Christina & Philip
Things To Do
Pop's BBQ
Great BBQ! Downtown IC but has its own small parking lot (no charge), Recommend the Root Beer BBQ sauce! We usually get the pulled pork sandwich. $-$$
BlackStone
We have gone here on several dates. Recommend the bacon Mac & Cheese! Also, the gouda cheese dip and pretzels are amazing. $-$$$
Long Xing Restaurant
Very good budget friendly lunch special and pretty good food. $-$$
Crêpes de Luxe Cafe
We have gone here on several dates. Authentic crepes. We recommend splitting a savory and sweet between two people. Downtown IC so parking can be a problem though. $-$$
Wig & Pen Pizza Pub - IOWA CITY
Great deep dish pizza! We went here on a date before. $-$$$
Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant
We have gone here on several dates. Great thai food. $$
Maestro Empanadas
Very good empanadas, but it is all TO-GO. No seating available and short open hours. $
El Señor Cactus Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Good Mexican restaurant, have gone here after church many times. $-$$
Zio Johno's - Iowa City
Italian - Never actually been inside, but Christina has had catered food multiple times and its pretty good. $-$$
Basta Pizzeria Ristorante
Local Italian, known as being very good but personally have not had much experience. Downtown IC, parking is paid and may be a walk. $$-$$$
Monica's
Italian and homestyle, known as being very good but personally have not had much experience. $$-$$$
Hokkaido Ramen House
We went here on a date. Pretty good ramen. $$
Scratch Cupcakery Coralville
Amazing cupcakes and reasonably priced! Each day has different flavors (we have tried way too many) $
I Love Mochi
Inside the mall but really fun unique "Korean hotdogs" - We recommend potato and all cheese with signature sauce on the side
Bluebird Diner
Downtown IC, will have to pay for parking. Known as one of the good breakfast spots. $$ (There is also a branch in North Liberty (15-20 minute drive) and has a free parking lot)
Midtown Family Restaurant
Homestyle, breakfast food and burgers - $-$$
Pizza Ranch
Buffet and pizza, never have been but have heard many good things from friends at church $-$$
Culver’s
Midwest fast-food chain. Great food. Budget friendly kids meal (and yes, even if you are not a kid :) $-$$
The Encounter Cafe
Cute local cafe run by Mennonites, but it is downtown so parking is paid and may be a walk. $-$$
Prairie Lights Books and Cafe
Really cute local bookstore and cafe/coffeehouse! Also have been told it is a very famous bookstore apparently. Downtown so parking is paid and may be a walk. $
Iowa City/Coralville Vistor Center
Normal visitor center...but has information on where to find all of the Herky (UIowa's mascot) statues around the area (There are a lot of them and each is unique).
Coralville Lake
Hiking trails (recommend Squire Point :), Can see the dam, Fossil Gorge (fossils in the rocks). (No entrance cost)
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
Walking trail, rent-able water equipment, near to the church. (No entrance cost)
Lake Macbride Spillway
Lots of hiking trails, dam/spillway, right on the lake; nearby is the recreation swimming area and boat launches. (No entrance cost)
Raptor Center (at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area)
Hiking trails, seeing birds of prey, next to the lake We've gone here on a date and taken many people to visit (No entrance cost, donations accepted)
Coral Ridge Mall
Great mall (we have spent a lot of time there)! Good movie theater, Ice rink
The Voyage Home Museum
The Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk (Star Trek) is only 25 minutes away! Really cute town and a great museum and fun scavenger hunt around the town to do. (No entrance cost, donations accepted)
Amana Colonies Visitors Center
German colonies - good esthetic, lots of shops, tourist stops, and good food. About 30-45 minute drive
Marcus Sycamore Cinema
Another movie theater option, near to the church
Escapology Escape Rooms Cedar Rapids
Escape room option if you are sticking around a little longer
Cryptiq Escapes
Escape room option if you are sticking around a little longer, closer to church
Maquoketa Caves State Park
A bit of a drive but really cool caves you can explore (recommend flashlights and shoes that can get wet if you really want to go spelunking), also good walking trails. (No entrance cost)