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CHEATSheet: Mount Vernon / Lisbon

TRAVELLinks

TRIED AND TRUE

LOCAL FAVORITES

EATS

In wintertime children flock to Pres Hill, so-called because the

Presbyterian Church presides there. The steep hill is closed after snowfalls to ensure safe sledding. This city street has been closed to traffic, and used as a sledding hill at first snow each year for as long as Mt. Vernon has been keeping records, or longer. All side streets are also closed to traffic. The street stretches nearly 1000 feet long and runs at a 35 degree angle, promising a fast trip down. Expect moderate sized crowds when weather forecasters promise snow.

ARTS

SITES

The Sutliff Bridge was the first structure to cross the Cedar River

in Johnson County back in 1898, and, at 827 feet, is one of the state's longest bridges. The best part of a visit to the bridge is a visit to the whimsical Baxa's Sutliff Store and Tavern where you can get a hot-off-the-grill burger and and icy cold beer. The bridge itself offers a great view of the Cedar River. The bridge is located about 6 miles south of Lisbon, Iowa. Take Sutliff Road south and follow the signs.

Lincoln Cafe (117 First Street, 319/895-4041) has gained a national reputation for its inspired, well-executed dinner specials. Chef Matt Steigerwald takes advantage of the freshest local foods available to produce outstanding meals. The restaurant fills up early and reservations are limited to large parties, so call ahead to get on the waiting list. The cafe has no license to sell alcohol, but you can bring your own wine. Buy it next door at the Chameleon's Pub & Grub.

Gwen’s in Lisbon is a quintessential small-town eatery best known for its Sunday all-you-can-eat brunch, operating since 1981. Reservations aren’t needed or taken, but the place can get busy on Sunday mornings. The Mount Vernon and Lisbon area has an impressive variety of restaurants that please students at Cornell College as well as locals. The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Visitors Center has a complete list at www.mvl.com.

Lisbon Heritage Hall, (101 East Main Street, Lisbon, 319/455-2800) located just above the Lisbon Public Library, is a rare gem in the world of performance concert halls. Heritage Hall was renovated in 1997 for use as a cultural center for programs offered through the library and by community groups. Concerts by professional musicians, student piano and string recitals, community theatre productions, puppet shows for children and programs by visiting writers and artists have all been enjoyed free of charge since then.

the state of Iowa. Audiences throughout the midwest delight in the fun and enthusiasm of the EIBB in concert. In their 1900's style costumes, the band is reminiscent of the 'town band' seen in communities all across the country 100 years ago. EIBB performs several subscription concerts each season at the Mount Vernon High School Auditorium as well as across the Midwest. Visit the website at www.eibb.org for more information.

Founded in 1985, The Eastern Iowa Brass Band is the only band of its kind in