The arrival of summer in Iowa City marks the return of Summer of the Arts! Every year, Summer of the Arts brings free arts and cultural events to Iowa City, all with the aim of building community and bringing people together. 

This year, our real estate agents are truly excited about all the concerts, festivals, and other events that are part of the Summer of the Arts lineup. Be sure to check out the festivities in Iowa City this summer! 

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A property's outdoor spaces are one of its most important components. Our real estate agents know that staging these spaces helps make your home more appealing to prospective homebuyers, helping you sell your home faster and for more money.

Staging allows potential buyers to see how they might use the space and better envision themselves living in a home. Planning on getting your home ready for the market this summer? Here are some tips to follow for staging your outdoor spaces. 

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Spring and summer are ideal times to explore the expansive natural beauty around Iowa City, with a diverse selection of nearby campgrounds to suit every taste. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground with loads of activities for all ages or a more rugged, primitive campsite where you can get in touch with nature, you can find it close to home. Our real estate agents have the details on 5 of the best places to go camping near Iowa City.

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It's time to celebrate spring in Cedar Rapids, and some of your favorite dining destinations around the city are hard at work gearing up for your arrival. So why not stop by and celebrate the season with some scenic patio dining? Our real estate agents have all the details on 6 Cedar Rapids restaurants with awesome patios for you to enjoy this spring.

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If you're new to Cedar Rapids — or even if you're still in the process of looking at Cedar Rapids homes for sale — we highly recommend taking local tours as a way of getting to know the area. This city has a rich history and beautiful geography, thanks to its position along the Cedar River. Here are a few of the best local tours that will help grow your appreciation for Cedar Rapids.

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Looking to discover something new about the Iowa City area this year? Our real estate agents may have a suggestion or two! The new year is a time to look at things with fresh eyes, and you'll be rewarded for your efforts by the many fun and exciting things Iowa City has in store for its residents.

Iowa City homes for sale are in demand for all kinds of reasons. Forbes has rated it one of the best small metropolitan areas in the United States. Its culture and economy alike benefit from the vibrant University of Iowa and the city is steeped in a unique literary tradition that few other places can match.

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Fall is at our doorstep here in Iowa. Our real estate agents are always happy to welcome back the crisp air, changing leaves, and, of course, lots of opportunities to visit our local farms. 

Here in Iowa City and the surrounding area, we're fortunate to have some truly amazing farms and orchards in our backyard. If you're looking for a place to pick apples or pumpkins this fall, you don't have to look far!

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August 21st marks National Honey Bee Day. Honey bees assist with the creation of approximately 33 percent of the world's food supply, transporting pollen from one flower to another, enabling the plant to survive. We then use these plants for food, in the creation of medicine, and to produce oils and other raw materials.

Our real estate agents know that one way to help these crucial pollinators thrive in the local area is by adding native flowering plants and trees to your landscaping. These plants serve as a natural source of pollen and nectar for bees, ensuring they have the nutrients they need to continue pollinating crops. Here are some Iowa-friendly plants that help pollinators do their jobs. 

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There's no other place in America quite like Amana, Iowa. Originally founded by German Immigrants in 1855, the seven villages collectively known as the Amana Colonies were virtually cut off from the rest of the United States until the 1930s. Today, they represent a tangible link to the past. 

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With a crisp chill in the air and the soft crunch of leaves underfoot, there can be no doubt: fall has arrived. With it comes a chance to make some improvements to your landscaping before the long, cold months of winter set in. 

Our REALTORS® have long recommended landscaping as a way to boost your curb appeal before selling your home in fall. But even if you have no plans to list your among the Cedar Rapids home for sale, this season still offers a perfect opportunity to make some improvements to your landscape.

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Are you searching for the perfect rustic decorative touch for your home this fall, or preparing to carve pumpkins with your whole family? Then a trip to the pumpkin patch is certainly in order! Spending a few hours roaming the fields to pick your perfect pumpkin is a fun activity for all ages. Many local pumpkin patches also offer additional activities designed especially with kids in mind. Our REALTORS® have all the details on where you can shop for pumpkins and enjoy some fall family fun in the Cedar Rapids area.

