Deep in the American heartland lies Iowa City, a college town on
the Iowa River with sidewalk cafés and leafy neighbourhoods of old
homes. However, beneath its small-town surface pulses a vibrant
cultural scene. The city is a giant in the literary world, thanks
to the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa. The
Worship counts notables like Flannery O'Connor, John Irving and
Pulitzer-Prize winner Michael Cunningham among its alumni.
Downtown in the Old Capitol District is the place to be. The
Pedestrian Plaza is a stage ground for numerous events, especially
during Summer of the Arts, which includes the Iowa Arts Festival,
Iowa City Jazz Festival, Friday Night Concert Series, and Saturday
Night Free Movie Series. Visitors can also catch great performances
at the Hancher Auditorium, Englert Civic Theater and intimate
Riverside Theater, which also hosts an outdoor Shakespeare
festival. At Prairie Lights, one of the best independent bookstores
in the country, world-renowned authors frequently give readings. If
this sounds too stuffy, keep an eye out for the rock bands that
often play at the many local bars.
The best way to enjoy Iowa City is on foot, starting with the
Iowa Avenue Literary Walk, which is the Midwest's version of the
Hollywood Walk of Fame. Panels along the sidewalk celebrate the
many writers with Iowa connections. At the University of Iowa
Pentecrest, site of the original capitol building before the state
capital was switched to Des Moines, visitors can admire the Old
Capitol Museum before crossing over the river on a footpath to
enjoy the walking trails of City Park.
