as for the great entertainment. Best of all, it’s is free!

Prairiewoods

There is nothing quite like Prairiewoods in the Cedar Rapids area, let alone Iowa. Everyone is welcomed through its doors for a variety of workshops, health and ecology themed conferences, retreats and spiritual/holistic services, or onto its acres upon acres (70 in all) of beautiful woodlands and nature preserves. It’s a place of true comfort and relaxation, and the staff of Prairiewoods takes personal care of its guests. Prairiewoods is founded on the Franciscan Catholic faith, but all people are welcome. Not many other places offer a labyrinth to walk, sweat lodges or retreat hermitages.

Haunted Bookshop

Yeah, the Haunted Bookshop has rare and hard-to-find books and a huge selection that rivals or surpasses any other bookstore in Iowa City, but the store is special for other reasons. When I first stopped in and talked to owner Nialle Sylvan, she spent a great amount of time to show me around the store and tell me about Claire, the resident ghost. I always have an interesting conversation when I stop in, I feel truly important to the staff, and the cats that run the place are oddly welcoming (for cats).

Amber O’Connor, 34, Cedar Rapids
Marketing Director @ Erb’s Business Machines

Morgan Creek Park
This park can be enjoyed spring, summer and fall. My favorite season there is the fall. There are so many different species of trees and with my husband (a science teacher) as my guide, I learn more than the average person would want to know. My kids take a sand pail to pick up leaves, pods, pine cones, berries and seeds. Before we leave the park, we take stock of collection and figure out what we are going to do with all of our treasures.

Pagliai’s Pizza
I can’t recall who introduced Pagliai’s to me back in college, but I am glad they did. My husband and I find any reason to get down to Iowa City just for the pizza. You can smell the pizza when you pull into the parking lot and once you open the door, a wall of goodness hits you and instantly. Once you can find a seat — sometimes you have to wait patiently — the pizza isn’t too far behind. When the ooey-gooey goodness is placed right in front of me, I dish it out and enjoy.

Old MacDonald’s Farm @ Bever Park Zoo
A great place for the young, or young at heart, is Old MacDonald’s Farm. There are just enough exhibits for the kids’ attention span and the scenery surrounding the exhibits is beautiful. If that isn’t enough to wear the kids out, we head to the playground equipment. It’s a great family-friendly (and need I mention FREE) place to visit.

Hancher Auditorium @ UI
Even though the Hancher building has not been rebuilt from the flood, the memories I have from the shows I have attended there are still with me. This year my husband and I attended A Tribute to Gregory Hines at City High School. The tickets, a Christmas gift from my husband, celebrated my love for dance, especially tap dancing. And while it wasn’t the same stage, it was still a moving performance.

CR Downtown Farmers Market
I am so looking forward to another Downtown Farmers Market season. I don’t know if it is the “early bird gets the worm” mentality that makes me jump out of bed on a Saturday morning, the wide variety of items to be found at the market or the people I run into there, but I look forward to each market. Some markets we can be more relaxed, but at others, watch out —
I am on a mission.

Alisa Newman, 25, Cedar Rapids
Alumni Relations Coordinator @ Mount Mercy College

Java Creek Café
I’ve often spent an entire Saturday enjoying this Cedar Rapids treasure that offers everything you could want in a coffee shop, including free Internet access, delicious menu items, live music featuring local artists and a cozy atmosphere for chatting with friends or reading. Oh, and let’s not forget their wide variety of coffee house beverages. It’s one of the only places in town where I can find a coconut Italian soda! What really makes this place special, though, is customer service that consistently goes above and beyond what’s expected.

Tic Toc Eating Establishment and Drinkery
Everything about the Tic Toc is just as charming as the name suggests, from menu items like the Big Ben, Rolex and Time Bomb, to décor featuring classic Dick and Jane artwork and plenty of clocks, of course. And if the charm isn’t enough to entice you, just check out their large menu of delicious “home-style comfort foods and local Midwest favorites,” including some of the best burgers in town!

Fishing
During the summer, there’s no better way to relax after a busy week than sitting by the water with my fishing pole. Fortunately, several great fishing spots are just a short drive away, including Lake Macbride, Pleasant Creek State Park, Palisades-Kepler State Park and Kent Park Lake. And if the fish just aren’t biting, these areas also offer miles of great hiking trails.

Collins Road Theatres
The area’s “cheap theatre” offers a more affordable movie night with several almost-new movies at just $5 per ticket ($4 matinees). At that price, you won’t feel guilty enjoying a treat from the concession stand (also extremely reasonably priced). From time to time, I also enjoy a free popcorn or soda thanks to pre-movie drawings. For someone who’s habitually late to movies, that’s all the incentive I need to get there on time. Good thing because, another bonus, there are limited previews.

