Dig Deeper and discover what's new in downtown Waterloo

Visitors will soon be able to enjoy a variety of new retail shops and businesses coming to downtown Waterloo. From vintage treasures to trendy accessories, these are just some of the fun items you'll find as you stroll along East Fourth Street.

Here’s a look at what’s new and what's coming soon...

 

Sneak peek of Dapper Designs

Charley’s Angels Photography
328 E. 4th Street
Now Open

Charley’s Angels Photography is a new studio offering in-home and on-site photo sessions. Although their studio is brand new to downtown Waterloo, they are not new to the photography business. For the past four years, Charley’s Angels has photographed thousands of newborns at Allen and Covenant hospitals. They are open seven days a week, 9am – 5pm, by appointment only. For more information…

Dapper Designs
329 E. 4th Street
Opening June 1

Dapper Designs repurposes form for function by taking vintage, antique and industrial items and shaping them into beautiful designs for your home. Take a look at their Facebook page and you'll see they have a knack for taking unusual finds and combining them with modern elements. What you think may be old and unnoticed, they are able to turn into a creation of beauty. For more information…


Home to arts, entertainment and now, The Full Monte

The Full Monte
220 E. 4th Street
Now Open

The Full Monte is the newest addition to 220 East, a downtown hub for arts and entertainment. They are open for lunch Monday through Friday, 10am – 2pm, and serve a variety of soups, sandwiches, salads and more. I can't wait to try The Full Monte for lunch...be on the lookout for a future blog post about my experience! For more information…

Other businesses located inside 220 East include: Red Cedar Books and CV Live.

House of Eden Boutique & Salon
112 E. 4th Street
Opening June 1

This brand new boutique and salon is scheduled to open June 1 and will sell unique and quality clothing, handbags and accessories for women. As I browse through some of the merchandise shown on their Facebook page, I can already tell I'm going to be a big fan of the House of Eden Boutique & Salon! They will also have a full-service salon offering the latest trends in hair care. For more information…



Some bling from The Vintage Window

The Vintage Window
329 E. 4th Street
Opening June 1

The Vintage Window, which is connected to Dapper Designs, takes vintage items from all around Iowa and refurbishes them into beautiful home décor. Some of the one-of-a-kind items you will find in their store include windows, coat racks, mantel pieces, and customized pallet signs. For more information…

Dapper Designs and The Vintage Window will be hosting a preview opening event at their store on June 1 and 2, with a grand opening event scheduled for June 15 and 16.

So the next time you're visiting Waterloo, we encourage you to check out these new businesses, dine at our locally-owned restaurants, take a bicycle ride on our recreational trails, or experience live music at one of our many summer concert events. Start planning your visit today at www.TravelWaterloo.com/DigDeeper!

Written By:
Beth Keeney
Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cedar Valley Tourism Bureaus Announce Annual Awards

May is National Travel and Tourism Month and the Cedar Falls and Waterloo Visitors Bureaus recognized this year’s Cedar Valley Tourism Award winners at a special celebration on May 14 at the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo.

Over 100 people attended this event to help us honor our award winners, as well as thank our local businesses, attractions and events for their outstanding contributions to the tourism industry.



About the voting process:
In the past, nomination forms were submitted and a committee would review and select the winners in the following categories: Hotel of the Year, Business/Organization of the Year, Attraction of the Year, and Event of the Year.

This year, the Cedar Falls and Waterloo Visitors Bureaus solicited nominations and each nominee was required to submit a 25-word description. Those nominees were included on an online ballot made available to the general public. The voting process took place over the course of two weeks. We had a great response with over 60 nominations and more than 2,800 votes.

2013 Cedar Valley Tourism Award winners:
Restaurant of the Year (new category in 2013): Texas Roadhouse
Hotel of the Year: Hilton Garden Inn - Cedar Falls
Business/Organization of the Year: Scratch Cupcakery
Attraction of the Year: Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
Event of the Year: Iowa Irish Fest
Cedar Falls/Waterloo Friends of Tourism: Gary Kelley & Paco Rosic

Event of the Year, Iowa Irish Fest

Congratulations again to all of our winners! Check out more photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Written By:
Beth Keeney
Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau

'The Sky's the Limit' at this year's My Waterloo Days festival

The 2013 My Waterloo Days festival, "The Sky's the Limit", is just a few weeks away, and we couldn't be more excited! As you can see from the theme and logo shown above, the extremely popular hot air balloons will be returning to this year's celebration.

Balloons will launch up to four times that weekend if winds are favorable. With each ascension, a dozen pilots will navigate the prevailing winds and attempt to throw markers at targets throughout the metro area. Points will be tallied with each task and winners will share $3,000 in prize money.

