What to do
Brick Arch Winery This small winery embodies a charming blend of ma and pop hospitality and astounding sommelier stewardship. See reviews and ratings. (319) 643-4001; brickarchwinery.com
The Iowa City Pedestrian Mall The Ped Mall includes about 12 downtown blocks and houses many of the city’s best shops, college clubs and restaurants. See reviews and ratings. downtowniowacity.com
Haunted Bookshop It’s still supervised by two cats, but the tidy shop selling books, toys, gifts and cards has moved to the corner of Linn and Market streets. (319) 337-2996; thehauntedbookshop.com
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site The quick detour from I-80 is worth it to see this exhibition on Hoover and America in the early 1900s. See reviews and ratings. (319) 643-2541; hoover.nara.gov
Mendoza Showcasing wines from Argentina, Mendoza makes a good stop for both casual tasters and oenophiles. See reviews and ratings. (319) 333-1291; mendozawinebar.com
Museum of Natural History Learn about Iowa's 500-million-year-old background and say hello to Rusty the sloth. See reviews and ratings. (319) 335-0606; uiowa.edu/mnh
Old Capital Museum Retrace the footsteps of Iowa's founding fathers at the Old Capital Museum. See reviews and ratings. (319) 335-0548; uiowa.edu/oldcap
Where to eat
A and A Pagliai's Pizza Using a northern Italian family recipe dating back to 1914, A and A Pagliai’s provides Iowa City with a taste of old-world pizza. See reviews and ratings. (319) 351-5073; pagliaisic.com
Bluebird Diner Savory sausage and excellent hollandaise elevate breakfast standbys. See reviews and ratings. (319) 351-1470; thebluebirddiner.com
Blackstone Dine on American-style dishes infused with Greek, Asian and Latin influences. See reviews and ratings. (319) 338-1770; blackstone-ic.com
Brown Bottle Old-world Italian dishes have satisfied here since 1974. (319) 351-6704; iowacitybrownbottle.com
Devotay With shareable small plates and tapas-style fare, cozy and eclectic Devotay makes meals fun and tasty. See reviews and ratings. (319) 354-1001; devotay.net
Hamburg Inn This authentic sit-at-the-counter restaurant has managed to preserve the charm and dining excellence it established in 1948. See reviews and ratings. (319) 337-5512; hamburginn.com
Heyn's Ice Cream For more than two decades, Heyn’s has been dishing up Iowa City's favorite ice cream in nearly 40 flavors. See reviews and ratings. (319) 354-1981; heynsicecream.com
Iowa River Power Restaurant Located in a turn-of-the-century former power plant, this eatery offers expansive views of a Iowa River dam and delicious cooked-to-perfection prime rib. See reviews and ratings. (319) 351-1904; iowariverpower.net
Leaf Kitchen One-of-a-kind eclectic charm and great food create a memorable dining experience. See reviews and ratings. (319) 338-1909; leafkitchen.weebly.com
Molly's Cupcakes Whimsical decor and decorated-to-order treats satisfy any sweet tooth. See reviews and ratings. (319) 333-1297; icmollys.com
Where to stay
Brown Street Inn Warm hospitality and comfortable furnishings make the Brown Street Inn a solid choice for accommodations. See reviews and ratings. (319) 338-0435; brownstreetinn.com
HotelVetro Guests staying in the ultrahip, ecofriendly boutique hotel’s 54 suites take in city views from the huge rooftop patio. From $159. See reviews and ratings. (800) 592-0355; hotelvetro.com
For information: Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (800) 283-6592; iowacitycoralville.org
