Long before the floods hit this summer, Cedar Rapids had a reputation for strong odors. Now, a best selling author claims it stinks so bad that people should completely avoid the eastern Iowa city. Most residents of Cedar Rapids are honest when asked about why the city of five seasons is also referred to as the city of five smells.
"It stinks. That’s how I describe it. It smells," Rochelle Boyer said. Tia Sallis said, "You do have days where it’s horrible…just like ewww." "It’s the cost of doing business here," Tom Newport said. Becky Bateman said, "It’s an acquired smell." Locals may ignore or try to adjust to the odors from factories, but Peter Greenberg says the city stinks so bad – people should avoid going there. His new book, titled "Don’t Go There," includes an entire page about Cedar Rapids.
Greenberg describes the aroma as a mix of burnt corn, stale, rotting garbage and over-cooked oatmeal. "It’s true, sure, but it’s not that big of a deal," Newport said. Sallis said, "It’s not that bad, just bring your clothespin things."
Bateman said, "I think that’s a little harsh." Greenberg’s list of other stinky cities includes New Bern, North Carolina, Lewiston, Idaho and Williamsburg, Michigan.