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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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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There is no better way to add personality to a space than by investing in some vintage or antique decor. They just don't make furniture like they used to -- vintage furniture pieces and decor are simply beautiful and can add a classic, nostalgic impression to any room.

If you love vintage furniture and decor, you're in luck there are many places where you can find these treasures!

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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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The holiday season is here, and our real estate agents want to help you find the perfect gift!

Cedar Rapids homes for sale aren't all we do at Skogman Realty. We also know a thing or two about picking out meaningful holiday presents too. In a world where you can find just about anything you can imagine on an e-commerce website, it takes creativity and effort to hunt for a unique treasure with local flavor.

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Iowa City has always been a haven for hockey fans, and it's only getting better! With the announcement last year that Iowa City was about to get its own ECHL Hockey Team, local hockey fans have a new cause to celebrate. 

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With real-life artifacts and interactive displays, museums are a wonderful way to learn about history and other cultures. Our real estate agents love to spend time with their families at these engaging museums around East Central Iowa.

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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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Have you been craving a delicious iced coffee in Iowa City? Our real estate agents know that a tall iced coffee is a perfect way to cool down and perk up on a hot day. Fortunately, Iowa City is home to tons of great coffee houses that offer outstanding iced coffee and so much more. Find your new favorite coffee shop with our list of 5 great destinations where you can find the best Iowa City iced coffee all summer long.

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Going out to eat is such a lovely way to celebrate Mother's Day. You can treat your mom to a delicious brunch or dinner and spend a few hours enjoying her company. There are plenty of great restaurants in the Iowa City area, and these are some of the top options our real estate agents recommend for Mother's Day.

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Our real estate agents love a lot of things about living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. But above all, we love getting to call such a rich, historic city home. In the nearly two centuries since Osgood Shepherd built the first log cabin in what is now Cedar Rapids back in 1837, our city has seen its share of history. 

Cedar Rapids is home to hundreds of sites and several districts that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. For anyone looking for historic Cedar Rapids homes for sale, there are a lot of great options out there. We recommend beginning your search in and around these unique historic districts in Cedar Rapids. 

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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! While there are many breakfast options to choose from, we love to start our mornings with a warm waffle topped with all the fixings.

Our real estate agents agree that this breakfast staple is truly deserving of an international holiday. Celebrate International Waffle Day on Thursday, March 25 with your favorite breakfast from one of these great restaurants around Cedar Rapids.

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What avid readers don't yearn to have their own private libraries? If this is a dream of yours, don't hesitate to share that information with our real estate agents as they search through Iowa City homes for sale for your perfect place. Whether you need a modest nook with bookshelves and a comfy chair or a huge room to house a massive collection, with careful planning you can obtain the library you desire. Here are a few thoughts to help you formulate your plan. 

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Cheese, sauce, crispy crust. Such a simple recipe, yet there are so many different directions that it can be taken. The first pizzeria in the United States was opened in 1905, and pizza has been one of our favorite foods ever since. National Pizza Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of the most popular, beloved dishes in the world, and you'll find no shortage of fantastic places to grab a slice in the Iowa City area. Our real estate agents have all of the cheesy, delicious details on where to celebrate National Pizza Day around Iowa City this year.

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Who's hungry? Cedar Rapids is home to a wealth of dining options, including a lot of great healthy eateries. If you're anything like our real estate agents and are making a solid effort to eat healthier in the new year, then you might want to check some of these places out!

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Some days, you need a good hot cup of Joe to get you through. Our real estate agents understand this, and we're happy to have many great coffee shops nearby. In honor of National Espresso Day, which is coming right up on November 23, we thought we'd share some of our favorite spots to grab a latte in the Cedar Rapids area. 

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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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If you have a hankering for a sweet treat, there's good news ahead.

Yes, our real estate agents want you to know that September is National Honey Month. There's never been a better time to enjoy all-natural honey from right here in the Cedar Rapids area.

Honey has been called nature's perfect food, and you might just agree when you taste some of the delicious honey, you'll find within miles of the best Cedar Rapids homes for sale.

Every honey has a unique color, taste, and fragrance based on the flowers visited by bees as it was made. When you try local honey, you're getting a true taste of Cedar Rapids! Most local honey is produced around Mount Vernon, just 20 minutes away.

