Courtlin Explores the Cedar Valley — Part Two [PHOTOS]

So far, so good! I have officially checked two Cedar Valley restaurants off of my list as part of my 2026 new year's resolution - and we're already making plans for March!

For month one, I visited Downtown Cedar Falls to have brunch at Bigfoot Betty's, a place that my Cedar Valley friends had also never been to before. We had an awesome experience, which you can read more about HERE.

Simply because of how our schedules worked out this month, my February visit was also a Sunday brunch, but at a restaurant that my friends have been to many times before: George's Local. It's one of their absolute favorite places, so that's how I ended up in Downtown Cedar Falls for the second month in a row (don't worry - we're planning to visit a different city in March!).

George's Local

As we move forward in the year, you'll see that I prefer to avoid busy restaurant hours because I tend to get a little hangry. That's why we made our way over to George's shortly after it opened on Sunday morning around 9:15 a.m. There was hardly anyone there, so it was perfect! We enjoyed our breakfast cocktails in peace.

All four of us decided on different brunch meals, which meant that I got to try several dishes on the menu at George's. I got the Steak & Eggs, and the rest of my friends ordered Avocado Toast, Rum Caramel Pancakes, and French Toast. We also wanted to try the Breakfast Enchiladas, but, unfortunately, they were all out! No worries, though, because everything we had was DELICIOUS. Especially the pancakes!

I also want to give a shout out to our server. I don't remember his name, but he was so awesome! We had a great overall experience at George's Local, and I will definitely be back.

Reader's Cup & The Nook

Just like last month, we walked over to grab some coffee and do some shopping at Reader's Cup and The Nook after brunch. In addition to my coffee (I ordered the Tortured Poets Latte), I also got an order of cinnamon sugar mini donuts this time. YUM!

I just love everything about that place. The drinks, the decor, the vibes... everything! Downtown Cedar Falls has such cute local businesses!

Courtlin Explores the Cedar Valley: Part 3

Since we've done Cedar Falls two months in a row, we're looking at a couple of Waterloo restaurants for March. But, if you have any Cedar Valley restaurant or shop recommendations for me, I would love to hear them. I'm open to all types of suggestions! You can post them in the comments or send us a message on our station app.

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