At Guru BBQ, begin the day with a little brunch – that is right, we said brunch. Come and dine on all things from a Crème Brulee French Toast to a Breakfast Taco that has house smoked salsa and chorizo. The new downtown eatery has been making visitors and locals satisfied with their eclectic mixture of Thai, Spanish, Mexican, Korean, French, and Cajun fare styles.
Skate off those calories at Brenton Skating Plaza. The outside ice skating rink is situated alongside the Des Moines River, and provides skyline views, as well as easy accessibility to additional downtown attractions and restaurants. Whether you’re a beginner or an old pro, Brenton is the ideal area to appreciate a couple of laps around the ice rink.
Brenton Skating Plaza
Next, head toward the Historic E. Village for food, as well as Iowa beer in the Iowa Taproom. Attempt one of the 120 taps from over twenty-five Iowa breweries. Get a fast bite to eat, catch the game or merely sit back and appreciate craft beer in the area!
Iowa Taproom fritters
At the Des Moines Civic Center, you can catch the nightly show. All throughout the week it is possible to appreciate all things from a touring Broadway show such as Rent, Sound of Music, Mamma Mia or Fun Home to the Des Moines Symphony or well-known musician in concert.
Civic Center Broadway
At Gusto Pizza, get a late-night pie slice. With special twists upon signature Italian pizzas, as well as the choice to build your own, the possibilities of pie are endlessly delectable. Appreciate a variety of wine and beer. Plus, take home a cannoli or treat for later on that is locally made.
Gusto Pizza
Juniper Moon is the last stop. Situated directly next door to Gusto Pizza, the lounge is ideal for conversation and will feature a delectable menu of brew, wine, and distillery selections. If you have a desire to save some time, knock out drinks and dinner together. You may order Gusto Pizza within their ol’ school phone booth, as well as have dinner delivered fresh and hot right to your seat.
Juniper Moon
Day 2
At Jethro’s BBQ ‘n Jambalya, begin the morning with breakfast. Choose from a breakfast quesadilla, made-to-order omelets, biscuits & gravy and a lot more! The popular destination has restaurants all over the metro. Be ready to leave with a full stomach and an empty plate.
Jethro’s
It is then time to go shopping! Check out West Glen of W. Des Moines. Look at locally-owned retailers and boutiques like W. End Architectural Salvage. The antique restoration store is the ideal location to discover your following home décor piece or merely search for inspiration! W. Glen provides a broad array of nightlife, dining, and shopping selections.
- Glen Town Center
Live just like a local and go to the community bistro, Table 128 inside Clive. Appreciate a half-priced drink during happy hour or a family recipe burger. Come and taste why the locals visit to dine on entrees crafted by Chef L. Pritchard. Every item on the menu is made from scratch with seasonal, fresh ingredients that are locally sourced as possible.
Table 128
After you have dinner, just head downtown to complete your day with live music in Noce, a modern-day cabaret and jazz club. Appreciate national and local entertainment over a traditional cocktail. Or go by while a dance class is in session and figure out how to salsa or swing dance. It is a cozy area to end a hectic weekend!
What are some Free Events to Participate In?
In Des Moines, the highly respected Des Moines Art Center is home to an impressive collection inside a structure which has expanded with additions by high-class architects. Search their art or attempt to create it! For an extra charge, you can sign up to get involved in an art class.
Just minutes from downtown, the Ankeny Art Center, contains gallery space for artists work in the area. It is easy to see something new every time you’re there, with new exhibitions every six to eight weeks. For an extra charge, they provide art classes.
Moberg Gallery includes a contemporary gallery that represents fine Mid-west artists which work in numerous mediums, which include glass, metalworks, paintings and much more.
In the core of downtown Des Moines, is the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The 28-piece art park contains the work of famous artists. It is an excellent place to take a picture!
Exhibits and Historical Museums
The Museum of Iowa contains big interactive exhibits which engage adults and children. Discover the culture and history of Iowa with rotating and permanent exhibits.
Come and experience the amazing World Food Prize. This 100-year-old library structure pays honor to Norman E. Borlaug, as well as his accomplishments in humanitarian efforts, agriculture and science.
With a 23k-gold dome top, it is difficult to miss the gorgeous Iowa State Capitol upon the corner of downtown. The structure is home to legislature, the governor’s office, as well as the older Supreme Court room.
The Iowa Hall of Pride spotlights a few of the state’s greatest natives. All ages may appreciate interactive exhibits.
Constructed over a century ago, Carnegie Library Museum is upon National Register of Historic Places. Discover Perry, Iowa’s history through temporary exhibits that are on display.
Celebrate! Innovation Exhibition is made to showcase the importance of innovation and creative thinking. Browse artifacts and exhibits, photographs and more on the United States’ innovative spirit.
Discover the historic center of Clive that, in 1882, was platted by touring the Swanson House & Clive Depot. Tours are available in order to hear more on the history of businesses and people of Clive.
Iowa Gold Star Museum shows off artifacts and tells a tale of Iowa vets from the 1846 Mexican War to the present day. Also, the museum is home to a reference library about Iowa veterans and military subjects.
No matter what the season, it’s possible to appreciate one of the many gorgeous nature areas and parks within Greater Des Moines! Click here to learn more about Des Moines haunted houses.
