CEDAR RAPIDS – A longtime tradition, the St. Wenceslaus Goulash Day, has coincided in recent years with CzechFest in Czech Village. In 2016, both festivals were canceled due to near-record flooding in Cedar Rapids. Instead of pitching in as normal at the festivals, volunteers turned their attention to sand-bagging efforts that weekend. This year, September […]
Stewards of the land: Van Horne family l...
By Cindy Hadish/for Radish Magazine VAN HORNE – As many farmers are forced to expand their operations to stay in business, Ann and Eric Franzenburg intentionally found ways to keep their farm small. The couple, along with their three adult children, operate Pheasant Run Farm near Van Horne, Iowa, which supplies fresh cut flowers, produce […]
Final days for Cooper’s Mill
Demolition has started on the Best Western Cooper’s Mill Hotel in Cedar Rapids. Last year, the city paid more than $5 million for the site with the intention to demolish the building, which was flooded in 2008 and again in 2016. According to the city assessor’s website, the property was valued at $2.3 million in […]
Best places and timing to see Iowa’s fal
Autumn doesn’t officially begin until this Friday, Sept. 22, but Iowa’s fall colors are already starting to show. This year may be a good one for leaf viewers, according to Jeff Goerndt, state forester with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR.) Learn about one popular route for viewing fall colors and see more about […]
Longtime garden center closing in Cedar ...
By Cindy Hadish CEDAR RAPIDS – A garden shop and nursery that marked 60 years in business last year will close its doors near the end of this month. Related: Read about the store’s history While the landscaping side of the business will continue elsewhere, Peck’s Green Thumb Nursery, 3990 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE, will […]
Step back in time into one of Iowa’s lar
Independence, Iowa, is home to one of the largest remaining grist mills in the state. The Wapsipinicon Mill, built in 1867 to 1870, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overlooking the Wapsipinicon River at 100 First St. W, the interior offers breathtaking views of the dam through some of its more than […]
Great River Road shines along Mississipp...
(Editor’s note: Check with the establishments on updated hours/closures when planning your trip.) By Cindy Hadish The Great River Road National Scenic Byway serves as a reminder of the diverse and breathtaking scenery that Iowa has to offer, along with local restaurants, unique shops and other attractions. From the towering limestone bluffs in the northeast […]
Photos: Market After Dark 2017
CEDAR RAPIDS – The weather was perfect for Market After Dark, until it wasn’t. A brief downpour put a damper on the nighttime market and sent crowds scattering, but not before bands played, dancers performed and people filled the streets of downtown Cedar Rapids, for the third annual event. Market After Dark, the night version […]
Daylily gardens in Central City, Iowa, b...
By Cindy Hadish/for Iowa Gardener As their name suggests, each blossom of a daylily lasts only one day, but Zora Ronan’s daylily gardens provide a kaleidoscope of color from early June through frost. Zora and her husband, Paul, moved to 32 acres of farmland in rural Central City about 20 years ago, where they quickly […]
No dogs allowed at nighttime farmers mar...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Market After Dark, the night version of the Downtown Farmers Market, is prohibiting pets at its upcoming event this weekend, although service animals are allowed. During the nighttime market’s first two years, some customers brought dogs, as they are allowed during the regular daytime Downtown Farmers Markets, but Ellen Bardsley, communications manager […]