UNESCO City of Literature, Hawkeye Energy & The Best College Town — Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature — the only one in North America — and the combination of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, a legendary bookstore culture, and the University of Iowa's 30,000 students creates one of the most intellectually vibrant small cities in America.
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Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature — the only one in North America — and the combination of the Iowa Writers' Workshop, a legendary bookstore culture, and the University of Iowa's 30,000 students creates one of the most intellectually vibrant small cities in America. The Pedestrian Mall's restaurant and bar scene is remarkably good for a city of 75,000.
Prairie Lights Bookstore is one of America's most celebrated independent bookshops — and the Iowa Writers' Workshop (which has produced 17 Pulitzer Prize winners) gives the city's literary readings and events an intensity found nowhere else.
Iowa City's Pedestrian Mall concentrates dozens of restaurants and bars in a car-free brick corridor — from Pullman Bar & Diner (James Beard-recognized) to St. Burch Tavern and Big Grove Brewery. The density is exceptional.
Iowa Hawkeye football transforms Iowa City on fall Saturdays — 70,000 fans in a city of 75,000 creates an atmosphere that has to be experienced. The tailgate culture in the hours before kickoff is one of the best in college sports.
The Iowa River runs through campus and downtown — the riverside walking trails, the Iowa Memorial Union terrace overlooking the water, and the river arts corridor create a beautiful free walking date through the heart of the city.
These neighborhoods are Iowa City's best-tested spots for a date — each has walkable dining, bars, and enough density that you can spontaneously extend the night without planning ahead.
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