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?