Things To Do
Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio
Gilroy's is a restaurant owned by Leigh's dad, Scott. She spent fond time hosting there in high school. Gilroy's is a redhead centered restaurant, so Saylor feels extra special! Check it out, order the cheese curds, and if you want a drink order the Uber Cherry Limeade (bride's favorite) or the Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned (groom's favorite)!
West End Lounge
This is where Leigh and Saylor got to know each other! Throughout the years they've spent lots of time--and even more money--at this bar, and it continues to be a favorite. Whether it's a Drake basketball game or just for fun, all roads lead to West End! This place is extra special, Leigh's parents first saw eachother here, her dad and uncle bartended here, her parents owned it for a while, then her brother, Garrett, bartended there where Leigh, Saylor, and Saylor's brother, Emmett, were frequent patrons! Be sure to hop on Touch Tunes to play "West End Girls" and take a shot off the shotski for the bride and groom!
Habanero's
This is Leigh and Saylor's favorite Mexican restaurant in Des Moines. Conveniently within walking distance of Saylor's fraternity, SAE, they've enjoyed lots of nachos and daiquiris here during their time at Drake University.
Gray's Lake Park
This is the bride and groom's favorite place to walk together, and Saylor's favorite place to run while training for his next race! The park became extra special on February 28, 2025, when Leigh finished the day's walk with a ring!
Blank Park Zoo
Leigh and Saylor enjoy seeing the animals at the zoo! Leigh's fond memories date back to her time in Zoo Camp. Be sure to feed the giraffes and check out the monkeys!
Drake Diner
Steps away from Drake's campus, the Drake Diner is one of the first places Leigh and Saylor had a date! This diner is a favorite spot of Saylor's dad, Stan, and stepmom, Yuen, when they come to town! A restaurant her dad, Scott, managed in the 1990s, the Carlsons would visit for brunch where Leigh grew up enjoying the cherry shakes and suckers! Get some breakfast food and think of Saylor, or have ice cream for breakfast and think of Leigh!
Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company
Where Saylor first met Leigh's family! CABCo, or referred to as simply "the brewery" by Saylor, Leigh and the Carlson family. It is Des Moines' oldest brew pub, Leigh's dad, Scott, owned the restaurant for many years. A home-away-from-home, Leigh and Saylor have enjoyed walking there from their apartment downtown and playing trivia with friends!
Up-Down DSM
A fun barcade that the bride and groom have enjoyed with friends and family! Leigh typically sweeps the group Pac-Man game, and no one rivals Saylor's score in skee-ball! If it was cool enough for Leigh to meet Gavin DeGraw there, it would be cool enough for you.
Hessen Haus
This German bar has captivated Saylor ever since he started sharing das boot full of beer with his college friends! He also loves their advent fish frys, a fun reminder of the tradition in his home state of Wisconsin! Leigh enjoys going for the big pretzel, and teases the group by ordering a Black Cherry Carbliss boot from time-to-time.
Wellman's Pub
Saylor is a wing-fanatic and this is a favorite! The BBQ and Buffalo sauces are the very best, a must try.
The Stuffed Olive Des Moines
A go-to martini bar that the bride and groom enjoy walking to! Leigh's go-to is the Cherry Koolaid, Saylor's is Almond Joy! Cheers!
The Royal Mile
An English pub in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Saylor enjoyed their weekly trivia and a perfectly poured Guinness!
The Fat Putter Des Moines
This mini golf place is around the block from the bride and groom! They went on their latest anniversary and Saylor swept the courses. (21+ after 9:00pm)
Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center has a beautiful collection, free for the public to enjoy. Leigh and Saylor are both artistic people. Growing up Leigh would get lost in her artwork, enjoying graphite drawing the most. Saylor has always liked to draw and transformed that interest into a career as a graphic designer. Leigh enjoyed taking classes at the Art Center growing up, learning how to make pottery and paint with watercolors. Saylor enjoyed visiting with one of his Drake University art classes!
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
This beautiful sculpture park is in the heart of downtown, an easy walk from Leigh and Saylor's apartment!
Science Center of Iowa
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
Big Grove is a favorite spot of Saylor's mom, Erin, and stepdad, Jerry, when they're in town! Saylor and Leigh have enjoyed family dinners there with the Scotts. Enjoy a jumbo pretzel and cheers to the bride and groom!
Des Moines Athletic Club
Enjoy craft cocktails or mocktails at this new bar located in the couple's lobby! Be sure to try out the photo booth. Cheers!
Iowa State Capitol
One of the nation's most beautiful state capitols is open to the public. Book a free tour or simply guide yourself through the space -- be sure to check out the library. The view of the Des Moines skyline is one for the books!