Deb’s Ice Cream and Deli
Located in downtown Cedar Rapids, Deb’s is a dream come true for any self-proclaimed ice cream connoisseur. With so many ever-changing flavors to choose from, they offer of unlimited samples. And the fact that there’s no time limit on making an ice cream selection will instantly put you at ease. They even have a happy hour special from
2 to 3 p.m. Seriously, what’s better than an ice cream happy hour?

Kent Lehr, 26, Iowa City/W. Des Moines
Iowa Health System

Shorts Burger and Shine
This place makes burgers, and they make them well. A lot of establishments in Iowa City do not place an emphasis on their food, but Shorts is an exception. Although they have a few chicken and veggie creations, the only reason to order either of those is because you have tried every burger. I can hardly think of a week that I didn’t meet friends for either lunch or dinner at Shorts. Some advice — try the Dundee.

Fit2Live
If you want a no frills gym, Fit2Live is the place. I love taking part in the CrossFit classes, which are great training for multisport athletes. Two days a week, I spend my evenings in the boxing/MMA clinics learning from Katy Klinefelter, a professional boxer and local celebrity. The people who work there are awesome, the facilities inspire hard work and you won’t have to navigate around tanning beds or cafes to reach the workout area, which should be the real reason you are there.

Tierra Coffee
I am not a library person, and there are way too many distractions at my house, so I usually like to study in a coffee shop. Tierra Coffee is a nice place to relax and hit the books. With free Internet, I can either get work done or take a break from studying. Their house coffees are large and will keep you going for hours. During the summer, sit outside next to the fountain.

Linn Street Café
This is my favorite restaurant in Iowa City. Everything on their menu is awesome, and they have a good wine list. The servers have good knowledge of the menu and how the food is prepared. Linn St. Café is perfect for date night, graduation dinners with the family or simply for an excellent meal before a night on the town. I highly recommend the short ribs or butternut squash ravioli.

Palisades-Kepler State Park
This park is a gem, and I have been enjoying it since doing my undergrad at Cornell College just down the road. They have everything from rock climbing to throwing a football on the sandbanks of the river. Once deep into the park, you forget that
10 minutes ago you turned off Highway 30. It’s quiet, beautiful and the perfect spot for an afternoon barbecue or picnic. Definitely take advantage of the many on-site charcoal grills.

Tim Hankewich, 42, Cedar Rapids
Music Director @ Orchestra Iowa

Monthly dinners at Croissant du Jour

Not only do they have the best pastries I’ve ever had, but their monthly gourmet prix fixe dinners are to die
for. Whenever I think of the best times I’ve had with friends in the area, I almost always think of my time there celebrating with a bottle of wine and a great meal. YUM!

Post concert drinks at Zins and Blend
Hmmm, I see a trend here.  I love hanging out downtown over a cocktail at these two establishments. I enjoy the quiet and elegant ambiance, which is perfect after a night of high adrenaline performance.

The Pedestrian Mall, Iowa City

Spending an afternoon sipping coffee, reading a book while people watching on the Pedestrian Mall is one of my favorite pastimes. It’s a place where crowds of all stripes come together — intellectuals, artists and artisans, students, professionals and laborers. It’s an exciting soup of energy that makes this area special.

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and Kernels

As a Canadian ex-patriot, I need to have my hockey fix. Ah the smell of ice and the sound of a clean body check — music to my ears! Always a great night out and the speed and skill level is very high. It’s a taste of home right here in Iowa. Of course the beer and hot dogs at Veterans Memorial Stadium for a Kernels baseball game are the makings of one of my favorite local experiences as well. Nothing can beat a baseball game under the spring sun in Iowa.

Arts and Culture
Nothing frustrates me more when I hear people say there is nothing to do here. NONSENSE! Whether it’s music (of course I’m biased towards Orchestra Iowa), the visual arts with so many amazing museums up and down the Corridor, or the great theater performances throughout the area, one could spend every night of the week experiencing something new and special. Coming from several larger cities, I’ve found that the access and quality of the arts here can equal and in many ways exceed those from larger centers. I’m proud to be living in an area that is so much more than just a 9-to-5 place to hang your hat. It’s more of a 24-7 place to live.

Sean Thompson, 27, Iowa City
Editorial Associate @ University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Many Iowa Citians take for granted the UI Hospitals and Clinics, which are consistently ranked near the top in overall care and have the distinction of dozens of “onlys” to its credit both in the state of Iowa and nationwide. They also inspire volunteerism in thousands who give their own time and compassion to others, making UIHC the best place to volunteer.

The Java House
If you’re looking for a skinny mocha, a good conversation with a friend or a place to study or work quietly, the Java House in downtown Iowa City is your best option. There are few better ways to spend a bitterly cold winter night than inside with a warm drink. Why not do so with other cool people in a mellow, welcoming atmosphere? The loose-leaf teas really hit the spot, and did I mention the skinny mochas?

