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Hi Cedar Rapids, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Puzzles and poltergeists at a mansion mixer, John Crist stand-up, and a celebration of ag with Craig Culver + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
Quick money tip: 2025 was gold’s best year since 1979, and it’s still at all-time highs. Analysts expect the momentum to continue, making precious metals a smart way to protect your savings against inflation. Not sure where to start? These five gold IRAs are worth a look →
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📰 In the news
Strengthening shelter operations: An independent review of Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control found the model should stay and recommends staffing, policy, and sustainability fixes, including a supervisor role and expanded volunteer recruitment — read the full review findings.
Iowa’s second-largest city shines: A recent Investopedia feature names Cedar Rapids among the 100 best places to retire, highlighting culture, value, and less traffic. Diverse housing options and bus and paratransit services add appeal — see why it stands out.
Spotlight on local agriculture: Cedar Rapids’ Celebration of Ag will return March 25, bringing farmers and agribusiness leaders together. Culver’s co-founder Craig Culver will keynote, with remarks from Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell and Mike Naig — read the full story.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*
Highlights this week:
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💎 Local business spotlight
Pastry break, anyone? When your week needs a little sweetness, Amana Colonies Bakery & Cafe delivers the mood lift—think warm kolaches, cinnamon rolls, and fresh breads that make the kitchen smell jealous. Consider it your low-effort way to upgrade coffee time and surprise a neighbor, too.
Fresh set, zero fuss: If your winter hands are begging for a glow-up, Fancy Nails & Spa keeps it easy with tidy shaping, long‑wearing gel and dip options, and massage‑y pedis when you need a mental reset. Book ahead or stroll in; they make quick work without the rush.
Fuel your floof: If you’re trying to upgrade kibble without sending your budget to the doghouse, Food 4 Paws keeps it simple—quality foods, smart supplements, and humans who actually know ingredients. They also back local rescues and can help you dial in a diet that fits your pet’s quirks.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
In case you missed it: The CVS Epic Beauty Sale was officially extended through March 28th, giving you another chance to stack rewards on top of already-great deals across all sorts of treat-yourself products, including makeup, beauty tools, skin care, hair masks, moisturizers, and more from all your favorite brands. *Shop the sale →
The $1,300 mistake most Americans make every year: According to the National Financial Education Council, poor financial literacy costs the average American over a thousand dollars annually. That’s not investment losses. That’s money lost to bad decisions, missed strategies, and advice from people who may not always put your interests first. There’s a free way to fix that, and it starts with one question. Find out what it is →
Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared five programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →
Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as “normal wear and tear,” and they’re 100% on you. We looked into solutions that fill that gap. Here’s what we found →
Strangers can buy your personal data for $0.50: Data brokers sell your name, home address, phone number, estimated income, and other personal info to anyone willing to pay. Scammers and identity thieves use these databases to take advantage of you. There are dozens of affordable services that can help you protect yourself. These three are our favorites →
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📆 Cedar Rapids for grown ups
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🌴 Palm Tree at Night @ The Quarter Barrel Arcade & Brewery | Thursday (3/19) at 6:00 PM – Crave a little island vibe without leaving Cedar Rapids? Paint Palm Tree at Night at The Quarter Barrel for $35, score a 16×20 canvas and all the supplies, grab food and drinks there, and yes, kids 8+ can tag along with an adult.
👻 Mansion Mixer: Puzzles and Poltergeists @ Brucemore’s Carriage House | Friday (3/20) at 6:30 PM – Brucemore opens after hours for a Mansion Mixer with spooky history, a Tahitian Room talk, self-guided snooping, and a canned drink from the Grizzly Bar. Toast Women’s History Month with Helen Haskell Noyes, her puzzles, her spirits, and a speed-puzzle showdown.
🍻 St. Patrick’s Day Military Bar Crawl @ Salute to the Fallen Foundation | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – Whether you did your time or only march to the fridge, this St. Paddy’s military bar crawl is a friendly ruck through Cedar Rapids watering holes. Wear tactical green, a kilt, or both, and all branches, vets, and supporters are welcome, zero push-ups, just pints.
🍷 Sip, Savor & Support: A Wine & Board Experience @ DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex | Saturday (3/21) at 1:30 PM – Whether you’re skipping the blinds or just here for the banquet, this wine-and-board afternoon is the civilized way to pregame. Sip thoughtfully, learn easy pairings, build a take-home board, and support Aiming for a Cure. No camo, just conversation, clinks, and calm.
🎸 Winterland and more @ The Olympic South Side Theater | Saturday (3/21) at 7:00 PM – A rare full-ensemble tribute to the Grateful Dead and Talking Heads hits The Olympic, with Winterland teaming up with Heads In Motion. Expect tight rhythms, long memories, and dancing that starts as a head bob, then counts as your workout.
🎤 John Crist @ Paramount Theatre | Sunday (3/22) at 7:00 PM – John Crist brings his clean, church-kid stand-up to town, so yes, you can invite your aunt who runs the neighborhood Facebook page. Expect sharp jabs at pop culture, the 90s, and family group texts. He sells out, so act faster than the HOA.
📚 Meet the Author: Heather Gudenkauf @ The History Center | Tuesday (3/24) at 6:00 PM – Swap the true-crime podcast for a real storyteller at The History Center, where Iowa’s own Heather Gudenkauf unpacks how our cornfields, cul-de-sacs, and stubborn weather fuel her New York Times bestselling thrillers. Smart talk, local lore, zero spoilers. Tickets are $8 general, $6 members.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Cedar Rapids report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 54°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 2%
Partly sunny, with a high near 54. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 68°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
This house is wild
This 2,463 square foot single family home in NW Cedar Rapids features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms in a versatile layout that makes space feel easy. A comfortable footprint supports daily flow, private retreats, and generous gathering zones. Set on Country Ridge Drive, it mixes neighborhood charm with Cedar Rapids convenience for balanced, everyday living.
Take a peek inside →
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