Other festival events include the traditional People in the Park, downtown parade, Celebrate at the Expo, Dragon Boats, and Waterhawks show. Additional new events to the festival include an Arts Festival and Chalk the Block in the RiverLoop Arts Mall area and a Community Worship Service at the Amphitheatre. Vendors, entertainment and children’s activities will be available with all events. Plus, a carnival will be located on the streets surrounding the Expo.

Schedule of Events:
 
Thursday, May 30
People in the Park
Lincoln Park
10:30am - 9pm
Vendors, entertainment and children's activities

Waterloo Bucks
6:35pm
MWD buttons allow admittance to game

Entertainment
Lincoln Park
11:30am - 2:30pm: Dylan Sires and Neighbors/Twins
3 - 4pm: John June Year
4:30 - 6:30pm: Brazilian 2wins
7 - 9pm: STACKHOUSE

Friday, May 31
People in the Park
Lincoln Park
10:30am - Midnight
Vendors, entertainment and children's activities

Hot Air Balloons
300 Mullan site
6pm

Parade
Downtown Waterloo
6:30pm

Carnival
Ending at 10pm

Entertainment
Lincoln Park
12 - 2pm: Soul Fusion
2:30 - 4:30pm: Comfort Kings
5 - 7pm: Higher Ground
7:30 - 9:30pm: The Pork Tornadoes
10 - 12am: Eleventh Hour

Saturday, June 1
Hot Air Balloons
300 Mullan site
6 - 8am

5K
8am

Arts Festival / Chalk the Block
RiverLoop Arts Mall
10am - 6pm
Vendors, entertainment and children's activities

Hot Air Balloons
300 Mullan site
6 - 8pm

Celebrate at the Expo
Expo Plaza
Noon - Midnight
Bags tournament, vendors, entertainment, fireworks

Carnival
Ending at 10pm

Entertainment
RiverLoop Expo Plaza
5 - 7pm: Elev8
7:30 - 9:30pm: Dennis Wayne Gang
10pm - 12am: Missbehavin’

Sunday, June 2
Hot Air Balloons
300 Mullan site
6 - 8am

Dragon Boats
Cedar River Park
8am - 5pm

Community Worship
RiverLoop Amphitheatre
10am - Noon

Arts Festival / Chalk the Block
RiverLoop Arts Mall
10am - 4pm
Vendors, entertainment and children's activities

Waterhawks
Cedar River Park
6 - 7:30pm
Vendors, entertainment and children's activities

Carnival
Ending at 5pm

Entertainment
Cedar River Boat House
2 - 6pm: The Brother Golden Band

For more information, visit www.MainStreetWaterloo.org or the My Waterloo Days Facebook page.

Written By:
Beth Keeney
Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Dig Deeper and discover island adventure at Iowa's newest KOA Kampground

Located in the heart of the Midwest and next to Iowa's largest waterpark, this tropical-themed campground offers guests a truly unique camping experience.

 

Fully-furnished cabins

The Waterloo/Lost Island Waterpark KOA is one of only four KOA campgrounds in the state and consists of fully-furnished cabins and RV and tent sites nestled around a 17-acre lake. Plus, guests will feel right at home with all the amenities and outdoor activities to choose from.

Cabin loft bedroom

Campground amenities:
- Full service convenience store & gas station
- KOA Specialty Lodging
- Back in, pull through & patio sites (all sites are full service)
- Tent sites
- Kids' playground
- 17 acre lake with beach
- Complimentary Wi-Fi service
- Handicap accessible sites and lodge
- Picnic pavilions
- 9-hole disc golf course
- Paddle boats
- Rental bikes
- Laundry facilities
- Kamp K9
- Cable TV
- Fishing
- Recreation trail

In addition, the campgrounds are conveniently located next to South Hills Golf Course, Lost Island Waterpark, Lost Island Go-Karts & Adventure Golf, and the Isle Casino.


Cabin kitchen

See for yourself and bring your family to their Grand Opening, June 14-16. There will be special discounts and fun activities planned throughout the entire weekend. This is also Father's Day weekend, so all dads eat free at the Sunday morning pancake breakfast.

Grand Opening weekend:
- Kids stay FREE!
- 25% off all RV and tent sites*
- Concert by Caribbean Chillers (Saturday night)
- Fireworks (Friday night)
- Pancake breakfast (Sunday morning)
- Raffles all weekend long
- Discounts to Lost Island Waterpark
- Volleyball and disc golf tournaments
- Shuttle to the Isle Casino
- Cabin and RV open house

*Must stay minimum of 2 nights to receive 25% discount. Offer is only valid June 14-16, 2013.

The Waterloo/Lost Island Waterpark KOA is the perfect location for a family vacation, reunion with your friends, or couples' getaway.

