Food scene
This is a local bar with decent bar food. Fun drink specials and an atmosphere that throws back to the 80s. Locally owned.
6 locals recommend
The Dam Pub
2710 Beaver AveThis is a local bar with decent bar food. Fun drink specials and an atmosphere that throws back to the 80s. Locally owned.
Steakhouse that is close to the house. Reasonably priced and locally owned. Nice salad bar. Good Covid Cautions in place.
Chicago Speakeasy
1520 Euclid AveSteakhouse that is close to the house. Reasonably priced and locally owned. Nice salad bar. Good Covid Cautions in place.
Supper club style restaurant. Kind staff, fun food, small environment. Located in Valley Junction--a historic part of West Des Moines. Close to lots of local shopping.
Cooper's on 5th
227 5th StSupper club style restaurant. Kind staff, fun food, small environment. Located in Valley Junction--a historic part of West Des Moines. Close to lots of local shopping.
My favourite restaurant. Lebanese food served in a very unique environment. Downtown, on the edge of the east village. In close proximity to local shopping.
6 locals recommend
Open Sesame
313 E Locust StMy favourite restaurant. Lebanese food served in a very unique environment. Downtown, on the edge of the east village. In close proximity to local shopping.
Local pub that only takes cash. Simple options, quiet, and mellow. popcorn available (may be affected by the pandemic). One of my favourite places to avoid large crowds and have easy conversation.
Cooney's Tavern Beaverdale
3708 Beaver AveLocal pub that only takes cash. Simple options, quiet, and mellow. popcorn available (may be affected by the pandemic). One of my favourite places to avoid large crowds and have easy conversation.
New coffee shop that provides fun coffee options and locally roasted coffee. Pastry options available.
The Slow Down Coffee Co.
3613 6th AveNew coffee shop that provides fun coffee options and locally roasted coffee. Pastry options available.
El Bait Shop
200 SW 2nd StMost beer on tap at any location within the Metro.
The Iowa Taproom
215 E 3rd StMany local beer options on tap for the beer lover!
Simon's
5800 Franklin AveLucky Lotus
2721 Ingersoll AveNeighborhoods
Here is a link to the Beaverdale neighborhood website.
https://www.beaverdale.org/
7 locals recommend
Beaverdale
Here is a link to the Beaverdale neighborhood website.
https://www.beaverdale.org/
Lot of unique shops and restaurants, very walkable, Farmer's market Thursdays, 4-8 pm. Please check the website for seasonal schedule.
valleyjunction.com
46 locals recommend
Valley Junction
Lot of unique shops and restaurants, very walkable, Farmer's market Thursdays, 4-8 pm. Please check the website for seasonal schedule.
valleyjunction.com
Sightseeing
This attraction has several time-period-specific working farms. It's educational, family-friendly, and a great way to learn about Iowa!
20 locals recommend
Living History Farms
11121 Hickman RdThis attraction has several time-period-specific working farms. It's educational, family-friendly, and a great way to learn about Iowa!
Shopping and dining area near the capital in Downtown Des Moines. There are lots of options for unique places to check out and is very walkable.
64 locals recommend
East Village
Shopping and dining area near the capital in Downtown Des Moines. There are lots of options for unique places to check out and is very walkable.
Tons of vendors, great food, people watching, and a good reason to start exploring downtown Des Moines. Saturdays from 7 am-noon, May 1st-Oct 30th.
41 locals recommend
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
300 Court AveTons of vendors, great food, people watching, and a good reason to start exploring downtown Des Moines. Saturdays from 7 am-noon, May 1st-Oct 30th.
The capital building is beautiful and typically offers free tours. Please verify whether the pandemic would affect that offering before going.
56 locals recommend
Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand AveThe capital building is beautiful and typically offers free tours. Please verify whether the pandemic would affect that offering before going.
A 2 mile loop around the lake is a nice walk; trails connect further if desired. Plenty of places to eat a picnic and kayaks/paddleboards to rent during the summer months.
26 locals recommend
Grays Lake
A 2 mile loop around the lake is a nice walk; trails connect further if desired. Plenty of places to eat a picnic and kayaks/paddleboards to rent during the summer months.
Beautiful dome with a variety of plants to learn about and some exterior gardens to explore. Frequent wedding venue. Delicious clean eating restaurant onsite.
53 locals recommend
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray DrBeautiful dome with a variety of plants to learn about and some exterior gardens to explore. Frequent wedding venue. Delicious clean eating restaurant onsite.
Local T-shirt and souvenir/art shop in Des Moines. Clever sayings; the T-shirts are super soft.
20 locals recommend
RAYGUN
505 E Grand AveLocal T-shirt and souvenir/art shop in Des Moines. Clever sayings; the T-shirts are super soft.
Brenton Skating Plaza
520 Robert D. Ray DrConcert venue and outdoor ice skating rink.