Last weekend, I was delighted with a visit from my best friend from high school, Jasmine. I had been counting down the days until I could see her again and was so incredibly excited to show her my favorite parts of Iowa City. Here are some recommendations of what to do when you have visitors, whether it be friends, family, or a significant other.

Walk Around Iowa City:

This is one of my favorite things to do even when I don’t have visitors, but it is always more fun with company. We probably spent hours walking around Iowa City’s outdoor Ped-Mall, exploring all the cute local shops and listening to music provided by the local troubadours.

Restaurants/Cafes:

Use your friends’ visiting as an excuse to go to all the restaurants you don’t have time for during the school week. My favorite place to take people is The Encounter Cafe for brunch (their cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate are out-of-this-world good).

Pentacrest Picnic:

With the weather still being semi-nice (depending on the day), you might as well take the opportunity to show off the best sunset in Iowa City. Listening to music and catching up while watching the sunset from the back of the Old Capitol building is the perfect way to end your busy day with friends.

I hope everyone has as much fun with their visitors as I did with mine!

-Simran