Where's the Secret Passageway?

Here's a clue: How do you get to the Near Northside Neighborhood? Let Mr. Irving Weber show you the way. Oh, so you say he's been gone for a while now. No, I hope not, at least not his life-size sculptural likeness created by Max-Cast Studio in Kalona. Irving Weber was Iowa City's resident historian and one time purveyor of Ice Cream. The Irving Weber Days are a city-sponsored celebration that takes place every year, but I digress...

No, let Irving Weber lead the way. He's located at the three-way stop on the corner of Iowa and Linn Streets, flanked by the University. (You can get mighty distracted by the literary walk showcasing quotations by famous authors with Iowa connections, embedded as sculptures in the sidewalks there. Rumor has it that at some point in the future, this literary walk will be extended to the near Northside.) Go see Irving, then proceed beyond in the passage way between the Physics Building and Seashore Hall over to East Jefferson St. Continue to follow Linn St over to Market St, and there you are. You've found it! It's a handy five minute diversion that doesn't even require parking. 

The Northside is a great little incubator of interesting shops and restaurants, from upscale to funky. Check out Home Ec Workshop, Haunted Bookshop, rsvp, modela and Artifacts. Make sure you're hungry! So many options: Hamburg Inn, Oasis, Devotay, Linn St Cafe, Bluebird Diner, T-spoons,  and more. A guided tour will follow on another day.