Krystal's Cedar Rapids Guidebook
Food scene
Fantastic, local, favorite restaurant with a cozy feel and diverse menu. In C.R., we call this place the "I.D." If you go, you must try the cheese wonton appetizer! If you like salads, they have the largest and BEST salads. My husband loves the pizza and the sandwiches, but he forever will eat like a college dude! :)
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Irish Democrat
3207 1st Ave SEFantastic, local, favorite restaurant with a cozy feel and diverse menu. In C.R., we call this place the "I.D." If you go, you must try the cheese wonton appetizer! If you like salads, they have the largest and BEST salads. My husband loves the pizza and the sandwiches, but he forever will eat like a college dude! :)
Being from Seattle, I call this the inside version of Pike Place Market. Filled with little restaurants with food from across the globe, this is a great space for new restaurants to start up before launching at a stand-alone location of their own. There's also a bar that features locally brewed beer, as well as other beverage treats. There are other booths to shop at that sometimes change, as well. Just a neat place to hit, walk around, and see what is offered during the dates you are visiting. This location is not open during some weekdays, so you'll want to do a quick Google search before going to check out their hours.
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
NewBo City Market
1100 3rd St SEBeing from Seattle, I call this the inside version of Pike Place Market. Filled with little restaurants with food from across the globe, this is a great space for new restaurants to start up before launching at a stand-alone location of their own. There's also a bar that features locally brewed beer, as well as other beverage treats. There are other booths to shop at that sometimes change, as well. Just a neat place to hit, walk around, and see what is offered during the dates you are visiting. This location is not open during some weekdays, so you'll want to do a quick Google search before going to check out their hours.
Fantastic place to eat in the New Bohemia area near downtown, just 4 minutes away from the Tiny Home. Try the sweet potato fries with the marshmallow sauce!
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parlor City Pub & Eatery
1125 3rd St SEFantastic place to eat in the New Bohemia area near downtown, just 4 minutes away from the Tiny Home. Try the sweet potato fries with the marshmallow sauce!
Our FAVORITE place to eat! You can't go wrong with anything here. The portions are good sized and everything is amazing. Try the Pig Out Nachos!
The Blind Pig
3325 Center Point Rd NEOur FAVORITE place to eat! You can't go wrong with anything here. The portions are good sized and everything is amazing. Try the Pig Out Nachos!
One of the best small, locally-owned coffee shops in C.R.! Try the 'Nawlins, a cold-brew iced coffee with some extra special stuff in it that makes it just awesome!
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dash Coffee Roasters
287 N Linn StOne of the best small, locally-owned coffee shops in C.R.! Try the 'Nawlins, a cold-brew iced coffee with some extra special stuff in it that makes it just awesome!
Voted one of the best burger joints in Iowa, as well as having phenomenal Mac and cheese! Pro tip: Get the best of both worlds and get the burger with the Mac and cheese on it!
Saucy Focaccia
2360 Edgewood Road SouthwestVoted one of the best burger joints in Iowa, as well as having phenomenal Mac and cheese! Pro tip: Get the best of both worlds and get the burger with the Mac and cheese on it!
Another great coffeehouse, but inside Newbo Market. My favorite: the Rollo (frappe, blender....whatever they call their blended drinks)! Check out the rest of the market while you're there. BONUS: FREE charging for electric vehicles!
Roasters Coffeehouse
1100 3rd St SEAnother great coffeehouse, but inside Newbo Market. My favorite: the Rollo (frappe, blender....whatever they call their blended drinks)! Check out the rest of the market while you're there. BONUS: FREE charging for electric vehicles!
This is definitely a C.R. hotspot - food, drinks, and a super cool environment.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Local Pour
302 3rd Ave SWThis is definitely a C.R. hotspot - food, drinks, and a super cool environment.
This place looks as big as our cottage from the outside, but I honestly have never been inside. However, I had to include this place in our guidebook because I can't stop hearing about how great their burgers are. Try it yourself and let me know!
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Map Room
416 3rd St SEThis place looks as big as our cottage from the outside, but I honestly have never been inside. However, I had to include this place in our guidebook because I can't stop hearing about how great their burgers are. Try it yourself and let me know!
