Des Moines, Iowa Favorites

August 7, 2024

Lately I have been feeling a little homesick, so I wanted to make a list of my favorite things in Des Moines. I grew up in central Iowa, and up until last year at this time, had lived there always and forever ( with exception of living in Branson, MO for one summer while I worked at a summer camp ).

All of my favorites are linked in their names, and I am curious to see if any of you agree with my choices.

• Coffee shops:

  • Horizon Line - they give you your coffee, whether hot or cold, in a glass jar that you can bring back or keep forever ( they prefer you bring them back) and they are constantly making new incredible drinks and treats

  • Northern Vessel - really cool people and really tasty coffee

• Art Galleries:

  • Liz Lidgett Gallery - this one is probably obvious if you know me personally, because I worked for Liz for 3.5 years. They have such a lovely collection of artists in so many different styles

  • Des Moines Art Center - for the size of the city, Des Moines has a really great art scene. If you ever make it to Des Moines please of see this

• Festivals:

  • Des Moines Art Festival - such a cool way to see different kinds of art. Artists come from all over the country to see their art at this festival, and collectors come from far and wide

  • Celebrasian - the last couple of years we havent been able to go and have been so sad. There is so much good food, music, performances and culture

• Hair Salons:

  • Oliver + james salon - another place I used to work and fell in love with. Such a great group of girls with so much talent and skill

  • Marc Stephens salon - Lauren is a friend of mine in college’s older sister and she is so good at what she does. This salon is a little fancier than O+j’s

• Lunch/Dinner:

  • Miyabi 9 - delightful Japanese food. They have a great bento box lunch special that I could eat every day

  • Panka - great great food that I would not have normally tried. So good

  • Eatery/a - the best wood fired pizza

  • Lucky Lotus - so yummy and such a fun ambiance

• Places to go:

  • Des Moines Botanical Garden - I may be a little biased, because I got married here, but it is absolutely lovely. They have summer concerts and a little cafe inside ( which I’m not sure I would suggest, but I would be willing to try again ) and so many lovely plants

  • Blank Park Zoo - the zoo has always had a place in my heart because my mom would take me so often when I was little, we had a family pass and it feels very nostalgic to me

  • Des Moines Farmers Market - probably the best farmers market in all the land. I love this market. There are blocks and blocks of produce and breads and goods and it is just delightful. Highly suggest

This is the list I can think of at the moment. I am sure I am missing so many things that I love, but here is your guide to DSM!