THINGS TO DO - Iowa Starting Line

Feb 2026 22

10 women-owned businesses to support in Cedar Rapids

By Britteny Dee | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

From a French bakery to a pet spa to a plant shop, discover Cedar Rapids’ top women-owned businesses.

Cedar Rapids is home to tons of small businesses worth supporting—and several of them are owned by women.

Feb 2026 21

7 ways to combat cabin fever during an Iowa winter

By Cassidy Grubisic | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Cassidy Grubisic

Feeling restless this winter? From tropical escapes to trivia nights, here are the best ways to beat the winter blues in Iowa this season.

Even when the wind chill is biting and the days are dark, there are still ways to find joy in the season.

Feb 2026 18

Your weekly guide to taking action in Iowa Feb. 17-24, 2026

By Amie Rivers | THINGS TO DO, COMMUNITY, Amie Rivers

Looking to get involved this week? You can join ICE Out rallies and response trainings, connect with fellow insufferable wenches at a Sip n' Chat, and show up for community events, such as a Black History Film Screening, immigrant rights rallies, and LGBTQIA+ visibility actions.

Here’s our weekly round-up of upcoming events and actions:

Feb 2026 3

Protests and rallies around Iowa: Feb 3-10, 2026

By Amie Rivers | THINGS TO DO, NEWSLETTER, Amie Rivers

Protests and rallies around Iowa for Feb 3-10, 2026:

Iowa Democrat Jennifer Konfrst speaks to protesters rallying at the Iowa Capitol rotunda in opposition to the new ban on abortion after roughly six weeks of pregnancy introduced by Republican lawmakers in a special session on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Hannah Fingerhut)

Jan 2026 28

Iowa protests and candidate events: Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2026

By Amie Rivers | THINGS TO DO, NEWSLETTER, Amie Rivers

Iowa protests and candidate events for the week of Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2026

People wave signs protesting the Trump administration and DOGE and in support of democracy during a Day of Action rally along a stretch of Greenhill Road in Cedar Falls on Saturday, April 19, 2025. (Amie Rivers/Iowa Starting Line)

Jan 2026 26

The 6 best Iowa truck stops for fueling up & grabbing a meal

By Dorothy Scott | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

We scoured reviews and amenities to find the best Iowa truck stops. Check out these options for food, fuel, and more to get you through your travels.

We’re looking into some of the best Iowa truck stops that offer convenient but delicious food in addition to plenty of gas pumps.

Jan 2026 23

6 Iowa waterfalls that are even more stunning in winter

By Cassidy Grubisic | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Cassidy Grubisic

Discover the natural beauty of winter waterfalls across Iowa. Find locations, hike details, and essential safety tips for winter exploration in this guide.

While some of Iowa’s waterfalls transform into solid walls of ice, others are unique “warm” springs that continue to flow even in the coldest months.

Dec 2025 3

12 best cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Iowa

By Britteny Dee | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

Get in the holiday spirit at one of these tree farms in Iowa where you can chop down your very own Christmas tree.

There’s nothing more festive than going to a tree farm, picking the perfect live tree, and cutting it down yourself.

Nov 2025 27

How to stretch your paycheck when grocery prices are high, according to an expert

By Cassidy Grubisic | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Cassidy Grubisic

Learn how to stretch your grocery budget amid rising prices with these seven tips from a Registered Dietitian. Including meal planning, strategic coupon clipping, unit pricing, and more.

Despite being located in America’s breadbasket and one of the states that produces the most food in the country, grocery prices in Iowa are increasing, and every day Iowans are feeling the strain.

Nov 2025 26

Volunteers make Iowa great. Here’s how to help, broken down by region

By Britteny Dee | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

There are plenty of fun and meaningful ways to volunteer in Iowa. Discover how you can make a difference in your area.

10 women-owned businesses to support in Cedar Rapids

7 ways to combat cabin fever during an Iowa winter

Your weekly guide to taking action in Iowa Feb. 17-24, 2026

The 6 best Iowa truck stops for fueling up & grabbing a meal

6 Iowa waterfalls that are even more stunning in winter

12 best cut-your-own Christmas tree farms in Iowa

How to stretch your paycheck when grocery prices are high, according to an expert

Volunteers make Iowa great. Here’s how to help, broken down by region

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