Rachel & Seth
Things To Do
Hello, Marjorie
Speak easy/bar with an amazing signature cocktail collection Fun fact: Seth lived in the historic apartment building located just above this bar. He agrees with the famous local neon sign located inside boasting, "The most beautiful girls live in Des Moines." We really enjoyed making a date night out of it and ordering drinks for each other! Check out their website for local happenings Sister bar = Secret Admirer P.S. our first date was here ❤️
Science Center of Iowa
Interactive exhibits and IMAX showings! Super fun outing with the kiddos especially
Adventureland Amusement Park
Thrill rides for all ages plus a water park, arcades, dining, shows, and lodging
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Seth grew up coming here with his family, infamously calling it "the bubble." He was excited to take Rachel on one of their first dates
Farmers Market
One of the best!! You have to try the breakfast burritos & boba tea! The Market takes place every Saturday, May through October, from 8 a.m. - Noon in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines.
Blank Park Zoo
The Blank Park Zoo is a perfect way to spend half a day. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for kids 2-12, and free for children under 2. Giraffes, lemurs, tigers, flamingos and so many more fun exhibits at this gem tucked away just outside of downtown DSM! A great place to take the kiddos or if you're an animal lover.
Gray's Lake Park
Gray's lake park is a favorite for locals of DSM! It boasts a beautiful walking trail around the lake with stellar city views. Enjoy the rainbow bridge, a playground, boat rentals, and a beach for swimming too! Don't forget to check out Confluence Brewing located just east of the park, an easy access from the trail for some great brews.
The Iowa Taproom
Probably the most highly requested spot when Dougy comes into town is a beer hall-style setting in downtown Des Moines with over 100 taps featuring all Iowa craft brews and a variety of American food favorites. They let you sample it all before committing, don't worry. The cheesesteak eggrolls are Rachel's favorite.
Sycamore Trails
Where we got engaged & the most frequently romped trails by Lola & Kona: Mountain bike enthusiasts and trail runners will find this 6+ mile trail network irresistible. Pedal, hike, or run along the west bank of the Des Moines River while admiring abundant wildlife and vegetation.
Vibrant Coffeehouse + Kitchen
Located in the heart of East Village is Rachel and her classmate's favorite coffeehouse/study spot. Grab some of their delicious mac & cheese in a bread bowl and a latte while you explore East Village's shopping. Its also an easy walk to our beautiful Capital building where our engagement photos were taken!
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
The 4.4 acre park, located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creates a pedestrian-friendly entryway to downtown Des Moines. Check out the fun, interactive sculptures while breathing in some fresh air! Check out one of our favorite restaurants, Django for some wine and french cuisine right across the street.
Jordan Creek Town Center
Located 20 minutes west of downtown DSM, The Jordan Creek Town Center is one of the best shopping centers in the state! Rachel and her maid of honor, Faith, came here to kill off some of the nervous energy with a snow cone before receiving their board scores. Needless to say, we passed!
Raccoon River Park
If you have ever seen pictures of Lola & Kona swimming, its likely here! Raccoon River is the, "crown jewel," of the West DSM parks system. It boasts a large dog park with hiking trails inside, a 3+ mile gravel trail around the lake, a swimming area, playground, and boat rentals. A favorite of ours for sure! Check out the historic Valley Junction shopping center right across the road from the park for pottery painting, coffee, boutiques, and plenty of yummy restaurants/sweets!