A local, gourmet popcorn shop located in the Newbo neighborhood. They got their start as one of the first shops in Newbo, which helped their business take off and be able to move into a storefront of their own. AMAZING FACT: This business was launched by 2 kids (a brother and sister, I believe). Catch the Dad running the place. So, do the kids pay their dad? Let me know if you find out that answer! Also, they have many, many random flavors of soda in glass bottles that will take you way back down memory lane.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Almost Famous Popcorn Company
1121 3rd St SEA local, gourmet popcorn shop located in the Newbo neighborhood. They got their start as one of the first shops in Newbo, which helped their business take off and be able to move into a storefront of their own. AMAZING FACT: This business was launched by 2 kids (a brother and sister, I believe). Catch the Dad running the place. So, do the kids pay their dad? Let me know if you find out that answer! Also, they have many, many random flavors of soda in glass bottles that will take you way back down memory lane.
Really homey, locally-owned coffee shop with great beverages and food. Located in the hip, NewBo area across from NewBo Market
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brewhemia
1202 3rd St SEReally homey, locally-owned coffee shop with great beverages and food. Located in the hip, NewBo area across from NewBo Market
Cafe Saint Pio
99 16th Ave SWQuaint, locally-owned coffee shop in the heart of Czech Village
LOVE this authentic Mexican restaurant near our downtown area (no worries on parking - they have a free parking lot). Check out the marker on the wall in the foyer to see how high the waters went in their establishment during the Flood of 2008. Our city is thankful that they came back!
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hacienda Las Glorias
4317 Center Point Rd NELOVE this authentic Mexican restaurant near our downtown area (no worries on parking - they have a free parking lot). Check out the marker on the wall in the foyer to see how high the waters went in their establishment during the Flood of 2008. Our city is thankful that they came back!
Super close to the cottage by car - just a few minutes away. This place is a Cedar Rapids staple and (surprise!) airplane-themed. Chicago dogs, grilled food, homemade fries, and great prices. Check out the old-school arcade games if you stay to eat.
The Flying Wienie
103 8th Ave SWSuper close to the cottage by car - just a few minutes away. This place is a Cedar Rapids staple and (surprise!) airplane-themed. Chicago dogs, grilled food, homemade fries, and great prices. Check out the old-school arcade games if you stay to eat.
This is a diamond-in-the-rough and a long-time Cedar Rapids secret. It's somewhat hidden and feels like a small lounge filled with books as you walk in. Authentic, higher-end Italian food that is highly regarded in our city. Small, private feeling as you dine and certainly not anything like those chain Italian places. If you like Italian and are looking for a nice dinner, you will love this place.
Vino's Ristorante
3611 1st Avenue SoutheastThis is a diamond-in-the-rough and a long-time Cedar Rapids secret. It's somewhat hidden and feels like a small lounge filled with books as you walk in. Authentic, higher-end Italian food that is highly regarded in our city. Small, private feeling as you dine and certainly not anything like those chain Italian places. If you like Italian and are looking for a nice dinner, you will love this place.
Bruegger's Bagels
708 S Riverside DrBagel lover? Definitely run to Bruegger's Bagels!
Want a diner feel and amazing food (as well as breakfast all day long)? Don't look anywhere else, I promise! This is a Cedar Rapids best-kept-secret. The only problem with this place is that the secret is getting out!
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Riley's Cafe
836 1st Ave NEWant a diner feel and amazing food (as well as breakfast all day long)? Don't look anywhere else, I promise! This is a Cedar Rapids best-kept-secret. The only problem with this place is that the secret is getting out!
Paradise Indian Grill
1950 Blairs Ferry RoadTop-notch, authentic, Indian food!
Just like it sounds - a brewery in Czech Village, just a couple minute car ride from the cottage! Known for their food AND brews!
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lion Bridge Brewing Co.
59 16th Ave SWJust like it sounds - a brewery in Czech Village, just a couple minute car ride from the cottage! Known for their food AND brews!
This is THE quaint, amazing, Italian spot just minutes away from both cottages. The Chef here just won a Chef of the Year award, so go check it out!
Rodina
1507 C St SWThis is THE quaint, amazing, Italian spot just minutes away from both cottages. The Chef here just won a Chef of the Year award, so go check it out!
Another popular spot just a few minutes away, but this time they are known for their phenomenal breakfasts that you can order anytime. This place is supposed to be even better than Grandma's cooking....just don't tell Grandma!
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lucky's on 16th
86 16th Ave SWAnother popular spot just a few minutes away, but this time they are known for their phenomenal breakfasts that you can order anytime. This place is supposed to be even better than Grandma's cooking....just don't tell Grandma!