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Our real estate agents love to unwind outdoors with the company of a book. Celebrate National Book Lovers Day on Sunday, August 9th, with some quality reading time at one of these beautiful parks around Iowa City.

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With a landscape crisscrossed by rivers and dotted by lakes, Iowa offers endless opportunities for anglers. National Go Fishing Day is coming up on June 18, and our real estate agents are excited to share some of our favorite fishing spots in the Cedar Rapids area. 

Cedar Rapids straddles the banks of the Cedar River and lies within a short drive of several prime fishing lakes. From bass and walleye to crappie and catfish, you'll find opportunities to tackle all your favorite game fish in these Cedar Rapids fishing hot spots!

1. Prairie Park Fishery - 2125 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
   Encompassing a deep, clear lake that was once a sand mining quarry, Prairie Park Fishery is one of the most popular fishing spots in the Cedar Rapids area. The two basins of the flooded quarry harbor abundant crappie and bluegill populations, along with largemouth bass, walleye, and several other species. Shore access is available, and anglers have the best luck fishing around steep drop-offs and shelves. Located a stone's throw from these Cedar Rapids homes for sale, the park has limited motorboat access—electric trolling motors only—but is a great place to fish from a canoe or kayak. 
   
   
2. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area - 4530 McClintock Rd, Palo, IA 52324
   Just 20 minutes from Cedar Rapids, Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area offers some of the best fishing in the region. Largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and muskellunge are all stocked in Pleasant Creek Lake, which has fishing jetties along the shore and several boat launch ramps. The recreation area is also a prime spot for swimming, boating, hiking, and camping. 
   
   
3. Palisades-Kepler State Park - 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314
   Stretching along the picturesque banks of the Cedar River southeast of Cedar Rapids, Palisades-Kepler State Park is a beautiful place to spend a weekend in the great outdoors. This stretch of river is known for great catfish, bass and bluegill fishing, especially in the area above and below the old Cedar River dam. The park provides shore fishing access, in a dramatic setting surrounded by mature forest and towering river bluffs. 
   
   
4. Indian Creek Nature Center - 5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
   One of Iowa's true hidden gems, Indian Creek, is an outstanding smallmouth bass stream that lies well off the beaten path. Rocky areas and deep holes up to 8 feet deep harbor big smallmouths year-round, and some walleye swim-up Indian Creek from the Cedar River every spring. Twister-tail grubs and spinners are the lures of choice for local anglers. You can access the creek through Indian Creek Nature Center, just outside Cedar Rapids (the Nature Center facilities are closed due to COVID-19 at this time, but the trails and grounds remain open). 
   
   
5. Five in One Dam - Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
   Right in the heart of Downtown Cedar Rapids, the Cedar River offers a wealth of fishing opportunities, particularly in the area directly downstream from the Five in One Dam. Many anglers drop a line from the Cedar River Trail, which meanders along the shoreline, try their luck from Riverfront Park on Mays Island, or fish directly off the 1st Avenue Bridge. Either way, the river offers great smallmouth bass, walleye, and white bass fishing, along with the opportunity to tangle with giant carp and catfish. 

From fishing and hunting to hiking and birdwatching, our little corner of the world offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Contact us today to learn more about life in Cedar Rapids.

As the weather gets warmer, many homeowners think about improving their landscape with plants and flowers. And even if you're not a veggie-lover, there's just something about fresh-from-the-garden vegetables that make your mouth water. As an added benefit, growing your own flowers and vegetables can be an entertaining hobby that can increase your home's curb appeal and beauty.

Gardening recommendations vary from one area of the state and country to another, of course. From rainfall totals to soil conditions to the dates of the first and last frost, it's important to focus on what's recommended for where you live. Our real estate agents are very familiar with the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area and suggest following these tips when starting a garden. 

