Now that winter break has ended, and you’ve watched every episode of “Making a Murderer,” it’s finally time to get back into the swing of things. Once school starts again, it’s easy to find yourself falling into a routine of doing the same old thing every weekend. Although Iowa winters can be frigid and snowy, they don’t have to be boring. Iowa City has plenty to offer, even in the dead of winter. Use this list as a guide to doing something new this winter semester. It’s time to shut your laptop and leave the couch!
1. See a movie at FilmScene. Love the movies? Located in the Ped Mall, FilmScene is the ultimate movie-goers experience. It includes a bar and showings of unique documentaries you can’t see anywhere else.
2. Go to a local brewery. Backpocket Brewing, Brewlab and Big Grove Brewery are just a few of the many local breweries in the Iowa City area. Take a day to visit one and enjoy some locally brewed cold ones.
3. Go to a local winery. Pretend you’re at a warm California vinyard at Fireside Winery or Cedar Ridge Winery. They’re known for their delicious local wine.
4. Eat local. With countless local restaurants, there is bound to be an Iowa City restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. Now is your time to sample delicous food and stay warm while doing it.
5. Watch the Hawkeyes dominate in basketball. Pump up your school spirit by attending a basketball game. Student tickets are affordable and range from $5-$20. Don’t forget to try the famous mile-high ice cream at Carver Arena.
6. Go to a show at the Englert Theatre. See live music or a theatrical production at Iowa City’s historic theater, located at 221 East Washington St.
7. Utilize the Rec Center. Escape the cold with a trip to the UIowa rec center. Take a dip in the pool and pretend you’re on a tropical trip, or unthaw with your friends in their huge hot tub.
8. Shop local. Iowa City’s selection of local shopping is wide and unique.
9. Get fit. Fulfill your New Year’s resolutions by staying in shape. Iowa City’s workout facilities include Title Boxing, Heartland Yoga, and Hothouse Yoga. Many of these locations offer a free first class, so you can see if you like it.
10. Check out a book at the Iowa City Public Library. Put down those boring textbooks and take time to enjoy a good read. The Iowa City Public Library offers thousands of options. They also take order requests, so they’re sure to have the book you’re looking for.
11. Take a cooking class. Kirkwood Community College offers single cooking classes for a flat fee. Learn how to make an authentic Asian meal for date night, or make homemade pasta with your bestie.
12. See live music. Bluemoose Taphouse, The Mill and Gabe’s are just a few locations that set the scene for live music in Iowa City. Take shelter from the cold with some good tunes.
Photos: Homegrown Iowan, Cedar Ridge Winery, livegigshots.com, Title Boxing, University of Iowa