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Shop, Dine, & Play


Although Des Moines isn't a hot destination spot, I thought it would be fun to put together a little travel guide for my favorite places to shop, dine, and play here. So if you ever do come to Des Moines you'll know exactly what to do!




SHOP


East Village
- fun art, prints, jewelry, and all things handmade in Des Moines -

East Village
- lotion, candles, perfume, all things scented & the same brands carried by Anthropologie -

East Village
- probably the best little antique shop I've found in Des Moines, it's where I found this little chair -

East Village
- cards, stationary, and all things paper, they do amazing wedding invitations - 

Valley Junction
- darling children's toy store -

Valley Junction 
- fun little shop with clothing, accessories, and home decor both old & new - 

Jordan Creek Mall
- not just any Fossil store, they sell their clothes, which most of their stores do not - 

Jordan Creek Shopping 
- boutique clothing store -



DINE



- Thai -

- Unique Pizza, our favorite is the Crab Rangoon, but get there early or you'll have a long wait out the door - 

- BBQ, featured on the Travel Channel's Man vs. Food - 

- a little more pricey ($15-30), we went here for Valentine's Day, it was delicious - 

- yummy salads, sandwiches, and pastries, including macaroons - 

- for a true down home breakfast -

- a variety of food, mostly soup, salad, and sandwiches, it's attached to a little grocery market and flower shop that also has fun things - 

- ice cream, shakes, malts, etc, and puppy cones for the dog child, it's only open during the summer though - 

- the cupcake craze the happened awhile ago in Utah is just beginning here in Des Moines ;) - 

This list is also a great one to choose from if you're looking for a good restaurant in Des Moines


PLAY



- rent a paddle boat, have a picnic, run or walk the path around the lake - 

- sits right on the bank of the Des Moines River - 

- take a look at their permanent collection and new exhibitions - 

May - October
- one of my favorite summer activities - 

August
- basically just lots and lots of food, need I say more - 

Biking is also very popular in Des Moines, and with almost 2,000 miles of bike trails in Iowa, it's a great place to do it. 




Now all you have to do is come visit!
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