This place feels like home, warm, friendly, and with a nice dog. The living room greets guests and provides families with a place to relax, travelers with a space to work, or friends an area to challenge each other to one of the many games occupying a bookshelf next to the fireplace. Another common area showcases the host family's appreciation for music with a piano and upright bass occupying opposite corners. A dining area encapsulates the Midwest charm of modern and traditional with antiques, complimentary coffee, and gluten-free friendly treats. The best place to have coffee here is on the spacious front porch, looking down the hill towards downtown (and John's Grocery—a beer lover's must visit destination—only a few blocks away).
The Brown Street Inn invites guests to stay in four rooms. Morning sun wakes guests in The Yellow Room's four-post queen bed. The crisp White Room overlooks the property's Osage orange tree and features a queen bed. The Blue Room is cozy, smells of lavender, and provides a glimpse of the storied neighboring property (see INNKEEPER'S TIP); the queen bed is extremely comfortable especially after a long Midwestern road trip. The Green Room is the largest of the four rooms and features a king-sized Shaker four-post bed with views overlooking Brown St. All rooms are located on the second floor and have private bathrooms (Green comes with a tub).
Iowa City is full of wonderful surprises. I learned the house at the end of Van Buren St is frequently visited by fans of Kurt Vonnegut. The American writer penned "Slaughterhouse-Five" in a house a few feet from The Brown Street Inn. The Inn is only a 10-minute walk to Iowa City's City Park, which hugs a turn on the Iowa River and is home to community baseball games, an open-air festival stage, and historic log cabins built in the late 1800s.
Stays of 4+ nights are given discounted rates, which is great for visitors attending the Iowa Writer's Workshop or other University events.
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