Summer is my favorite time of year. I get most excited about the weather warming up, but I also love all those fun summer-time activities, like camping, swimming, barbeques…it’s just a fun time of year! So I thought I would enlighten all of our readers about all the things you can do in Iowa during the summer. Aside from the usual outdoor activities, like boating on Lake MacBride or picnicking at a park, there are tons of festivals, wineries, sporting events and more around this area that are always a good time. Read on for a list of some of my favorite summer activities that keeps me active and engaged during the hot Iowa summers.
- Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market: I absolutely love going to the farmers market! There is something very satisfying about waking up early on a Saturday, grabbing my reusable bag and heading to the heart of downtown (with my dog at my side), for locally grown produce, flowers, beef, fresh coffee, wine and baked goods. Add in all the amazing arts and crafts booths and you’re in for a great time. There are few things better than making a delicious meal on a weekend night with all of your fresh and local food from the farmers market.
- Kernels Baseball: Head to Memorial Stadium and cheer on the Kernels, Cedar Rapids’ very own minor league baseball team. Enjoy some nice weather while munching on nachos or popcorn while spending time with friends and family. With weeknight specials on food and beverages, fireworks after the games a few times a month and special events for kids, families and even dogs, it is always a good time at Memorial Stadium.
- Freedom Festival: This annual festival celebrates everything American, Iowan and fun! With countless activities and events including a parade, a hot air balloon glow, bags tournaments, concerts, BBQ and more there is always something entertaining to do. Just be sure to catch the amazing fireworks show that closes out the festival and celebrates the fourth of July.
- Wineries: Sit back and relax at one of Iowa’s numerous wineries across the state. Many wineries offer evening events where you can sit back and relax while sipping on wine and listening to a local band. Other vineyards offer family oriented events, including informational sessions about how the wine grapes are grown and the process in making wine. If you’re looking for something more group oriented, try a winery tour! Many of the tours include transportation, tasting fees and appetizers along the way while covering an extensive area, giving you the opportunity to partake of Iowa’s beautiful landscape along the way.
This is just a small variety of all that Cedar Rapids (and Iowa) has to offer. You can always try your hand at the slot machines or at a poker table at the Meskwaki casino if you’re feeling lucky, or head to the Lost Island water park in Waterloo or Adventure Land in Altoona for a more family friendly environment. Whichever activity you prefer, visit http://www.traveliowa.com/ for more information about all of Iowa’s attractions and start planning your next adventure.
