I moved to Cedar Rapids about 1 1/2 years ago to start my family practice residency. I moved here from Nevada, so this was quite a change. The following is some of my thoughts about visiting the area. I've written a lot of medical epinions recently, but I've been taking a break to write on some other topics.

I know Cedar Rapids isn't exactly a tourist mecca, however, if you find yourself visiting the area, I hope the following gives you some ideas. There isn't a whole lot to do here (especially for a guy from Reno and Las Vegas!), but you can keep yourself busy!

Festivals in town

There are 2 annual festivals that I attend each year. I think that these show how this area comes together as a community.

Freedom Festival

This annual festival celebrates America's freedom and of course is held around the Fourth of July. It lasts for two weeks and has tons of events around town. It culminates with a large fireworks display downtown on the Fourth of July.

For more information check out
http://www.freedomfestival.com

Taste of Iowa

This annual festival is held downtown for 3-4 days and gives people an opportunity to sample many of the restaurants in town. It is outdoors, costs $5-$7 to get in and then you have to buy the food on top of this. They have live musical entertainment with many acts daily. The first year I went I saw Blessid Union of Souls and The Verve Pipe. Last year, I saw Huey Lewis. Not bad for $5!

Places to eat

Again, Cedar Rapids isn't known for great restaurants, but there are some really good ones. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Teddy's Steakhouse: On the ground floor of the Roosevelt Hotel in downtown Cedar Rapids, Teddy's offers some of the best steaks (and fish!) in town. It's a little pricey, but it is worth it. Try the twice baked potatoes and the beer cheese soup!

2. Irish Democrat: A bar on 1st Ave. at 32nd St. NE, the ID has great food and it doesn't have much of the "bar" atmosphere.

3. North Country Steakhouse: Located on the NE side of town on Blairs Ferry Rd., this steakhouse has great steaks and they even let you grill your own! Really, you can!

4. Vernon Inn: This is an really quaint, good, Greek place. It is located on Mt. Vernon Road (up the road from the hospitals, so it's close for me!). If you go there, get the flaming cheese appetizer!

Places to stay

The only 2 hotels I have stayed at (when I was preparing to move here):

1. Country Inn: This is a 2-3 story "no frills" kind of place. It's located right behind TGI Fridays on First Avenue at Collins Road. It's fairly cheap, the rooms are clean, and they offer continental breakfast.

2. Collins Plaza: This is probably the best hotel in town. I stayed here when I interviewed here. They have in indoor pool and it is beautifully decorated. It is fancy, not too pricey, and I hear that they have a wonderful Sunday Brunch, although I haven't tried it.

OK, I guess since I've only been here about 1 1/2 years, that's probably all I can talk about.

If you'd like to check out more, you can visit the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce at:
http://www.cedarrapids.org


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Thank you for your time.



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