Quentin Misiag

What's not to love about the Ped Mall? After a recent multi-million streetscape renovation, the area is infused with better lighting, plantings, art, a new Weatherdance Fountain Stage and much more. Many longtime retailers and restaurants are still thriving, but now there's a welcome, healthy mix of new businesses, too. From women's boutiques to sustainable home goods and performing arts spaces to a movie theater, library and large playground, there's something for the whole family.

I love that the city and the Iowa City Downtown District continue to program events like the Downtown Block Party, Small Business Saturday/pop-up shops and live music in the summer.

While many cities have tried to master a vibrant, walkable downtown, few communities have been successful at it. Thankfully, Iowa City is one of them.