Waterloo/Lost Island Waterpark KOA: 4550 Hess Road, Waterloo
Hours: Open year-round
Reservations: (800) 562-2483
Information: (319) 233-3485
Email: Info@WaterlooKOA.com
Website: www.KOA.com/Campgrounds/Waterloo

We invite you to dig a little deeper and discover what's waiting for you in Waterloo! Our city is full of outstanding attractions, events, restaurants, and accommodations. Start planning your visit today at www.TravelWaterloo.com/DigDeeper.

Written By:
Beth Keeney
Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Dig Deeper Drawing: Enter to win a pair of tickets to 'The 39 Steps'

The Waterloo Community Playhouse Presents ‘The 39 Steps’

May 11 – 18, 2013 | 7pm; Sunday 2pm
Hope Martin Theatre (Waterloo Center for the Arts), Waterloo
Admission: $22
For more information…

The May thriller features just four actors who play over 150 zany characters. It's part juicy spy novel, part Monty Python, and it preserves the brilliance originally created by Hitchcock, the master of suspense. A man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she's a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called "The 39 Steps" is hot on the man's trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, "The 39 Steps" amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure.

Enter to win a pair of tickets to "The 39 Steps" by using the contest widget below! Log in, click the "+1" button, and then click "Enter" by 11:59pm (CST) on Monday, May 6th. THREE lucky winners will be randomly selected to each win a pair of tickets to ONE of the following performances. Good luck!

Performances:
Saturday, May 11 at 7pm
Sunday, May 12 at 2pm
Tuesday, May 14 at 7pm
Thursday, May 16 at 7pm
Friday, May 17 at 7pm
Saturday, May 18 at 7pm

*Please note: The contest widget below may take up to a minute to load. Winners are chosen randomly and will be contacted directly via email. The tickets are valid on any performance, pending availability at the time of reservation. Tickets may not be redeemed for cash.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Screaming Eagle celebrates five years and the return of Bike Night

One of downtown Waterloo's local hot spots, Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill, will be celebrating their 5th Anniversary this Sunday, April 28.

They will be giving away some great prizes throughout the day, including a 50" TV, patio fireplace (from KCRR & KOEL FM radio) and more. Those attending will also enjoy a delicious, build-your-own Taco Bar from 4-6pm.

Screaming Eagle features an extensive menu with daily specials, live music every Friday and Saturday night, and plenty of flat screen TVs to watch your favorite sporting events. They also have seating available on their outdoor patio, open May through September.


Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill

Two of my go-to items on their menu are their Deep Fried Pickles (chips or spears served with ranch) and their Fiesta Wrap (breaded chicken breast, onion, tomato, lettuce, black beans, jalapeno bacon, crunchy tortilla strips, and their own spicy ranch wrapped in a soft flour tortilla). Did I mention jalapeno bacon? You'll find it on some of their sandwiches, wraps, even pizza, and it's amazing!

But if you're feeling exceptionally hungry (and brave), try their "28,890 Challenge". You must consume three 9630 burgers, an order of fries, a half-order of onion rings, and a side salad in 45 minutes, not one crumb remaining. Named after the John Deere tractor, the 9630 burger consists of one patty topped with American, Swiss, pepper jack, jalapeno bacon, ham, grilled onions and mushrooms, jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and spicy mayo. If you devour all of the above within the given time frame, they'll put your picture on the wall, give you a t-shirt, and pay for your meal. If not, $35.00 is the price. Visit their Facebook page to see photos of the 28,890 Challenge.


2012 Street Thunder Bike Night

Beginning May 2, customers will be able to enjoy yet another fun event happening at Screaming Eagle - "Street Thunder Bike Night". This popular event is held every Thursday night, May through September, on the street outside Screaming Eagle and includes live music, food and drink specials, and no cover.

Dennis Wayne Gang, Knuckle Head, and WAGG are just a few of the bands that will be returning for the 2013 Bike Night season. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to see some of the coolest motorcycles in the Cedar Valley.

Lastly, if you're looking for a place to host your upcoming event, holiday party, birthday party, corporate outing, or other festive occasion, Screaming Eagle also has a banquet room available. Contact them at (319) 235-8865 to book your next gathering.

Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill: 228 E. 4th Street, Waterloo
Kitchen Hours: Every day (11am-10pm); Friday & Saturday late night menu (10pm-12am); Lunch specials Monday-Saturday (11am-2pm)
Bar Hours: Every day (10am-2pm)
Bike Night: Thursday (6-10pm)

We invite you to dig a little deeper and discover what's waiting for you in Waterloo! Our city is full of outstanding attractions, events, restaurants, and accommodations. Start planning your visit today at www.TravelWaterloo.com/DigDeeper.

