For guests staying in hotels around this area within Iowa River Landing there is 30Hop (brewery), Tribute Eatery & Bar, Blue Agave (Mexican food ), and Backpocket Brewery for drink or food options. There are also a variety of small shops for shopping, Antique Car Museum, and a walking path along the river.
This mall is where Curtis would go to during college to go see movies, ice skating at the ice rink, shop at the stores or just hit up the food court. It will also be helpful if you are like Curtis, who has had to make multiple last minute trips before a ceremony for pants or a shirt.
The University of Iowa is a great place to explore. You can look at walking around the campus, the downtown area right across the street from the Pentacrest, look around the west side of the campus where the Hospital is located or go visit historic Kinnick Stadium and Carver Hawkeye Arena. If you are interested in some restaurant recommendations near campus, Curtis liked going to Shorts Burgers (not the best for large groups), Airliner for pizza (this is where Curtis went with his parents during their first visit), Basta Pizzeria and Micky's during his time at the University of Iowa.