University of Iowa Athletics
If you’re looking for elite athletic displays, fervent fan involvement and jaw-dropping drama, there’s no better place to spectate than a University of Iowa athletic event. The football team provides arguably the best overall experience, but don’t forget the other sports, both men’s and women’s. If you’re wondering what to do on a Friday night, see if there’s a volleyball game in town.

Vine
Iowa City/Coralville is home to countless quality eating establishments and a vibrant night life. But few places combine the two as well as The Vine. I’m partial to the downtown location, where a youthful crowd commingles with families and couples. It’s a great place to catch a game with other fans on one of the well-placed televisions. Be sure to try the Crispy Buffalo Chicken sandwich.

The people
The Corridor can be summed up in one word: amazing. My friends, my co-workers, the people I pass on the street are intelligent, good-tempered and genuinely nice individuals. The utter selflessness displayed over a year ago by Corridor residents during the flood of 2008 showed how incredible this community is. It was awesome to be part of, and a major reason why I came back to live in Iowa City.

On game day, you are what you wear. And in Hawkeye Country, that means, you better have a closet (and a garage and a basement) full of black and gold. Here’s five things every (true) fan should have on game day.

no.   01 Game day bibs
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, these babies are quintessentially Midwestern football. The primary manufacturer of these beauts — Game Bibs — says “Players wear uniforms. Why shouldn’t their fans?” Hmm. Now, players running for the end zone in these striped numbers? That’s something we’d like to see. For now, though, we’re guessing the only field action these bibs will get is when fans rush the field after a big win. Oh well.

no.   02 Jersey
A fan is not a fan without a jersey (or five). Beyond the obvious need to have more than one (what happens if you drop queso?), a collection of jerseys is the mark of a true fan. Support your favorite player. Prove your 12th man status by sporting a jersey from the stands. The more diverse the collection, the better. Home jersey. Away jersey. Throwback jerseys. Alternate jerseys. And don’t forget the one that’s been with you from the beginning, the one that proves you’re not just a bandwagon fan.

no.   03 Face paint
OK. So this might only apply to the college-age fans among us. But hey, if you want to channel those halcyon days, here’s how: Moisture first (Yes. Guys, you too. It’ll keep you from itching.). Start with the good stuff — makeup used by the pros so it doesn’t melt off your face before the game starts. Using your fingers and triangle makeup sponges, apply gold first. Draw a line down the middle. Follow with black. If you really want a crisp line, find a black makeup crayon to add the finishing touch.

no.   04 Cold weather gear
It’s hard to remember at the beginning of the season, when the sun is shining and the sweat is pouring, but as the season progresses, game day gets downright cold. Fans who brave the chilly temps (especially for a 5 or 6 a.m. wake-up call) know bundling up is the way to go. Layers. Lots of layers. So, while a T-shirt or jersey is sufficient in September, you’ll want to stock up on gloves, scarves and hats (all in black and gold, of course). You won’t find any fairweather fans here. Snow? Bring it.

no.   05 All the extras
Cups, plates, tents, chairs, tables, games, grills, coolers, coozies. You name it. Someone, somewhere has slapped a tiger hawk on it and sold it for well beyond market value. Why? Because fans love it. It’s not a tailgate without a trunk full of Hawkeye paraphernalia. Really, does bean dip taste as good when it’s not served in a Hawkeye crock pot? We don’t think so.

Justin Foss, 29, Cedar Rapids
Reporter @ KCRG-TV9

Twitter
I don’t have to describe Twitter in 140 characters, it’s just tweets that can only be that long. I use Twitter on an hourly basis. The simple on-line communication tool keeps me informed with what’s going on here in the Corridor; everywhere from Decorah to Iowa City. Here at KCRG, I use it to let people know what I’m working on, and they use it to tell me what to look into. BTW, my user name is @justinfoss

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
They’re a good team with a great following. I play in a hockey league at the Cedar rapids Ice Arena, and it’s a great feeling to step out on the same ice as them. From the cowbells to the rivalry with the Waterloo Blackhawks, Cedar Rapids has a good thing going with the constantly growing hockey tradition. Being from Minnesota, home of the Hockey Hall of Fame, it’s a welcome sight to see fans embracing this sport.

Sweet Potato Fries at Parlor City Pub & Eatery
This bar and grill is a relative newcomer to the Cedar Rapids’ nightlife scene. It’s in the New Bohemia district (or more simply stated, across the street from the Chrome Horse). The bar has a great atmosphere and the fries are delicious! Even if you hate sweet potatoes — as I once did — you’ll love these fries that taste just a bit sweeter than normal.

