WEEKENDER BLOG

@sidecarcoffee  

Say Hello to the Hill:

A One-Day Walking Itinerary for Food, Shopping, and Music Lovers 

Park your car and fill your day and night with some of the best unique food, shopping, and entertainment right in the heart of the Iconic College Hill district of Cedar Falls by the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). 

Coffee and Breakfast at Side Car  

This gourmet, local roaster delivers more than your standard coffee and tea. Indulge in Instagram-worthy seasonal flavor blends bursting with homemade ingredients. Try the Van Fleet Latte, a blend of smooth coffee, chocolate, and a hint of orange for a local favorite. Add a Panini pressed bacon egg and cheese croissant to fuel your morning. The baristas here are helpful and knowledgeable; ask them what they recommend. 
 

Boutique shopping at the Mohair Pear  

Find a unique gift for yourself or your cool, hipster, vintage retro friend. This store will have you shouting "Look at this" to whomever you're with (over and over again). There's so much to see, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore every corner. They carry everything from jewelry and games to unique vintage bags, and clothing you won't find anywhere else! 

Lunch at Chads Pizza  

Chads is “the pizza place” that's a part of every UNI student's story. Tasty, filling pizza is served in a casual environment that includes pool tables and murals. With more than 55 pizza and sauce options; with names like Panther, Dodo, and Funk (to name a few), you can understand why this is a local legend.   

@northerniowa.bookstore 

Shopping at UNI Bookstore  

There's no judgment for spending all of your money on Panther apparel. It's easy to lose track of the time and budget when you're excited about sporting the purple and gold. 

Watch a show at The Gallagher Bluedorn 

This venue has a huge concert hall with 1,680 seats, along with a smaller theater. They offer a variety of different shows, from concerts and comedy shows to Broadway productions and dance performances. Check out their calendar. 

@Coopers Taproom

Dinner at Cooper’s Taproom 

Cooper’s Taproom on College Hill has an extensive selection of Iowa craft beers and domestics on tap. The menu has all of your college town favorites, with options to infuse Portuguese and African flavors.  Try the Peri Peri chicken wings.  
 

@OctopusCollegeHill 

Live Music at the Octopus  

This friendly, live music and comedy venue offers craft beers on tap, including daily drink specials. Grab a spot by the big windows, or enjoy the outdoor beer garden. If you are hungry for a late-night snack, you might find a food truck. LaCalle (serving Latin American Street Food) and other local favorites frequent the lounge often. Check out the events calendar. 

Dessert at Insomnia Cookies 

No directions are needed. The smell of freshly baked cookies will lead you to the front door of this gourmet cookie, cake, and ice cream shop. You'll find traditional, all-time classics like chocolate chip, peanut butter, and M&M, and fun and unique tastes like Moon Cookie or Chocolate Caramel Pretzel. All treats are available to purchase individually or by the box. Open late nightly (they even deliver!), so you never have to go to sleep with that late-night craving unsatisfied.   

Annual Events in the College Hill District

Pear Fair

September 

Visit College Hill Partnership for more information on shopping, dining, and events on College Hill!

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