Des Moines
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
The Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market is one of the best in the country! It runs every Saturday morning from May through October, from 7 a.m. to noon, and features almost 300 farmers, producers, bakers and artists that represent 50 counties across the state of Iowa. If you'd rather spend your Saturday mornings at brunch or with a bloody mary, pop into any of the numerous bars and restaurants that line Court Avenue -- they're great for people-watching at the market!
Iowa State Capitol
The 23-karat golden dome towering above the city is a favorite of sightseers. Walk around the Capitol grounds, or schedule a tour -- they're available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is one of our favorite locations in Des Moines. So much so, that we had a number of our engagement photos taken at the park! The 4.4 acre park is located within a major crossroads of the urban grid, creating a pedestrian-friendly entryway to downtown Des Moines and features artwork by many of the world’s most celebrated artists.
Des Moines Art Center
Recognized by international art critics as a world-class museum in the heart of the Midwest, the Des Moines Art Center has amassed an important collection with a major emphasis on contemporary art. The collection is housed in three striking buildings, each designed by a world-renowned architect. With the exception of special events, admission to the museum is free.
Gray's Lake Park
Gray’s Lake Park is one of the most popular parks in the Des Moines metro area! With the city skyline as a stunning backdrop, the lake area offers much to do and see, all within walking distance of the city center. The park has a loop trail, beach, boat rentals, fishing, and much more! The great thing is, it’s connected to the city’s trail system, so you can access it by car, foot, or bike.
Pride Fest 2022
Our wedding falls smack in the middle of 2022 Pride Fest in Des Moines, which is one of the biggest parties of the year! This year's festivities are being headlined by Matt & Kim and Todrick Hall, but there are events happening throughout the month of June.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
There are thousands of plants blooming both inside and outside of the large domed conservatory, located just a few short minutes from the gold dome of the Iowa State Capitol. The Botanical Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, and Hotel
Prairie Meadows is a large casino, racetrack, and hotel just on the northeast side of Des Moines. There are thoroughbred horse races every Friday through Monday starting May 13, so if you've got an itch to go bet on some ponies or throw down on some slots either before or after the wedding, this is your spot! They also offer live sports betting since it's now legal in Iowa, if that's your thing. :)
Confluence Brewing Company
This is a must-see for beer fans. The large taproom has upwards of 30 different beers on tap -- Zack's favorite is the Des Moines IPA (look for it at our reception!), and Sara's is the Beaverdale Brick Amber Ale. There's also a large outdoor beer garden out back that often hosts live music and food trucks. We've never had a bad time at Confluence!
El Bait Shop / High Life Lounge
If you're a first-timer to Des Moines (or haven't visited recently), this is a no-brainer. With 262 beers on tap and another 100 bottles/cans, El Bait Shop boasts the largest craft beer selection west of the Mississippi. And right next door is the champagne of *bars*, the High Life Lounge! There you can enjoy a Miller High Life, or maybe a Hamm's, PBR, Schlitz, or Grain Belt. And don't forget about the food! There's a shared menu between El Bait Shop and the High Life Lounge -- the bacon wrapped tater tots are world-famous, but Sara's favorite is the goulash with a slice of American cheese melted right on top.
Eatery A
There's little we love more than spending a nice Saturday afternoon on the Eatery A patio, splitting a bottle of wine and pizza. And it's all thanks to the best happy hour in Des Moines -- half-price wine, draft beer, and wood-fired pizza, every day from 3-6 p.m.!
Cheese Bar
With "cheese" right in the name, you can guess what their specialty might be, but they offer so much more! Cheese Bar has top notch charcuterie boards, gourmet sandwiches (the Pig and Fig is Sara's all-time favorite sandwich!), and cast iron mac & cheese, alongside lots of little bites and full meals. Add a great wine and beer list, and you've got one of our favorite spots in Des Moines.
Motley School Tavern
Located just south of the heart of Beaverdale, this is our neighborhood stomping ground. You'll find delicious retro-inspired bites (fried bologna sandwiches and deviled eggs, anyone?), craft beers, wine, and cocktails, and an incredibly friendly staff to boot!
WineStyles of West Des Moines
With walls full of bottles of wine, this place is a wino's dream! We spent a lot of our early dating years saddled up to the bar together or with friends, sharing wine and a LOT of stories. So much so, that most of the staff knows us by name. :) They're all very knowledgeable about wine varietals and offer great recommendations if you're unsure of what you're in the mood for!
Lachele's Fine Foods
Hands down, the best burger in the city. 'nuff said.
Waveland Cafe
Party a little too hard at the reception? Make a stop at Waveland Cafe on Sunday morning! Don't expect anything fancy -- it's a quaint, neighborhood diner with a menu to match. If you're really lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of Jason Momoa smashing a pile of hashbrowns, biscuits and gravy, eggs, and bacon. It's a regular stop for the Des Moines-area native whenever he's home!