Neighborhoods
You'll feel as if you're walking through a little Czech town as you stroll the sidewalks of this neighborhood. There's a cute coffee shop, some bars, my favorite plant shop (Moss), and other cute little shops. If you visit Czech Village, definitely stop at Sykora Bakery and try a kolach, a Czech pastry, as well as any of the other delicious items they bake there. The National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library is a landmark of this neighborhood. Fun fact: The museum (and village) was flooded during the great Flood of 2008. Flood waters went into the 2nd levels of the buildings, including the museum. Amazingly, the entire museum was moved to higher ground. You can find the video on Youtube!
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Czech Village
You'll feel as if you're walking through a little Czech town as you stroll the sidewalks of this neighborhood. There's a cute coffee shop, some bars, my favorite plant shop (Moss), and other cute little shops. If you visit Czech Village, definitely stop at Sykora Bakery and try a kolach, a Czech pastry, as well as any of the other delicious items they bake there. The National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library is a landmark of this neighborhood. Fun fact: The museum (and village) was flooded during the great Flood of 2008. Flood waters went into the 2nd levels of the buildings, including the museum. Amazingly, the entire museum was moved to higher ground. You can find the video on Youtube!
Sightseeing
This historic home is a landmark of Cedar Rapids. Take a tour (very affordable) to see for yourself how the elite lived in the midwest. A cool fact about this place is that pet lions used to roam these grounds. There are no lions there now, but you can find a greenhouse/flower shop to purchase a bouquet from as you leave.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brucemore
2160 Linden Dr SEThis historic home is a landmark of Cedar Rapids. Take a tour (very affordable) to see for yourself how the elite lived in the midwest. A cool fact about this place is that pet lions used to roam these grounds. There are no lions there now, but you can find a greenhouse/flower shop to purchase a bouquet from as you leave.
Like Art? If so, this place will be your jam.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
410 3rd Ave SELike Art? If so, this place will be your jam.
This is a phenomenal museum located just a few minutes away from the cottage. It's such a must-see that all local elementary students get to learn about Iowa's African American history via a field trip here.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
African American Museum Of Iowa
55 12th Ave SEThis is a phenomenal museum located just a few minutes away from the cottage. It's such a must-see that all local elementary students get to learn about Iowa's African American history via a field trip here.
Cedar Rapids was founded on immigrants from Czechoslovakia, hence the name Czech Village, now a village on the river within our city of Cedar Rapids. We are lucky to house the nation's Czech and Slovak Museum, especially after we nearly lost it in the Flood of 2008. Czech it out (see what I did there?!) and be sure to ask about how it was moved uphill after the flood so that it never took on water again.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
1400 Inspiration Pl SWCedar Rapids was founded on immigrants from Czechoslovakia, hence the name Czech Village, now a village on the river within our city of Cedar Rapids. We are lucky to house the nation's Czech and Slovak Museum, especially after we nearly lost it in the Flood of 2008. Czech it out (see what I did there?!) and be sure to ask about how it was moved uphill after the flood so that it never took on water again.
Shopping
A boutique for plant lovers! They have the neatest small pots, a moss wall that is perfectly instagram-worthy, neat books, jewelry, candles, etc. Cutest gift shop that I'm lucky I don't have a credit card to.
Moss Plant Shop
74 16th Ave SWA boutique for plant lovers! They have the neatest small pots, a moss wall that is perfectly instagram-worthy, neat books, jewelry, candles, etc. Cutest gift shop that I'm lucky I don't have a credit card to.
Fun, politically and area-inspired shirts, mugs, bumper stickers, etc. bound to make you giggle or want to cheer for whoever thought of the sayings you adore. Fun, 2-story shop full of all sorts of fun things!
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
RAYGUN
132 E Washington StFun, politically and area-inspired shirts, mugs, bumper stickers, etc. bound to make you giggle or want to cheer for whoever thought of the sayings you adore. Fun, 2-story shop full of all sorts of fun things!
Small, locally-owned bookstore in the NewBo area, often described like the one in Sleepless in Seattle!
Next Page Books
1105 3rd St SESmall, locally-owned bookstore in the NewBo area, often described like the one in Sleepless in Seattle!
Need groceries, a Starbucks drink, or even a quick bite to eat (they have amazing cooked food to order on the spot, as well as custom-made sub sandwiches while you wait)? Head on over to one of our large groceries stores. It's only about 1 minute from the cottage!