1. Know Your Hardiness Zone 
   The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map tells you which plants are likely to grow well in your area. Each zone is determined by the average annual minimum winter temperature in a specific area of the country. Cedar Rapids is situated in Hardiness Zone 5, so when you're checking plant labels or online information, make sure your plant is recommended for zone 5.
   
   
2. Choose Your Plants
   This is the fun part! Once you know what plants work best in your Hardiness Zone choose plants that would not only thrive but that your family will enjoy. When starting out, pick only a few types of plants for your garden. You can always add more next year when you are a more seasoned gardener.
   
   
3. Protect Your Crops 
   Don't risk putting time, effort, and money into your garden only to have it destroyed by rabbits. Fence them out with a material that's at least 2 to 3 inches high and buried about 2 inches into the soil. It should also have openings no larger than the ones you'll find in chicken wire.
   
   

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On February 8, the Hawkeye State is recognized on National Iowa Day. It's the perfect time to celebrate what makes our state such a special place to live.

Our REALTORS® are familiar with the state of Iowa's many fantastic attributes and share the following 7 facts about our state:

1. The Scenery is Much More Than Cornfields 
   If you're from another part of the country, images like those in "Field of Dreams" may have given you the impression that Iowa is covered in cornfields. The fields are there, but Iowa's beautiful, varied landscape has much more to offer. You'll find rivers, lakes, woods, rolling hills, and prairies. Rural areas, as well as cities, are found across the state.
   
   
2. We Have a Football Rivalry That Matters 
   Iowa vs. Iowa State is an intense rivalry, so if you're moving to the state, you should probably go ahead and pick a side. Someone is bound to ask you whether you're a Cyclone or a Hawkeye, so be prepared to hear why each team is better than the other and make your choice.
   
   
3. We Still Love "Field of Dreams" 
   The Field of Dreams still draws plenty of visitors, and Major League Baseball is even constructing a new ballpark at the site. The New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox will play there on Aug. 13, 2020, so the farm will gain new visitors and fans.
   
   

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Keep your New Year's resolution going strong! If your resolution involves a healthier 2020, our real estate agents encourage you to sign up for fitness classes at one of these Cedar Rapids wellness centers.

1. Gold Pointe Fitness Club — 80 Twixt Town Rd. NE., Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
   In 2020, Gold Pointe Fitness Club will celebrate 20 years of changing lives in Cedar Rapids. Their gym is a second home for those who believe fitness is a way of life. Locally owned, Gold Pointe Fitness Club offers group fitness classes, fitness equipment for individual use, an indoor swimming pool and a tanning center — all included in your membership. 

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Are you dreading the January post-holiday lull? Around Coralville, 2020 ushers in even more exciting festivities. Join our real estate agents at these five entertaining events coming up in January.

1. BrrrFest - Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center Exhibit Hall, 300 E. 9th St., Coralville 52241
   Take a break from egg nog and hot cocoa to sample some of Iowa's best craft brews. More than 60 brewers will be featured at the ninth annual BrrrFest on Saturday, January 25. Proceeds benefit 4thFest, another yearly community tradition held near Coralville homes for sale. BrrrFest is for ages 21 and up only. General admission tickets are $40, and Brewmaster tickets, which allow entrance one hour early, are $55. Hours are noon - 4 p.m.

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Our REALTORS® want you to take a hike — literally! November 17th is National Take a Hike Day, and there's no better way to celebrate than with an on-foot adventure around Cedar Rapids. There are 60,000 miles within our country's National Trail System and countless other parks, routes, and hiking paths for you to explore in all 50 states. Iowa has nearly 350 hiking trails with the longest reaching 88 miles. We're lucky to have so many great walking paths in our state, with many located around Cedar Rapids. Grab your hiking shoes, a comfortable jacket, and check out these trails on National Take a Hike Day.

