Voted as one of the 20 Best Small Towns in America by Smithsonian Magazine and the #2 Coolest Small City It’s Time to Roadtrip To by Buzzfeed, the small but conscious community  of Fairfield, Iowa has received widespread recognition for its entrepreneurial presence, sustainability, and local art scene.

Fairfield has more solar-powered homes per capita than anywhere in Iowa, was recently named the entrepreneurial capital of the state by governor Terry Branstad, and is consistently recognized as a great place to live.

What is it that makes Fairfield so special? The answer might just be Transcendental Meditation.

MUM students celebrate an international day.

Meditating Community

Fairfield is home to Maharishi University of Management (MUM)—the first and only U.S. university where every student, staff, and faculty member practices the Transcendental Meditation® (TM) technique daily.

Ever since the university came to town in 1974, MUM alumni and other meditators have flooded Fairfield with eco-friendly businesses, healthy restaurants, and colorful art galleries. In addition, the presence of such a large group of meditators has added a peaceful air to the city and made it a place like no other.

FAIRFest ’16, a 3-day roots music festival in front of the Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts

Great Entertainment

Despite its small size of only 10,000 people, Fairfield definitely delivers when it comes to entertainment. The local Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of international acts.

Cafe Paradiso and the newly-renovated Depot Brewery host open mics, touring bands, and local comedians.

Fairfield is also well-known in Iowa and surrounding states for its monthly Art Walks—community events featuring local art, vendors, live music, and more.

Cafe Paradiso and other restaurants on the town square.

International Dining

Fairfield is home to a variety of international restaurants—including Ethiopian, Caribbean, Italian, Indian, and Mexican—as well as several outstanding coffee shops.

During your stay, you’ll want to make sure to check out Cafe Paradiso, which has been voted as having the best coffee in Iowa for seven years in a row by the Iowa Source.

Plan Your Visit

The entertainment and dining options only scratch the surface. There’s a whole world of art, music, community, entertainment, and culture to explore in this deceptively small Iowa town.

Want to plan a visit? Check out the Fairfield Visitors Bureau website for more information on tours, lodging, events, and more.

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