Our Wedding Celebration
Things To Do
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Zombie themed burger joint....whats not to love!
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Enjoy the arts and beautiful weather at the same time! Get your camera ready!
Des Moines Art Center
This unique institution was built by 3 different architects, I.M. Pei, Richard Meier, and Eliel Saarenin. Today it houses a modern art collection.
Living History Farms
A unique interactive learning experience that tells the history of Iowa spanning over 300 years in time. Highly recommended for out-of-state guests interested in learning about our beautiful prairie state!
Shotgun Betty's
This classic honky-tonk was one of our favorite go-to bars for good music, cheap beers, and a little country dancing when we lived in Iowa.
Up-Down
This Bar/Arcade features 40 arcade games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, pinball machines, three classic skee-ball alleys, Nintendo and Sega console gaming, and life-size jenga and connect four. Sure to be a good time!
The Exchange
This Wall-street inspired bar offers a unique experience. Just like your stocks, prices go up with the popularity of the drink, and customers can watch it happen on the ticker right in front of them. And, like any market, it is prone to crashes and unpredictability but makes for a unique drinking experience.
Exile Brewing Company
This local brewery not only has tasty beers, but good food too. Check it out for a laid back but delicous dinner, or better yet schedule a tour of the Des Moines brewery.
Tacopocalypse
Quick, easy, and as they say 'devastatingly good food' we would have to agree.
Centro
This upscale restaurant has some of the best Italian food in the Des Moines area. The casual setting and high-end food makes it always a night you won't regret.
La Mie Bakery
La Mie is one of the best bakeries around. Whether your looking for beautiful tarts and pastrys, or a delicous breakfast, brunch, or lunch La Mie is the place to find it.
Fong's Pizza
Who wants Chinese pizza? Wait...what? Chinese Pizza? Yeah...really....and it is delicous. Dont skip on the crab rangoon pizza friends and take a kamikaze shot if you really want the full Fong's experience.
Johnny's Italian Steakhouse West Des Moines
If your looking for a good steak, or just good old American food, Johnny's is a great choice, any of their 3 locations!
El Bait Shop
With more than 200 beers on tap, this old-school beer house is where it is at. You're surely to find something you like here.
Iowa State Capitol
Located at East 9th Street and Grand Avenue, the Capitol is set atop a hill and offers a panoramic view of the city's downtown and the West Capitol Terrace. Various monuments and memorials are to its sides and front, including the Soldiers and Sailors' Monument and the Lincoln and Tad statue. The interior is stunning, if you can manage to get a tour check out the dome completed cladded in gold leaf.
Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel
This event center has special events, a horse race track, and a casino.
Outlets of Des Moines
Outdoor outlet shopping venue, name brands at discounted prices.
Jordan Creek Town Center
This area has tons of shopping, including the Jordan Creek mall.
Principal Park Baseball Stadium
Home to the beloved Iowa Cubs, catch a baseball game while in town!
Science Center of Iowa & Blank IMAX Dome Theater
Creative learning center in downtown Des Moines features themed exhibits or catch an 3D film in the Imax theater.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explorthe world of plants through tropical and temperate gardens, an oasis in the heart of downtown Des Moines.
West End Architectural Salvage
Can't decide if you want a coffee, a beer, or go antique shopping? You can do all in this amazing multi-story shop, full of salvaged treasures from all over. Highly recommended by Christine!
Jasper Winery
Premium wines sourced from local Iowa vineyards, open for tastings and tours!
Peace Tree Brewing Co.
This industrial tap room is home to Iowa local brew company Peace Tree. Looking for good beers and a good vibe, head to their East Village location.
Historic East Village
Home to quaint little antique shops, edgy artists, and hole-in-the-wall type bars, this neighborhood doesnt disappoint.
Grays Lake
Home to a beautiful river walk when you want to step away from the city and get in touch with nature.
High Trestle Trail
Looking to get away from the city? The high trestle trail is a beautifully scenic route and the cherry on top is the beautiful bridge!
Hogback Covered Bridge
If you're looking for that authentic Iowa landscape, well you an can go just about anywhere 5 minutes outside of Des Moines, but if you ever saw the movie Bridges of Madison County then you'll know this one!
John Wayne Birthplace Museum
If you're a fan of 'The Duke' you can visit his birthplace in Winterset, Iowa. Just 40 miles south of Des Moines, you can also find a beautiful castle like tower, called Clark Tower along the way.
Des Moines Social Club
Music, theater, art, comedy. Check out their website for events!
Malo
DELICIOUS. Seriously.
Hurts Donut
Breakfast, handled. These donuts are half art, half sustenance, don't think about it, just go!
Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption
Okay this is a little off the beaten path but 'The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption' is a religious shrine located in West Bend, Iowa. A conglomeration of nine grottos depicting scenes in the life of Jesus, the Grotto contains a large collection of minerals and petrifications and is believed to be the largest grotto in the world and has earned the nickname of 'the 8th wonder of the world'
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
This outdoor farmers market is a fantastic way to spend a Saturday moning (unless you are getting married that Saturday of course) You'll find fresh vegetables, baked goods, arts & crafts and the best breakfast on earth from Farm Boys Breakfast Burritos, where Christine served up morning happiness in a wrap for 10+ years!
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
Take a walk on the stunning bridge that connect east and west Des Moines.
Des Moines Vietnamese Buddhist Temple
Cultural center for Buddhism. The best day to go is on Sundays, when they have a lot going on. Be prepared to take off your shoes and be respectful upon entering. Bring cash to eat some tasty authentic asian food while there!
Jordan House
Take a trip back in history through this prominent stop on the underground railroad.