Written By:
Beth Keeney
Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau

RiverLoop Amphitheatre's line-up looks to be chart-topping!

In just it's second year of being open, the RiverLoop Amphitheatre's stage is already set with a line-up of exciting events and entertainment.

Located along the banks of the Cedar River and adjacent to the Waterloo Center for the Arts, the RiverLoop Amphitheatre is a new, live performance and entertainment venue in downtown Waterloo. The amphitheatre officially opened in June 2012 and features a 2,400 square foot covered performance area with seating for up to 1,200 people. In addition, this facility includes an Arts Mall – a 10,000 square foot elevated plaza area, and Mark’s Park – a fun, interactive splash park and playground for children of all ages.

The amphitheatre's 2013 Spring/Summer season will showcase a variety of local, regional and national music acts, along with some outstanding festivals and events. Check out what’s coming soon to the RiverLoop Amphitheatre and while you're here...Dig Deeper in Waterloo!

RiverLoop Rhythms

May - September, 2013 | 5:30 - 9:30pm
Admission: Free
For more information...

Enjoy an evening outdoors with live music and dancing, make it a date night, or bring the kids to play at Mark’s Park. Fun and free for the whole family. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in addition to a wine and beer garden.

Concert schedule: May 10 (The Uniphonics), June 7 (Sugarfoot), July 5 (Bob Dorr & The Blue Band), August 23 (The Everett Smithson Band), and September 13 (Savage Aural Hotbed).

Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin

May 23, 2013 | Gates open at 6:30pm; Concert at 8pm
Admission: VIP $50; Premium $40; General $30
For more information...

These two longtime friends will once again be setting out on tour together, sharing the stage as an intimate duo, and performing material spanning their vast catalogs as well as some of their favorite songs.

About the artists:
Mary Chapin Carpenter has recorded 12 albums and has sold over 13 million records. With hits like "Passionate Kisses" and "He Thinks He’ll Keep Her", Carpenter has won five Grammy Awards (with 15 nominations), two CMA awards, two Academy of Country Music awards for her vocals, and was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October of 2012.

Shawn Colvin has won three Grammy Awards, including two for the hit single "Sunny Came Home", and has been nominated for another seven. She has released 10 albums, appeared on countless television and radio programs, had her songs featured in major motion pictures, and created a remarkable canon of work.

Tickets available in person at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, www.MetroTix.com, or by phone at (800) 293-5949.

RiverLoop Arts Festival & Chalk the Block

June 1 & 2, 2013 | 10am - 4pm
Admission: Free
For more information...

The whole family will have fun at this two-day, outdoor arts and chalk festival. Shop for original artwork and unleash your creativity through chalk art. Featuring original art for sale, kids activities, and live music and performances. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and the festival will be held rain or shine.

Easton Corbin with Special Guest Justin Adams

June 14, 2013 | Gates open at 6:30pm; Concert at 8pm
Admission: Artists' Circle $47.50; Premium $37.50; General $27.50
For more information...

About the artists:
Mercury Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin is lauded for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics, and mastery of understatement. His self-titled debut album released in 2010 spawned back-to-back hits “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It”, making him the first country male artist in 17 years to have his first two consecutive singles reach No. 1. Billboard named Corbin as the Top New Country Artist of 2010.

Justin Adams' high energy performances of country-meets-rock 'n' roll songs showcase his talents as an entertainer. Justin Adams is a Bixby, Oklahoma native and 2008 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. A member of the Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), Justin moved to Nashville, Tennessee in the Fall of 2010 and is currently in pre-production for his new record.

Tickets available in person at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, www.MetroTix.com, or by phone at (800) 293-5949.

Stem & Stein: Food, Beer & Wine Festival

August 16 & 17, 2013 | Friday 5:30pm; Saturday 4 - 8pm
Admission: TBA
For more information...

Raise your glass for the 2nd Annual Stem & Stein Festival, presented by Hy-Vee. Your ticket gets you a commemorative wine glass, all the gourmet food samples you can handle, and unlimited wine and beer tastings from an impressive number of exhibitors. VIP guests will be treated to a gourmet dinner and exclusive wine and beer pairings Friday evening at the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

Ticket sales will be announced soon at www.WaterlooCenterfortheArts.org and www.CVStemandStein.com.

Just in case you need a few more reasons to visit downtown Waterloo's newest attraction. The RiverLoop Amphitheatre is also conveniently located near bicycle and water trails, as well as our vibrant downtown district full of dining, shopping, and cultural offerings. Bring your family and friends and make a weekend out of it!

Visit our events calendar for a full listing of events in Waterloo. You can also check out our 2013 Visitors Guide online or request your free copy by mail.

Written By:
Beth Keeney
Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau