Category Archives: Features

Features, Movie Theatres

Feature: Collins Road Theatres (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

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Collins Road Theatres (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

There are few more quintessential weekend activities than attending a movie at the local theatre.  Unfortunately, at most theatres it’s impossible to take the family to a feature film without spending an arm and a leg.  The tickets alone for a family of four will run over $30, not to mention the popcorn, candy and soda for consuming during the movie.

Luckily, if you’re in the Cedar Rapids area, there is a great movie theatre that won’t break the budget.  It’s the Collins Road Theatres, a locally-owned venue that shows primarily second-run movies at discounted ticket prices of $4 to $5.  Beyond the reasonable admission cost, concessions are cheap, the workers are ultra-friendly, and it’s the only theatre in town to feature real butter for the popcorn.

When we were students at Cornell College in nearby Mt. Vernon, we made regular trips to the Collins Road Theatres after its opening in 2003.  Unlike many second-run theatre, Collins Road features a charming lobby, plush seats, great sound, and is all-in-all well-maintained.  As an added bonus, many of the weekend shows are preceded by an introduction from the theatre manager Bruce Taylor, including a drawing for free concessions for those in attendance.

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Features

Feature: Iowa State Women’s Basketball (Ames, Iowa)

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Iowa State Women's Basketball (Ames, Iowa)

On a whim last December, I decided to pick up a five-game pack of tickets to see Iowa State University Women’s Basketball games at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.  The Cyclones have had a long stretch of success under veteran head coach Bill Fennelly, and this year has been no exception.  Though many expected it to be a rebuilding season, the Iowa State women have racked up 20 wins, are near the top of the Big 12 conference standings, and are all but guaranteed an 11th NCAA Tournament berth.

Australian native and senior point guard Alison Lacey is the unmistakable team leader and face of the program.  Last night, she cemented her place in Cyclone history, becoming the first player to tally 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists.  Six-foot-seven post player Anna Prins is one of four exciting freshmen to watch, while Senior Denae Stuckey consistently brings energy to both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.

There is a group of talented Iowans on the team as well, including Ida Grove native Kelsey Bolte, a junior point guard who is one of the best three-point shooters in the nation.  Freshmen Chelsea Poppens and Amanda Zimmerman, from Applington and Huxley, respectively, have also been key contributors this year: Poppens leads the team in rebounds, while Zimmerman is averaging over 5 points per game and shooting over 50% from the floor.

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Features

Feature: All Star Chocolates

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All Star Chocolates

When I first saw All Star Chocolate’s university-branded chocolate bars at our local grocery store, I wrote them off as a gimmick.  After all, it was hard to imagine the quality of the candy inside living up to the cutesy packaging design.  Fortunately for chocolate fans, my initial assessment was wrong.

They’re produced by Bochner Chocolates in Iowa City, made with superior ingredients, and competitively priced at under a dollar.  Officially licensed and branded for five Midwestern schools, there are two varieties available for purchase – milk chocolate with peanut butter and milk chocolate with caramel.  You can’t go wrong with either – the peanut butter is incredibly creamy, while the caramel filling is unbelievably smooth.

These chocolates are not only great for a university sports-watching party, but also make for a tasty snack to keep stocked at the office or around the house.  They can be purchased at many Fareway and Hy-Vee grocery stores across the state, or find them at the Bochner Chocolates store in Coralville, Iowa.

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Features

Feature: Stanhope Locker (Stanhope, Iowa)

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Stanhope Locker (Stanhope, Iowa)

We first experienced beef jerky from the Stanhope Locker a little over a year ago, during the trek from central Iowa to southeastern South Dakota for Amanda’s graduation ceremony.  Instead of the quick but uninteresting interstate trip, we drove along several two-lane state and county highways including a stretch of State Highway 17 through Stanhope, Iowa.

On the west side of the Highway, the Stanhope Locker is one of a handful of businesses in the small community.  Parking is easy, as you can pull your car over to either side of the road.  Spend a few minutes exploring the store, which includes a nice selection of sauces and seasonings to accompany the traditional meat locker purchases.

The Stanhope Locker’s signature product is beef jerky, which is thick-cut and well-seasoned with a combination of brown sugar, peppers, and spices.  It’s made in small batches, marinated and smoked for several days to produce optimal flavor.  The jerky is vacuum-packed and can usually be purchased in quantities ranging from $5 to $20.  If you plan to eat the jerky in the car, pick up a reasonably-priced soda within the store or from the machine outside.

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Features

Feature: Book Vault (Oskaloosa, Iowa)

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Book Vault (Oskaloosa, Iowa)

Downtown Oskaloosa is home to a number of local businesses, including the aforementioned Smokey Row Coffee House.  Though I’ve stopped at the coffee shop many times, I never had a chance to stop by the independent bookstore next door.  It’s located in a wonderfully restored bank building and is a must-stop shop if you’re looking for a great read for yourself or others.

The Book Vault is cozy and well-organized.  Step inside the door to find the best sellers along the north wall.  A small nook in the middle of the store is dedicated to all things local; it’s definitely the best selection of Iowa-related books in the area.  The back room features a fabulous selection of cookbooks and features a working kitchen for regular cooking demonstration events.  The upstairs Children section is fun, while a third floor nook features some cozy chairs for reading and relaxing.

Beyond the books, you’ll find a nice selection of gift items, including local puzzles of Oskaloosa landmarks, like the county courthouse which dates to 1886.  As an added bonus, sign up at checkout, and you’ll automatically get a $10 credit for each $100 you spend at the store.  Best of all, you’ll get great service at the Book Vault.  If you have a question, need a recommendation or have a special order request, just ask at the front desk.  They’ll be happy to help.

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