• Sac & Fox Trail — Corner of Cottage Grove Pkwy SE/E Post Rd SE., Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
  The Sac & Fox Trail is located on the eastern side of Cedar Rapids and runs for seven miles, some of which follow along the Cedar River and Indian Creek. The crushed limestone surface is easy for most walkers to transverse as you move through wooded, nature, and prairie areas. There are a few conveniently located trailheads to access the Sac & Fox Trail, including one at Indian Creek Park, Sac and Fox Trail City Park, and near the Indian Creek Nature Center. Consider walking a mile or so if you're scheduling Cedar Rapids homes for sale showings for this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

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Located down the road from some of the most beautiful Coralville homes for sale, Iowa River Landing is a haven for fun and relaxation for area residents. There you will find plenty of places to dine, shop, and enjoy spending time with your friends and family. There is always something new to see and discover at Iowa River Landing. You'll want to make regular visits for as long as you live here!

Shops and Stores Galore

There are plenty of things you need to buy for your new home, and you will conveniently find many shops at the Iowa River Landing. A trip to Ethan Allen is guaranteed to give your home a modern and elegant appeal. While you are updating the decor, you might decide to fill in some extra closet space. That is easy to do when you pop into J. Jill, True Style Boutique, or EVEREVE where you will find the latest fashions on display.

If you are worried about an empty pantry when you move into your new home, you can rest easy because the shelves at Trader Joe's are stocked. Healthy, delicious, and always affordable, it's one of the popular grocery stores in the region.    

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Summertime in Iowa City means time to get out and get onto the water! Our real estate agents love any day spent topside on one of our area's lakes, ponds, and rivers. Living in the Hawkeye State opens us up to a world of outdoor adventure, and there's no better way to soak up the sun than by heading straight for the water. Swimming, boating, jet skiing, or canoeing — it doesn't matter how you spend your day on the water, all that matters is that you dive in and make your summer a splash! Get on the water this summer with these four great places around Iowa City where you can rent everything from boats to kayaks. 

1. Fin & Feather H20 — Terry Trueblood Recreation Center, 643 McCollister Blvd., Iowa City, Iowa 52240
   As the go-to spot for water recreation in Iowa City, Fin & Feather H20 is ready to make your summer unforgettable. Located at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, not far from Iowa City homes for sale, they've got everything you need for a great time on the water. You can rent pedal boats, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks. They've also got life jackets, sunscreen, and bug spray available so your time outdoors is as safe as can be. Wind down off of the water at their Snack Shack and enjoy chicken strips, corn dogs, ice cream, soda, and more as you cool down on the shady shore of Sand Lake.
   

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Father's Day is fast approaching and it's the perfect opportunity to honor the dads, grandpas, uncles, and other special father figures in your life. One of the best gifts you can give to Dad is spending quality time with him. Our real estate agents have some great tips for things to do around Iowa City that'll wow your dad and make Father's Day fun for the whole family.

1. Father's Day Introduction to Fencing Class - The Iowa City Fencing Center, 415 Highland Ave., Iowa City
   An excellent sport to keep the body and mind sharp, fencing can reduce stress, improve fitness, and is a ton of fun. Each month, the Iowa City Fencing Center hosts two-hour introduction to fencing seminars and on Sunday, June 16th, dads fence free! Cost for non-dads is $25. Call or e-mail to register. Be sure to check out Iowa City homes for sale when you're done with your class.

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Strap on your helmet and get ready to roll: May is National Bike Month! Our real estate agents love riding around in Iowa City's gorgeous spring weather. Take advantage of the warm air and cool breeze with a relaxing ride around Iowa City for National Bike Month.

• Waterworks Prairie Park – Interstate 80 & Dubuque St. NE, Iowa City, IA 55240
  Waterworks Prairie Park is a fantastic place for outdoor enjoyment near Iowa City homes for sale and the miles of trail within are perfect for bike riding. The wooded areas offer shade from the sun while views of the ponds and wetlands provide you with a great view of Iowa's native birds. This is an ideal bike riding trip for the whole family that can also turn into an afternoon of hiking, canoeing, or even a delicious post-biking picnic.

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