Iowa brewed beverages
From Millstream Brewing in Amana, to Templeton Rye Whiskey, made in Templeton, this state has some of the best home-brews around. Not only is drinking one of Millstream’s brews a treat, but relaxing on their patio in Amana offers a great mingling experience with characters from across the country. Don’t count out the wineries either. Just last month Iowa was named to the newly formed Upper Mississippi River Valley wine region, covering 29,914 square miles, with parts of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. It’s 39 times larger than Napa Valley.

Cedar River Trail
If you’re not into playing real-life frogger, I suggest using the Cedar River Trail for some great biking or walking. Unfortunately, since the floods, this trail is in serious need of repair, and so far I haven’t seen much work on the hardest hit spots.

Ashly Brown, 25, Iowa City
Assistant Director @Children’s Miracle Network, University of Iowa Children’s Hospital

Bobbers Grill
I grew up with family vacations in the Okoboji area my whole life. I love everything about a lakeside patio on a beautiful summer day or evening. It was a pleasant surprise when I heard about Bobbers earlier this summer and gave it a try. It’s a little piece of vacation in our backyard. The food and drinks are good. But the atmosphere is priceless.

Graze
This is always my first place to take friends and family that are visiting from out of town and the first place I mention to my area friends when we are picking a place to eat or have “fun drinks.” It’s a big city feel in a small downtown area. From the martini list to the dessert menu, there is certainly something for everyone. The service has always been wonderful and their tapas-style dinning is sure the please the crowd.

Iowa City Tailgating
Nothing beats a sea of black and gold on a Saturday at 6 a.m. This fall will be my eighth football season and I can count the number of tailgates I have missed on one hand. I’ve always been drawn to the fact that whether you are 6 or 60 one thing remains the same — good food, good friends and a hope for a Hawkeye win. The games themselves are always great. But it’s while wandering the streets of Melrose Avenue and Hawkins Drive that you truly get the feeling of the Hawkeye spirit all around.

Recreational Activities
I became the captain for a slow pitch softball team this season and it has led to a weekly game of fun and relaxation with my team members. There are so many options for leagues all year-round in all varieties of sports. I was almost overwhelmed by my choices. This is something I see myself doing for many summers to come.

Festivals
I never seem to be able to enjoy as many of the wonderful festivals around as I would like to, which is a great problem to have! From the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival, Iowa City Jazz Fest, North Liberty Blues and BBQ, Iowa City Arts Fest, Solon Beef Days and more. The list is never ending. There is something for all ages — from young parents to young singles — at each event.

Ann Oleson, 33, Marion
Director of Consulting @ Stamats

Joy Boutique
Pick the best of each collection from New York fashion week, place it in a quaint little shop in Marion and the result is Joy Boutique. If you are looking for a unique piece that is outside of the ordinary, stop into Joy. The selection is topped only by the expertise and true style of the ladies who work at Joy. From fantastic evening wear to designer jeans and casual tees, Joy has it.

Brewed Awakenings
The recipe for success: Overstuffed sofas collide with an eclectic collection of fun and interesting art. Add coffee and you have heaven, aka Brewed Awakenings. The Liar’s Latte is the most perfect coffee drink served (no sugar needed). It actually is not on the menu, but if you are a fan of hazelnut, ask and the baristas will whip one up for you. They even top it off with a design in the foam that leaves you feeling like their drinks are made only for you. The perfect getaway for a morning meeting or a quiet place to catch up on some reading.

Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Market
Take 80-degree weather on a sunny Saturday morning in Cedar Rapids and there is no place more perfect than the Downtown Farmers Market. From beautifully cut fresh flowers to just-out-of-the-garden asparagus and tomatoes, the farmers market has the best of the fresh. Blocks of homemade treats, yard ornaments and crafts are only topped by a clown making balloon art for a line full of children. A true community event where you are guaranteed to run into friends.

Lincoln Cafe
Pull back the heavy curtain and enter through a doorway on main street Mount Vernon and you will be welcomed to Lincoln Cafe. This small cafe hosts a specials’ board each evening with out-of-the-ordinary cuisine. The service is tremendous and the atmosphere quirky, cool and collegiate in feel. Lincoln Cafe does not hold a liquor license, which is part of the charm, so stop by next door before your dinner at the Lincoln Wine Bar. Pick a red or a white from an interesting collection of wines from across the world. Save room for dessert, which will be a palate pleaser for sure.

Brucemore
The lawn of Brucemore comes alive for the summer, hosting some of my all-time favorite events. From the Children’s Outdoor Theatre to Bluesmore to Balloon Glow, there is something for all ages. Bring a picnic basket and a blanket and let the talent of the actors entertain you in a performance of “The Classics.” Step outside of the lawn into the cutting gardens where a flower garden full of glory grows. If you want a just-cut-that-day arrangement created by a floral designer, the cutting gardens at Brucemore is your place.