For those like me who have lived in Cedar Rapids or the surrounding area their entire lives, you will understand what I mean when I say that after awhile a place can start to feel about as worn out and faded as a Xavier polo. Meaning, sometimes you just get bored of where you live. I am positive this feeling is not only common among us or even the many other residents in our so-called “fly over state,” but that many other young and maybe older people across the country are also feeling restless wherever they may live. Even if you are suffering from a strong desire to escape Cedar Rapids to find a more enticing and explorative place, I promise you that there is more to admire and discover about this city than what meets the eye.

Cedar Rapids, affectionately known as “Crapids,” is home to about 130,000 residents, not including the surrounding areas. Dubbed “The City of Five Seasons,” many of its own locals, including myself until recently, are not quite sure what the mysterious “fifth season” actually is. According to our city website, the fifth season is time. More specifically, time to enjoy the seasons as they pass. The question is, have we truly slowed down and taken the time to appreciate our unique city?

Have you visited some of the 74 different parks that Cedar Rapids is home to? What about NewBo and the Cedar Rapids Public Library? Recently renovated Greene Square Park has a great atmosphere for spending time with friends or for sitting around and enjoying a good book. If you consider yourself a foodie, Cedar Rapids is a great place to be. Many different ethnic tastes are offered all around the city. And seriously, who gets bored trying new foods?

Is it time for you to get a little more culture in your life? Check out one of CR’s many museums, such as the National Czech and Slovak Museum or Brucemore. Go see a show at Theater Cedar Rapids or the Paramount. The list of things to do goes on and on. We have barely scratched the surface of all that Cedar Rapids has to offer.

Next time you are thinking about how you cannot wait to get out of Cedar Rapids, make sure you have truly taken the time to discover some things around the city that you have never done before. Do not take the familiarity of a place for granted because someday, looking back, you may miss the comfort of your hometown more than you ever thought you would.