Downtown Independence, Iowa

Hotels

Hotel Tips

Not all online booking systems are fully integrated with hotel reservations systems so there is a chance that smaller hotels are hand entering your stay from a fax machine which leaves room for errors. Book directly with hotel to avoid any problems and ask for a price match if you find a better price online.

Elevators are notorious for being a nuisance so ask to be roomed on the top floor and as far away as possible. Most hotels book nearby rooms last so hopefully they have availability elsewhere.

Policies vary on the availability of pet friendly rooms to it is wise to be open, honest and upfront during the booking process. You may find yourself kicked out or even paying a large deposit if you are not in a pet-friendly hotel and bring one anyway. New ADA laws are fuzzy though as service animals are not required to be documented and proprietors are legally not allowed to ask if the animal is a pet vs. a service animal.

Things To Do

Independence has that special dining venue and you are sure to find something to please with numerous meals served to satisfy each palette. A wide variety of restaurants and delis are available to choose from with a nice selection of entrees and especially desserts.

Independence shopping is better than online shopping so that you can touch, feel, smell and taste as an experience with an item before deciding to purchase it for yourself or as a gift. Local merchants have hand selected their inventory to provide a unique selection for your downtown.

Independence is a great place to rent a bike and take it for a ride around downtown. There are many bike shops that sell bike and accessories as well as provide service and tuning on your ride. Don't forget your helmet and other protective gear such as reflective gear, headlight and horn.

Why Do You Love Downtown?

Don Nguyen
Am new to Cedar Park from California, would like to get a discount card and begin exploring Cedar Park.

Jolette Kosier
We are coming to Anoka this weekend we would like to see what this area has to see and enjoy.

Sharon Skipton
Will be there in a week. Looks like a great town!

Darcie Maassen
I love Downtown because I love the beautiful historic buildings. It's a very pretty area aesthetically. I also appreciate the great variety of delicious dining within a small area. Favorites include Capers, Pomodori, Paisanos, Bricktowne Brewery, Elements Tapas bar, Porters, Larks and 4 Daughters. They are all within 4-5 blocks!

Liisa Shunn
We love going downtown, because we like to support our local economy. The shops and restaurants we visit -- we have gotten to know the owners, so when our money is spent downtown, we know who benefits. Also? We live only a mile from downtown, so we walk or ride our bikes. No worries about a designated driver or looking for parking. We chose to live in Medford, so of course we want our money to stay in Medford, not going off to some corporate office of a chain store.

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