Visit these 10 women-owned businesses in Iowa City during Women's History Month
Women's History Month annually highlights the contributions of women.
One of the best ways to support them is to shop at their locally-owned businesses, and in Iowa City, there are plenty of options.
Here are a few women-owned businesses to visit during Women's History Month and beyond:
Prairie Lights Books
Prairie Lights Books isn't merely a bookstore; it's a cherished cornerstone of Iowa City's cultural landscape and has been for the past 46 years. From the vibrant energy of its bustling shelves and the cozy nooks in the café, Prairie Lights has something for everyone, whether you are a lifelong Iowa City native, a student, or just visiting for the weekend. Prairie Lights is renowned far beyond state lines and is nationally regarded as a top independent bookstore.
Location: 5 S Dubuque St., Iowa City
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: prairielights.com, 319-337-2681
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Haunted Bookshop
The Haunted Bookshop, named after Christopher Morley's bibliomystery, invites guests to get lost in a world of books. The local bookstore has been Iowa City's go-to spot for used books since 1978 and carries over 40,000 used, rare, out-of-print titles in over 50 different subject areas. The Haunted Bookshop is committed to fostering community, located in the northside neighborhood in the historic Wentz House,
The Haunted Bookshop requires all customers to wear masks.
Location: 219 N Gilbert St., Iowa City
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Closed on Sundays
Contact: thehauntedbookshop.com, 319-337-2996
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SideKick Coffee & Books
Owner Katy Herbold opened the coffee shop and bookstore in University Heights in 2019 with a few unique twists. The bookstore celebrates and routinely hosts programming for children's literature, accompanied by scoops of the locally-owned Heyn's Ice Cream. The coffee shop also serves baked goods from Solon's The Eat Shop.
Location: 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave., Iowa City
Hours: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: sidekickcoffeebooks.com or 319-569-1010
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Trumpet Blossom Café
At Trumpet Blossom Café, sustainability takes the spotlight, and creativity knows no bounds. As one of Iowa City's eco-friendly gems, this eatery specializes in inventive seasonal delights crafted with the commitment to using no animal products and sourcing local, organic ingredients. This vegan oasis, owned and operated by Chef Katy Meyer, has been more than just a restaurant for the past 12 years. While Trumpet Blossom, at its core, is a restaurant, it also hosts local community events, especially by supporting local musicians who often perform at the café.
Location: 310 E Prentiss St., Iowa City
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Trumpet Blossom Cafe is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Contact: trumpetblossom.com, 319-248-0077
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The Greenhouse
The Greenhouse will celebrate its two-year anniversary in 2024. Owner Emily Salmonson got the idea to open a plant-themed bar during the 2020 quarantine. The Greenhouse is an oasis with more than 100 plants, elevated bar snacks, and plenty of specialty cocktails.
Location: 505 E Washington St., Iowa City
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Contact: thegreenhouseic.com, 319-259-7404
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The Knitting Shoppe
The Knitting Shoppe is every knitter's haven. Owner Edyie Stika started running it in 1986, becoming Iowa City's premier source for knitters. The Knitting Shoppe serves the needs of all skill levels, from quality yarn to supplies and even patterns. Stika also hosts classes so guests can knit in a positive and supportive environment.
Location: 2141 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City
Hours: Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed on Sunday
Contact: theknittingshoppeic.com, 319-337-4920
Leash on Life
Leash on Life, located in North Liberty and Iowa City, is a pet supply store known throughout the greater Iowa City community for high-quality pet supplies and healthy pet food alternatives. The locally owned and operated shop opened its doors in April 2006 and has been a trusted resource for pet owners ever since.
Location: 432 IA-1, Iowa City
Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on Sunday.
Contact: leashonlife.net, 319-354-4334
Om Gifts for Body & Soul
Om Gifts for Body & Soul opened in 2003 and has become a main stop for unique gifts. The store carries various cultural and spiritual gifts, transporting shoppers across the globe. Om specializes in handcrafted jewelry gifts and locally crafted items. The peaceful storefront aims to create a positive shopping experience. Om also offers tarot readings, healing sessions, classes, and meditation sessions.
Location: 105 S Linn St, Iowa City
Hours: Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contact: omgiftsiowacity.com, 319-358-1282
Dulcinéa
Dulcinéa is a locally owned and operated women's apparel store located in the heart of the downtown corridor on Dubuque Street. The store has been serving Iowa City since 1996 by carrying the latest trends in womenswear, including eclectic brands that can only be found in-store.
Dulcinéa also sells home décor items.
Location: 2 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Catherine's
Catherine's has been a cornerstone in the Iowa City community for nearly 50 years. The women's clothing store prioritizes the most sought-after brands and trends in womenswear that can't often be found at department stores.
Location: 7 S Dubuque St, Iowa City
Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: catherinesic.com, 319-338-2210
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: 10 women-owned Iowa City stores to visit during Women’s History Month
