In Case You Missed It rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Cedar Rapids
Sweeten your #ValentinesDay with the full Cedar Rapids experience! ??
— Cedar Rapids Tourism (@CRtourismoffice) February 1, 2022
From hotel and restaurant specials, to local gift ideas, we have what you need to plan the perfect day! Check it out on the blog: https://t.co/2Lp3BJwfov#valentine #crtourism #thisisiowa #love #cedarrapids pic.twitter.com/dCL8le7rNH
Looking for the perfect way to spend Valentine's Day? Cedar Rapids, full of locally owned restaurants, deluxe hotels, flower shops and unique gift shops, makes for a great romantic getaway. For food fanatics, Goldfinch Tap & Eatery offers an Italian-inspired, six-course dinner prepared by Chef John Lillibridge. You can pick out the most beautiful Valentine’s day gifts and flowers from Roots In Bloom, Pierson’s Flower Shop and Kismet Coffee & Bloom. Finally, there’s no better way to show someone you care than a handwritten card from Scribe Stationer. If a romantic dinner isn’t quite your forte, you can still treat yourself by watching a film at Marcus Theatres or going on a shopping spree at Lindale Mall or the Uptown Marion District.
HuffPost Names DSM an Underrated Travel Destination
.@HuffPost names DSM an underrated travel destination https://t.co/v4dmUIsED1 @HuffPostLife @Travel_Iowa @catchdesmoines #DSMUSA #catchdsm
— Jay Byers (@jaybyers) January 29, 2022
With scenic hikes, cultural activities and amazing food, HuffPost named Des Moines as one of the most underrated travel destinations in the United States. Des Moines is home to engaging art attractions, waterfront trails and the nation’s largest public skatepark, making it a unique travel destination. Plus, the convenient and safe downtown area makes family travel a breeze as visitors of all ages can enjoy interactive museums and a wide variety of restaurants. HuffPost noted that a trip to Des Moines allows visitors to experience Iowa’s strong agricultural history through the farm-to-table restaurants and the vibrant Downtown Farmers’ Market.
Hinterland Music Festival Lineup Announced
And... voila.
— Hinterland (@hinterlandiowa) February 1, 2022
Explore Hinterland --> https://t.co/HfzQnRQrMU and see what's new in 2022 --> https://t.co/DhrOg4ESj4.
Passes go on sale this Friday, February 4 at 10am CST. pic.twitter.com/kQy6Yhs7fL
Iowa is home to one of the best music festivals in the Midwest, Hinterland. This festival is perfect for anyone who loves music and the outdoors. This year, the four-day music festival will return August 4-7 in Saint Charles, Iowa. Hinterland announced an impressive lineup of musical artists including Billy Strings, Glass Animals, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and Phoebe Bridgers. In addition to expanding the festival to four days, the festival will have three times as many parking spots as last year, more food vendors and new and improved glamping packages.
While in the area, you can check out some local wineries including Two Saints Winery and Madison County Winery. You can also visit Simple Life Farms to interact with goats, tour the facility, and taste the only raw milk goat dairy in the state. Lastly, you’ll want to take a trip on the Covered Bridges Scenic Byway and see the famous covered bridges of Madison County.
2022 RAGBRAI Route Revealed
Meet the 2022 RAGBRAI XLIX Route! pic.twitter.com/DfHcYex3I6
— RAGBRAI (@RAGBRAI_IOWA) January 29, 2022
Iowa’s most celebrated bike ride, RAGBRAI, will embark on its 49th year of uniting riders from Iowa and beyond. The ride will run from July 24-30 and will start in Sergeant Bluff and conclude in Lansing. Traveling from west to east, cyclists will stay overnight in Ida Grove, Pocahontas, Emmetsburg, Mason City, Charles City and West Union. For the first time in over 30 years, riders will have to push through 100 miles on the fourth day as they cycle from Emmetsburg to Mason City. New RAGBRAI Director Matt Phippen believes cyclists are excited for the challenge.
“People want to come back. They want to be part of something big,” said Phippen.
Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner Visit Hy-Vee in Cedar Falls
Ever wonder what it's like when two NFL Hall of Famers go to the grocery store together?
— CedarFalls (@CedarFalls) January 25, 2022
Welcome to Cedar Falls, @kurt13warner and Peyton Manning! ???? #cedarfalls #thisisiowa pic.twitter.com/rukzFPpDJV
It’s not every day that you see two NFL Hall of Famers stocking shelves while running your daily errands. Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner visited Hy-Vee in Cedar Falls for Manning’s ESPN show, “Peyton’s Places.” The visit felt familiar to Kurt Warner as the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) alum previously worked at the College Square Mall Hy-Vee. As news of their visit spread, many loyal fans flocked to see their star-stocked grocery store.
“I’m a lifelong Broncos fan, so getting to meet Peyton Manning is something I’m probably going to talk about for the rest of my life,” said Jack Monsma, a UNI student.
Try Out Cross Country Skiing in the Quad Cities
For these rare days with above-freezing temps, check out these ideas for outdoor fun, like XC skiing! -- https://t.co/J97nXOPDVE#VisitQuadCities pic.twitter.com/HJVcp4IqpG
— Quad Cities (@VisitQuadCities) January 31, 2022
Feeling ready to pick up a new hobby? February may be the last chance to take advantage of winter recreation activities. Quad Cities encourages you to try out cross-country skiing at their parks and public golf courses on both sides of the river. Instead of fearing the snow, you can take the opportunity to ski your own path and experience Iowa’s winter beauty. You can also visit Crow Creek Park and Palmer Hills Golf Course to find skied-in trails. Check out the Facebook group, Quad City Nordic, to get updates on trail conditions from others and find your next ski buddy.
