MAPS - click for large size

Ped Mall focus


Larger view of downtown



TRAVEL & WHERE TO STAY

GETTING TO IOWA CITY

By air:

The nearest airport is the Cedar Rapids Airport (recently renamed Eastern Iowa Airport, code CID). About 20 minutes by car or airport shuttle to downtown Iowa City by going south on Interstate 380.

The next nearest is Moline Airport which is in the Quad Cities on the Mississippi River (also known as Quad Cities Airport, code MLI). A little less than a 1 hour drive to Iowa City on Interstate 80.

By road:

The heart of Iowa City is 3 min south of Interstate 80. Best exits are Dodge or Dubuque. [Click for big map] Coming from the north on Interstate 380, go east on Interstate 80 for 4-5 miles and get off at the Dubuque exit. Head south and follow signs to downtown Iowa City.

Coming from the south on Iowa State Route 218, go east on Highway 1, then a couple of miles to South Gilbert Street and go left and take it all the way into downtown Iowa City.

Local Bus Service:
Coralville Transit
Iowa City Transit
Cambus - the free service operated by The University of Iowa

WHERE TO STAY

The Iowa City/Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau has an excellent and comprehensive list of places to stay in the area. Coralville is a sister city of Iowa City, and even if you stay in Coralville, it's a quick drive or bus ride into downtown Iowa City. Coralville has a wide range of chain hotels and motels, including Fairfield Inn, Days Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and lots more. Many are on the inexpensive side. The full list is here.

In downtown Iowa City, within walking distance of all festival venues, are several charming and unique bed & breakfast establishments as well as the Sheraton Hotel and hotelVetro.

B&Bs:
The Golden Haug
The Brown Street Inn
Mission House
Bostick Guest House
Bella Vista
Haverkamps Linn Street

Hotels:
Sheraton Hotel
hotelVetro
Iowa House Hotel

WHERE TO EAT

Downtown Iowa City has more than enough restaurants to keep everyone happy and well-fed. Here's a long list of dining and drinking establishments compiled by the Old Capitol Cultural District.

OUR FAVORITES

Right on the Pedestrian Mall where all festival events take place:

Capanna Coffee Company - Home-made gelato and fresh-roasted coffee

The Wedge - Pizza but also breakfast, sandwiches, and more

Bread Garden Market - Grocery, coffee, snacks, salad bar, breakfast buffet and more


Within one block of the Ped Mall:

Chef's Table - Superlative French bistro next door to the Englert

India Cafe - Great lunch buffet

Panchero's Mexican Grill - Fresh and fast burritos, tortillas, etc.

One Twenty Six - An amazing wine list and delicious food

Fairgrounds Coffeehouse - Panini and waffles in addition to Fairtrade java and delicious vegan treats

Atlas World Grill - Lunch and dinner plus drinks (in the running for the best local mojitos)


Only a couple more blocks and well worth the stroll:

Devotay - The domain of chef Kurt Michael Friese, a board member of Slow Food USA

Motley Cow Cafe - Fine dining, serving food that reflects the seasons and the weather

Linn Street Cafe - High standards and sophistication for new American cuisine

New Pioneer Co-op - Not a place to sit, but plenty of munchables for a quick lunch

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