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hy-Vee
1520 6th St SWNeed groceries, a Starbucks drink, or even a quick bite to eat (they have amazing cooked food to order on the spot, as well as custom-made sub sandwiches while you wait)? Head on over to one of our large groceries stores. It's only about 1 minute from the cottage!
Cleanest, most favorite gas station chain around. They have a kitchen in the gas station (behind the scenes) where they make their constantly-available hot food, ready to go for you. Want to grab some snacks before you head out of Cedar Rapids? This is about a whole minute away from the cottage by car and sits right on the entrance to I-380. Do you like espresso drinks but don't like the price of coffee shops or your national chains? Try out their espresso machine for custom iced and hot drinks. Quite impressive!
Kwik Star
251 33rd Ave SWCleanest, most favorite gas station chain around. They have a kitchen in the gas station (behind the scenes) where they make their constantly-available hot food, ready to go for you. Want to grab some snacks before you head out of Cedar Rapids? This is about a whole minute away from the cottage by car and sits right on the entrance to I-380. Do you like espresso drinks but don't like the price of coffee shops or your national chains? Try out their espresso machine for custom iced and hot drinks. Quite impressive!
Looking for a special kind of wine, bourbon, whiskey, vodka, etc? This is the place to find all types of beverages. Don't know what you want? It's still fun to check out their selection and get some ideas!
Benz Beverage Depot
501 7th Ave SELooking for a special kind of wine, bourbon, whiskey, vodka, etc? This is the place to find all types of beverages. Don't know what you want? It's still fun to check out their selection and get some ideas!
A shopping destination for home items in Cedar Rapids. Yes, it is a chain, but a very good one.
HomeGoods
180 Collins Rd NEA shopping destination for home items in Cedar Rapids. Yes, it is a chain, but a very good one.
Like an REI, but smaller and locally-owned, right here in Czech Village in Cedar Rapids. Arrive by vehicle in approximately 5 minutes and stock up on all of your outdoor sporting needs!
SOKO Outfitters
41 16th Ave SWLike an REI, but smaller and locally-owned, right here in Czech Village in Cedar Rapids. Arrive by vehicle in approximately 5 minutes and stock up on all of your outdoor sporting needs!
Things to do
Our farmer's markets are HUGE and full of vendors of all types. Food, clothing, jewelry, home goods, crafts, wineries, greenhouses, you name it! It's both a destination to walk around and a place to shop! There are bands playing and events for children happening at each one. I believe that we have one of the largest farmer's markets in the midwest.
Cedar Rapids Farmer's Market
501 1st St SEOur farmer's markets are HUGE and full of vendors of all types. Food, clothing, jewelry, home goods, crafts, wineries, greenhouses, you name it! It's both a destination to walk around and a place to shop! There are bands playing and events for children happening at each one. I believe that we have one of the largest farmer's markets in the midwest.
Our semi-pro baseball team. Grab some baseball game food, adult beverages, and send the kids to the kids zone to play while you enjoy a game with the adults! Often, there are fireworks after the game and most nights have special, fun themes. You don't have to like baseball to have fun here!
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cedar Rapids Kernels
950 Rockford Rd SWOur semi-pro baseball team. Grab some baseball game food, adult beverages, and send the kids to the kids zone to play while you enjoy a game with the adults! Often, there are fireworks after the game and most nights have special, fun themes. You don't have to like baseball to have fun here!
Like hockey? Check out the Roughriders, our city's semi-pro hockey team. Fun environment for everyone and not far from our cottage.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cedar Rapids Ice Arena
1100 Rockford Rd SWLike hockey? Check out the Roughriders, our city's semi-pro hockey team. Fun environment for everyone and not far from our cottage.
This is the theatre that hosts many plays, musicals and productions featuring local actors and actresses - amazing talent and amazing shows. If you're looking for something to do, catch a show here...if you can find anything that's not sold out. Tickets go fast for anything that happens here.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Theatre Cedar Rapids
102 3rd St SEThis is the theatre that hosts many plays, musicals and productions featuring local actors and actresses - amazing talent and amazing shows. If you're looking for something to do, catch a show here...if you can find anything that's not sold out. Tickets go fast for anything that happens here.
It doesn't matter what you come here to see; the theatre itself is a sight to behold. This space brings in entertainment of all types, with our favorites being small concerts. The acoustics in this building is amazing!
