Things To Do
Beaverdale
Walk down Beaver Ave for shopping and restaurants. Snookies is the iconic malt ice cream shop, Christopher's is the local Italian restaurant. The Dam Pub rooftop is great on a sunny day and further down the road is Cooney's, an Irish pub that feels like one that could be found in London :)
Des Moines Art Center
Beautiful, free and relaxing. Check out the back rose garden if it is nice out!
East Village
Head to the East Village for great local shopping! So many cute local shops and restaurants. Walk up the steps of the Capital building for a great view of the city!
Eatery A
Best happy hour in DSM! Happy hour is 2 PM - 6 PM & is half price pizza and half price wine. All of the oven sides on the menu are amazing!
Ernie's Boondock
An East Village favorite! A classic dive bar with a great patio. Try the egg bomb or the coffee drink for a classic evening at Ernie's.
Gateway Market
Iconic DSM gourmet grocer - great for grab & go food or perusing the wine & cheese section. The chicken tortilla soup with the South Union garlic bread tastes like a warm hug. Alex used to live 2 blocks from here - which means Kate spent a lot of time ( & money) here.
Grays Lake
Great for a peaceful walk or bike ride! Rent pedal boats, go to Confluence Brewery off the path or walk into Water Works Park under the bridge and stop at the Des Moines Biergarten for a relaxing pint.
Harbinger
One of our favorite happy hours - the bao buns are amazing!
La Mie Bakery
French pastries, coffee and amazing breakfast! A favourite of Kate's father!
Lua Brewing
Delicious craft beers & amazing food - the smush burger, caesar wrap & cauliflower buffalo wings are stand outs! Their fruit sours are one of a kind!
Northern Vessel
A short walk from our old apartment - the best local coffee in DSM. The cold brew latte will leave you thinking about it for weeks...
Panka Peruvian Restaurant
For a fancier dining experience - Panka's food and service is one of our favorites. Get the Peruano ceviche and Tallarines Verdes..... you can thank us later.
Power Life Yoga Barre Fitness - Downtown
Best local studio to get a serious sweat before eating through our wedding weekend! Multiple locations throughout DSM & WDM!
Simon's
Probably the best Italian in DSM - no reservations, have to arrive early & wait in line. Red velvet cake at the end is always on the house!
Smash Park Des Moines
Great for playing pickle ball - make sure to reserve your court!
Valley Junction
Valley Junction is perfect for perusing vintage stores, local shops and great eats!
Waveland Cafe
Iconic breakfast spot in DSM - hash browns, pancakes and skillets are the classic picks! There is also a location in Booneville if you are staying in West Des Moines!
5 Borough Bagels
A couple from Queens natives serving up NY bagels in WDM - these are the real deal and the coffee is also delicious!