Courtney Bond, 24, Iowa City
Assistant Director of Membership and Marketing @ University of Iowa Alumni Association
Trails
Nothing is more satisfying than a good workout and breathing in some fresh air. There are so many great trails to enjoy while doing just that! The nice thing is these trails are designed for so many types of activity, like cycling, walking, running and roller blading. That way you can do something you enjoy! I know I have logged quite a few hours on my bike preparing for RAGBRAI 2009.
Good Eats
Just coming off a trip to Tuscany, Italy, my mind is a bit preoccupied by food. All sorts of great savory meals! I’ll make this simple. My favorites in the area cover a large span but the big ones are Blackstones, Biaggi’s, Quintons, 126 and one could never leave out Marco’s. The mixture of locally owned and chain eateries leave few to desire anything else.
Art and culture
Between the Riverside Theatre, Englert, the University of Iowa and the large scale acts Cedar Rapids gets in, I feel this area provides big city entertainment with more of a little town atmosphere. Last month was the Iowa City’s Arts Fest and this weekend is Iowa City’s Jazz Fest. Again, another way to satisfy your senses and enjoy being outside and the day.
Hawkeye football
Go Hawks! I am a born and bred Hawkeye. There’s nothing more exhilarating than waking up at 6 a.m. to head down to Melrose Avenue for a beverage and to sample vendors that line the streets. That’s just one of the nice parts about staying in a college town after graduation — you get to continue the fun, but see the fun from the alumni angle. If you’re lucky, the alumni band will even find you on a side street and play the fight song.
Lake Macbride
While my Fave Five choices might indicate I am an outdoor girl, I tend to enjoy indoor activities such as ice skating as well. However, since establishing myself in the Corridor area, the plethora of outdoor opportunities has awakened my curiosity. Lake Macbride State Park’s 2,180 acres offer much for the outdoor enthusiast like fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, camping, boating and lots more. I’ve spent a lot of hours soaking up some rays (with sunscreen of course), cruising the waters on Dad’s speedboat and enjoying the Iowa shoreline from the water. This is truly a place to be you and relax.