Blog > Blogs > Archive by category 'Marilee Fowler'

Cedar Rapids/Linn County is so fortunate to have many wonderful places to enjoy nature. One place to put at the top of the list is the Indian Creek Nature Center. Established in 1973, Indian Creek Nature Center includes a 240-acre nature preserve and an interpretive center in a remodeled 1932 dairy barn. The variety of programs and events offered at the Center includes Maple Syrup Festival, Spring Plant Sale, Honey Fest and Nature’s Noel, Creekside Concerts, beekeeping ... continue reading

It is a beautiful sunny day and I have just returned from visiting many of Linn County’s greatest treasures…..our parks! Our county parks provide 28 areas and 7,015 acres to enjoy nature at its finest. Among these parks is the Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center. This facility is surrounded by hundreds of acres rich in archaeological history – providing many “hands on” experiences to learn about the Native American culture. There is also a bird-viewing ... continue reading

Another great discovery in Cedar Rapids is Grant Wood’s studio and home at Five Turner Alley! Mr. Wood’s studio is located on the second floor of a later 19th century carriage house. The modest brick and wood building sits next to an elegant mansion that once was the home for prominent Cedar Rapids families. Grant Wood lived and painted at this location from 1924 to 1934. At one point both his mother and sister shared this small home ... continue reading

As you drive down First Avenue in Cedar Rapids, you cannot help but notice a most interesting building at 615 First Avenue SE. This very unique building is the home of the Carl and Mary Koehler History Center. The History Center made its home at this location in 1999 to help the City of Cedar Rapids celebrate its Sesquicentennial. The permanent gallery tells the story of the settlement of Linn County. The exhibits include archaeological displays, history ... continue reading

I recently had a “WOW” experience when I visited the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. We are fortunate to have such a beautiful building with an incredible collection of art in our community. Inspired by the extraordinary art gathered together at the World’s Colombian Exposition in Chicago, Cedar Rapids community leaders formed an art club in 1893. Ten years later, they were offered a specially designed gallery in the (then) new Carnegie Library. In 1906 ... continue reading

I just returned from lunch at Cedar Rapids’ BBQ Roundup. I selected a pulled-pork sandwich from Willingham’s BBQ. This vendor is from Memphis, TN. The other seven vendors came from Alabama, Illinois, Minnesota, Florida, Texas and Tennessee. The pork was wonderful as I’m sure all the others are as well. This event also provides great entertainment. Tonight’s band is Gin Blossoms performing at 8:30pm. Tomorrow night Lukas Nelson will be on stage ... continue reading

Arriving downtown Cedar Rapids last Saturday morning, reminded me of one of the reasons I love Iowa! It is the Farmers’ Market. There were more than 200 vendors from across the state of Iowa making this market one of the largest of its kind in the state. Vendors were selling a variety of items. Of course the traditional items included strawberries, rhubarb, peas, potatoes, lettuce, asparagus, flowers, meats, eggs, baked goods and the list goes on. ... continue reading

Spring is the perfect time to arrive in Cedar Rapids and experience all the festivals and events. I was very excited to attend Houby Days and to learn more about the Czech and Slovak culture. When I say learn more, I experienced the music, dances and food. It was beautiful to watch the swirl of color from the many dancers as they performed in the native Czech and Slovak dresses. The entertainers were all ages. ... continue reading

I lOVE art festivals! This past weekend I found one of the best in Marion. The annual Marion Art Festival is a must to attend. There are only 50 artists juried to exhibit at this festival and 21 were here for the very first time. The arts included 2D and 3D mixed media, ceramics, drawings, fiber, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography, printmaking, sculptures and wood. I purchased a beautiful porcelain plate from artist, Bob Brehmer. The Marion ... continue reading

A beautiful spring evening with many fragrant flowers in bloom was the perfect time for “Nooks and Crannies Tour” at Brucemore. Built in the Queen Anne style, the mansion was constructed between 1884 and 1886. In 1906 Mrs. Sinclair, the original owner, traded her home with George and Irene Douglas. After she passed away in 1937, Mrs. Douglas bequeathed the home to her oldest daughter, Margaret, and her husband, Howard Hall. Margaret Hall bequeathed ... continue reading

My exploration of Cedar Rapids continues. My adventures have opened doors to two incredible museums that tell the stories of the many people and cultures that have made this city the place it is today. My first stop was to the African American Museum of Iowa. The museum’s permanent exhibit is titled, “Endless Possibilities” which tells the story using photos, objects and multimedia to trace the journey of Iowa’s African Americans. The exhibit begins in Africa ... continue reading

As I mentioned in my first ” Seeing Cedar Rapids Through New Eyes” blog, Paul at the Crowne Plaza suggested I see the newly renovated Theatre Cedar Rapids. Based on his recommendation, TCR was at the top of my list and I finally got my chance! I attended the production of “Proof” at this beautifully restored historic theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids. It was very interesting to learn that this theatre originally opened in 1928 as a vaudeville and ... continue reading

My third day on the job as the president of the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, I was invited to throw out the first pitch for the Cedar Rapids Kernels opening game. What an honor! Then reality set in…..I’m not an athlete. The excitement of the Cedar Rapids Kernels game over came my anxiety. I was so impressed with Veterans Memorial Stadium, the Perfect Game Field, the friendliness of the staff, the excitement of the fans ... continue reading

Before starting my new job as president/CEO for the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, I was in town to finalize all my arrangements. Other than a few board members and staff, no one knew who I was. As I arrived at the Crowne Plaza and needed assistance with luggage, I met the hotel bellman, Paul. He immediately began sharing information about the community and the wonderful event that had just been held at the U. ... continue reading

A convention and tourism industry veteran has been named president of the Cedar Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau. Marilee Fowler, previously executive director of the Evansville, Ind., Convention and Visitors Bureau, will assume her new position April 6. Fowler succeeds Tim Boyle, who resigned in September to pursue other interests. Josh Moore, chairman of the Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau board of directors, said Fowler was selected after an extensive nationwide search. "Marilee Fowler quickly rose to the top of the ... continue reading