Geeking Out in Iowa City

I spent the weekend in Iowa City at a workshop on Food Writing at the University of Iowa Summer Writing Festival. Most of the time I was geeking out in class or writing on my laptop, but I had a little time to walk around and check out the city, which reminded me a lot of Madison, but smaller. To steal a line from a friend who went to law school there, it’s “like a cultural oasis in the middle of the heartland.” Here are the highlights, in case you ever find yourself in Iowa City:

Prairie Lights Bookstore. A book nerd’s dream. Signed books, author readings, works by lots of local (and non-local) writers.



Revival boutique. New, vintage, and used clothing. A few handmade items by local designers. Cool bikes in the windows.



Bread Garden Market. On South Linn street on the pedestrian mall. A grocery store and cafe with a big, shaded outdoor seating area (the shade was key in the 93-degree heat). I went here 3 times in 2 days.