Exploring the epicenter of a revitalized part of downtown Cedar Rapids called New Bohemia.
Even in the bright sunshine, even as late in the morning as eleven, driving downtown on Sunday in Cedar Rapids felt eerie. The streets were very quiet. Empty parking lots colored the scene gray. Road construction, the plague of Iowan summer, made an obstacle course out of some streets.
And then, around a corner, the atmosphere relaxed. Suddenly there were cars parking, dogs walking, friends out to lunch, and students reading on the grass. My GPS told me I’d reached my destination: NewBo City Market.
This section of the city, just north of the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, is called New Bohemia because of widespread settlement by Bohemian immigrants. In the 1870s, the population there grew as more emigrated to the area to work in the nearby factories. The factories went out by 1990, but in 2000, the city made efforts to renew the area. The Cedar River flooded in 2008, devastating many residences and businesses. Now, a decade later, the area is back to thriving thanks to the dedication and resilience of Cedar Rapids.
NewBo City Market itself is a long rectangular building that looks like a warehouse. At one end is a food court with several options including Roasters Coffee.
The other end starts off with the incredible aesthetic of Moss. This lovely shop sells all kinds of things – greeting cards, pretty candles, home decor, and materials to make your own fairy garden.
There are many vendors in the market, selling crafts and food.
Outside the market, the trees apparently felt that at the end of April the time had come to put out some leaves and blooms, at least half-heartedly. From far away, though, the leaves didn’t even look green. I could only see the buds up close. The community garden beds lay empty, ready for planting.
An outdoor stage provides a place for outdoor music events coming later this year.
I found a thrilling tiny library!
Across the street from the market’s entrance, some interesting historic buildings stood.
I walked along the street and discovered my favorite place in Cedar Rapids so far: Next Page Books, an independent bookstore! Owner Bart chatted with me from behind the counter as I browsed a fascinating selection of books and purchased some cards made by local artists. He allowed me to take some pictures, so I’ll let them do the talking from here!
Just across the hall in another part of the same historic building, I found another gem: Delve MIY, a fabric store. But it’s so much more than a fabric store – it’s an artistic experience! The vibrant colors and rich textures drew me in right away, as did Mary with her cheerful conversation. Fabric art is everywhere inside, along with locally handmade pottery and other treasures. The shop offers classes as well!
I loved my visit to Newbo City Market, the energetic heart of New Bohemia. It’s a happy place. It’s a place where you can select a pastry and a book and feel that life is all right on a Sunday afternoon. As for me, I certainly did.
~The Dauntless Princess ~