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 […]
Photos: Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
CEDAR RAPIDS – Clouds put a damper on the day, but attendees found a silver lining at the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. Hundreds of people gathered on the downtown library’s rooftop on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, to try to catch a glimpse of the eclipse and watched the NASA livestream in […]
Longtime Brucemore garden tradition come...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Earlier this year, Brucemore ended its annual plant sales and now, the long tradition of the Brucemore Garden and Art Show has ended, as well. Typically held in late August, the event featured presentations by Master Gardeners and other guest speakers, food demonstrations using in-season produce, guided tours of the historic Brucemore […]