Here's where you can stock up on local honey this September:

1. Bass Family Farms – 840 Bass Lane, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
   When you visit Bass Family Farms, you can enjoy year-round family fun, including the popular all-ages agri-tour. As you journey through the property, you'll get a real sense of the Bass commitment to sustainable farming – and see prime examples of more than four dozen types of flowers that bloom throughout the area. That's one of the secrets to rich, delicious honey not far from Mount Vernon homes for sale!
2. The Big Apple Orchard – 1117 Highway 30 West, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
   The Big Apple Orchard lives up to its name with acres and acres of apples. The orchard is known for its mulled apple cider, apple turnovers, and apple donuts that visitors journey from miles around to enjoy each fall. There are 22 types of apples and 2,000 apple trees on the property, but don't forget honey, which comes from local hives. Plus, picnic and event areas are available right at the orchard.
3. Ebert Honey – 1090 Highway 1 North, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
   Family-owned Ebert Honey was founded in 1980 with about ten bee colonies. In the years since father Phil and sons, Adam and Alex have gone from selling honey in the home to producing some 100,000 pounds of honey per year. While most of the honey can be purchased from retailers throughout the state of Iowa, both properties have been known to welcome guests in the warm season.
4. Kroul Farms – 245 Highway 1 South, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
   A fine example of community-supported agriculture, Kroul Farms has a history dating back to 1948. The latest generation of owners has transformed the farm into a beloved destination for seasonal products. The products and produce are all sought-after Iowa staples, but Kroul uses modern and sustainable techniques. Honey, pumpkins, corn, squash, peppers, tomatoes, and more are popular.
5. The Noble Bee – 2956 170th Street, South Amana, IA 52334
   The Noble Bee dates back to a mid-1980s experiment in back yard beekeeping that has developed into a top brand available from retailers all across Iowa. Visit their store minutes from Amana homes for sale, and you can pick up fresh honey along with your other favorite grocery items for a party or picnic. Whether you want liquid honey, whipped honey, comb, or crystallized, you can choose from ten distinct flavors.

Contact us today to learn about real estate opportunities around Cedar Rapids.

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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June is National Ice Cream Month, and our real estate agents don't want you to miss out on the chance to indulge your sweet tooth. Luckily, there are plenty of wonderful bakeries, ice cream parlors, and family restaurants near some of the best Coralville homes for sale.

 Let's take a look at some of the "sweetest" names in Coralville ice cream:

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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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As our local governments and national health organizations continue to encourage or require lifestyle changes that dramatically alter our everyday lives, we must remember that social distancing does not mean social isolation. Our real estate agents want all of our family members, friends, and neighbors in our Cedar Rapids communities to never forget that you're not alone in these trying times. Advances in technology enable us to stay connected now more than ever before. Whether you're interested in keeping in touch with family members across the country or checking in on a neighbor across the street, use these apps to help you stay connected while social distancing safely.

1. Houseparty
   Yes, you can still have a house party while social distancing — at least virtually. The Houseparty app is a video chatting application that allows up to eight users to spend virtual time together face-to-face. Free to download, this app uses a split-screen feature so all each user can see all other participants at the same time. This is ideal for intimate gatherings of close friends, small clubs or associations, or even to get the whole family together no matter how far away each member is.
   
   

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Our REALTORS® couldn't be more excited for all the basketball games we'll get to watch in March! If you share our enthusiasm for basketball's most exciting event, you're in the right place.

Coralville locals take their sports seriously, and it shows! Here are a few of our favorite sports bars where you can fill in your brackets and keep up with all the games. 

1. Coach's Corner: 749 Mormon Trek Blvd., Iowa City, IA 52246
   Coach's Corner is a friendly sports bar with plenty of large TVs. They also have an excellent menu filled with all the things you need to enjoy watching the games. Whether you're in the mood for pizza, wings, burgers, or bar munchies, you'll find what you're looking for here. There are also a ton of great Iowa City homes for sale nearby, so you can make good use of your time by visiting a few before the game starts. 

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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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Did you know Cedar Rapids is home to a robust, ever-growing craft brewing scene? Fall is an excellent time to explore all that local breweries have to offer. There are tons of breweries located close to Cedar Rapids homes for sale, and each offers something unique. Our real estate agents know Cedar Rapids, and we've got the delicious details on 6 local craft breweries for fall beers in the city.

1. Iowa Brewing Co. – 708 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
   With a convenient downtown location and great deals every day of the week, Iowa Brewing Co. offers everything you need for a night on the town. Stop by on weekends to try the craft beer produced by Iowa Brewing Co., and enjoy fresh, unique food from local food trucks. Iowa Brewing Co. produces a huge variety of craft beer, including seasonal brews, anniversary releases, special releases, and an extraordinary collection of flagship brews.

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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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Wine and cheese is an appropriate pairing for any day or occasion. In fact, it's such a popular combo that July 25 has been declared National Wine and Cheese Day. Celebrate the holiday at one of these great wine bars around Iowa City recommended by our real estate agents. Cheers!

1. Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar - 209 N. Linn St., Iowa City 52245
   Have you ever noticed how wine and cheese taste even better outside? After viewing Iowa City homes for sale, enjoy your celebration on the relaxing patio at Brix Cheese Shop & Wine Bar. Try one of their gourmet boards that combine cheese with selections of charcuterie, fruit, and house-made spreads. Make it a party at Brix's upstairs Tasting Room with a private bar, TV, and music. Brix opens at 11 a.m. every day but Sunday.

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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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