Explore C.R. With Purpose

Have fun while doing good!

When you are exploring the city, sometimes it’s nice to know that your support of a local business might go just a little bit further. In the Cedar Rapids area, there are many businesses and organizations that support the greater good in a number of ways. Here are just a few ideas of tourism spots that have an extra philanthropic connection:

Willie Ray’s Q Shack – Not only does Willie Ray Fairley know how to make some mouth-watering barbeque, but he also happens to know how to pitch in and help out when disaster strikes. Check out their daily specials–smoked chicken, brisket and rib tips depending on the day of the week–and stop by their Cedar Rapids location to pick up lunch or dinner for yourself. Then follow along on social media as Willie Ray and his team jump into action anytime natural disaster strikes around the country. Willie Ray takes up donations and hits the road to help feed people who are going through a tough time.

NewBo City Market – It’s not just a cool place to gather and hang out in the heart of a thriving, eclectic neighborhood. NewBo City Market is also a business incubator, where local entrepreneurs with ideas for growing their own business can get access to cost effective space that sees a lot of traffic in the community. You’ll certainly be surprised as the wide variety of food and retail businesses that are growing their roots at the Market–everything from traditional Hispanic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean fare, to handmade soaps, sweet treats, and more There are also often events going on that bring in even more vendors, such as farmers markets, vendor pop ups, and more.

Groundswell Cafe – If you are looking for a great breakfast or lunch spot, give Groundswell Cafe a try. They offer up a delicious selection of menu items using locally sourced products as often as possible. We recommend trying an omelet, breakfast sandwich, or wrap. And for lunch their salads can’t be beat. Plus, Groundswell is a “pay-it-forward” cafe. Any tips that you leave when you purchase your own meal, are added into a fund that covers the cost of the meal of someone who may not be able to afford to buy a breakfast or lunch for themselves that day. The goal is to ensure anyone in the community can have access to fresh healthy food no matter their ability to pay.

Indian Creek Nature Center – If you love to spend time outdoors, Indian Creek Nature Center is a perfect stop. With some seven miles of trails to explore–through woodlands, prairie, and wetlands–it can be an ideal spot, just minutes from downtown Cedar Rapids, to get in touch with the great outdoors. You can learn more about making more sustainable choices in your day-to-day life from the exhibits in and around the Amazing Space campus. Then, pop into the Creekside shop and pick up some honey, maple syrup, or farm-fresh eggs, the purchase of which all support the environmental education programming and conservation efforts of the Nature Center.

Plus, check out the wide variety of museums and cultural attractions like the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Brucemore, The History Center, African American Museum of Iowa, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, and many more– around the Cedar Rapids area. Your admission ticket, attendance at a program, or purchase in their gift shops help support the work of the organization’s mission day in and day out.

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