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Paramount Theatre
123 3rd Ave SEIt doesn't matter what you come here to see; the theatre itself is a sight to behold. This space brings in entertainment of all types, with our favorites being small concerts. The acoustics in this building is amazing!
This is a BIG deal around here...a few weeks of daily events that celebrate our city and our nation. It all concludes on the 4th of July with the large firework display off of May's Island downtown.
Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival
50 1st Ave SWThis is a BIG deal around here...a few weeks of daily events that celebrate our city and our nation. It all concludes on the 4th of July with the large firework display off of May's Island downtown.
I bet you've never seen a waterski show this good, especially when it's FREE! From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can catch a free show at 7pm across from Ellis Pool and Park. There are bleachers to sit on and many people bring a lawn chair to sit on along the river. During the Freedom Festival, more shows happen than just the traditional Thursday show. Fun fact: Both myself, my daughter, and my daughter participate on this team. Catch my girl climbing pyramids and doing partner acts on the water, my dad runs a boat, and I often run sound!
Five Seasons Water Ski Show
1979-2099 Ellis Blvd NWI bet you've never seen a waterski show this good, especially when it's FREE! From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can catch a free show at 7pm across from Ellis Pool and Park. There are bleachers to sit on and many people bring a lawn chair to sit on along the river. During the Freedom Festival, more shows happen than just the traditional Thursday show. Fun fact: Both myself, my daughter, and my daughter participate on this team. Catch my girl climbing pyramids and doing partner acts on the water, my dad runs a boat, and I often run sound!
Take in a concert here at the new, outdoor amphitheater downtown, just a few minutes down the road from our cottage. Quinton's, across the street, serves great food and drinks!
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
McGrath Amphitheatre
475 1st St SWTake in a concert here at the new, outdoor amphitheater downtown, just a few minutes down the road from our cottage. Quinton's, across the street, serves great food and drinks!
It's what it sounds like - a nature center - but, admittedly, a very good one! Again, a site where all C.R. elementary students get to visit on a field trip, so you know it must be worth spending those public school dollars on! All jokes aside, I've been there and if you're into nature, it's a good one. Check out their maple syrup events in the winter.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Indian Creek Nature Center
5300 Otis Rd SEIt's what it sounds like - a nature center - but, admittedly, a very good one! Again, a site where all C.R. elementary students get to visit on a field trip, so you know it must be worth spending those public school dollars on! All jokes aside, I've been there and if you're into nature, it's a good one. Check out their maple syrup events in the winter.
Like racing? This is probably your place. Bring your earplugs because all I can remember is that it's LOUD!
Hawkeye Downs
4400 6th St SWLike racing? This is probably your place. Bring your earplugs because all I can remember is that it's LOUD!
Very large trampoline park with other things to do newly added. They also have mini-golf outside.
AirFX Trampoline Park
1100 N 18th AveVery large trampoline park with other things to do newly added. They also have mini-golf outside.
My favorite trampoline park due to the very nice loft area upstairs for the adults, complete with couches, tvs, high-top tables to work at while watching down into the park, etc.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
5515 Council St NEMy favorite trampoline park due to the very nice loft area upstairs for the adults, complete with couches, tvs, high-top tables to work at while watching down into the park, etc.
Not just a public golf course, but they have the nicest mini-golf course around!
Airport National Public Golf Course
3001 Wright Brothers Blvd ENot just a public golf course, but they have the nicest mini-golf course around!
This is the BEST theatre around, complete with leather, lounger recliners, an arcade, and a bar. The most popular shows are put in the theaters with the HEATED leather, recliners. Go on Tuesdays when it's $5ish/ticket. Search for the Marcus app to reserve your seat ahead of time!
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Marcus Cedar Rapids Cinema
5340 Council St NEThis is the BEST theatre around, complete with leather, lounger recliners, an arcade, and a bar. The most popular shows are put in the theaters with the HEATED leather, recliners. Go on Tuesdays when it's $5ish/ticket. Search for the Marcus app to reserve your seat ahead of time!
Want to take a hike through a beautiful state park with beautiful water views? This is your place. Only 20 minutes away and definitely a top-notch state park in Iowa.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Palisades-Kepler State Park
700 Kepler DrWant to take a hike through a beautiful state park with beautiful water views? This is your place. Only 20 minutes away and definitely a top-notch state park in Iowa.