Top Things to Do in Iowa City

An indoor ice arena and children's museum amp up the fun. coralridgemall.com

The 1912 former vaudeville theater and opera house typically offers shows like readings, musicals, plays, dance performances and concerts. englert.org

A sleek, curving $176 million performing arts center replaced the University of Iowa's original auditorium, destroyed by flooding. Check the website for the latest information about events. hancher.uiowa.edu

Abutting the University of Iowa campus, the Ped Mall is home to restaurants, bars and shops. A facelift added new seating, plants, and lighting. downtowniowacity.com

Three floors of books and the long-running Live from Prairie Lights reading series have endeared this indie store to both locals and travelers. prairielights.com

Two museums on campus merit a visit. At the Old Capitol Museum, retrace the footsteps of the state's founding fathers in Iowa's original Capitol; check for events like lectures. At the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, learn about Iowa's 500 million years of history, see 1,000 birds on display, and say hi to Rusty the giant sloth replica. mnh.uiowa.edu

Soft music and cozy booths set the tone for an evening of contemporary Italian dishes, such as house-made agnolotti pasta stuffed with local beef and pork in a brown butter sauce. baroncinirestaurant.com

The international street food should clue you in that this isn't a typical brewpub. Come for the diverse menu as well as live music, brewed-on-site beers, the game room and an expansive patio. biggrovebrewery.com

A burger specialist comes in at 4 a.m. daily to make the patties for this downtown diner established in 1948. hamburginn.com

In a former power plant, enjoy expansive views of an Iowa River dam and prime rib au jus or ahi tuna with pineapple salsa. iowariverpower.net

A beloved local farmers market stand is now a brick-and-mortar hot spot for those craving Napoli classic creations. maggiesfarmpizza.com

It's the place to go for authentic, inexpensive Middle Eastern fare, such as a pita bursting with falafel, hummus and Mediterranean salad. oasisfalafel.com

The modern diner serves food both familiar and unexpected—fried chicken and corned beef hash, yes, but also roasted marrow bones with bacon jam. pullmandiner.com

In a barn overlooking Wilson's Orchard 15 minutes from downtown, this upscale restaurant serves cocktails made with Wilson's excellent hard cider, and dishes inspired by local products. wilsonsorchard.com

A lobby filled with bookcases, reading nooks and (literally) writing on the walls reflect literary inspiration from the University of Iowa at this 231-room downtown hotel. graduatehotels.com

A retro rehab brought new life (and in-room record players) to this 1967 building, once a popular supper club. highlanderhotel.us

More information: thinkiowacity.com