SHOPPING - Iowa Starting Line

Mar 2026 16

8 Iowa flower festivals worth driving across the state for

By Tyler Francischine | THINGS TO DO, COMMUNITY, Tyler Francischine

Bask in beautiful blooms at these flower festivals happening across Iowa this spring and summer.

Iowa flower festivals promise adventure for the entire family.

Mar 2026 6

Iowa’s top maple syrup farms to visit or buy from

By Britteny Dee | FOOD AND DRINK, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

There is nothing sweeter than maple syrup straight from the farm. Discover the best maple syrup farms in Iowa to visit and buy from.

Maple syrup is one of the first crops harvested every year in Iowa, with the season typically beginning in late February.

Mar 2026 1

11 best spring & summer festivals in Iowa in 2026

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

The best festivals in Iowa this spring and summer range from food-centric events to those that support marginalized voices. Here are 11 you won’t want to miss.

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.

Dec 2025 11

7 immigrant-owned businesses to support this holiday season—and year-round

By Dorothy Scott | LOCAL CULTURE, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

Check out these immigrant-owned businesses to not only boost your local economy but also support those who the federal government is actively targeting.

Buying goods and services from immigrant-owned businesses not only puts money directly into immigrant hands but also supports your entire local economy.

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.