Archive for 2008

Feature: Fenelon Place Elevator (Dubuque, Iowa)

With temperatures continuing to inch upward and summer drawing near, it’s a great time to take a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator and check out the local shopping district that surrounds it in downtown Dubuque, Iowa.

At the top of the elevator is a nice observation deck, offering great views of downtown Dubuque and the neighboring states of Wisconsin and Illinois.  The base of the elevator serves as an anchor to the Cable Car shopping district, which features a number of locally-owned shops, selling antiques, used books, pottery and much more.

The elevator has been labeled the “shortest, steepest scenic elevator in the world” and dates back to the late 1800s — though the current cars and gears were completely rebuilt in 1977.  A couple of bucks will buy you a round trip pass (and charming ride) on the railroad, open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily between April and November.

Published May 31, 2008 | Features | Dubuque County | Map

Feature: Bijou Movie Theater (Mount Vernon, Iowa)

A few months ago, my wife and I went with a friend to see The Final Season, a movie based on the extraordinary success of the high school baseball team in Norway, Iowa.  While the movie itself wasn’t memorable, the theatre we saw it in was.

Instead of seeing the movie in one of the cookie-cutter megaplexes in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City, we opted to go to the cozy, single-screen Bijou Movie Theater, located in downtown Mount Vernon.

The lobby is small, featuring a counter where tickets and treats can be purchased all at once.  Prices for popcorn and drinks are modest, and half-price refills make the concessions even more appealing.  The owners encourage recycling, so you can even bring in your own containers to be filled for a discount.

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Published January 28, 2008 | Features, Movie Theatres | Linn County | Map