With spring in full swing, check out these must stop spots on your weekend getaway!
Day 1:
Before you leave for Des Moines download the Brew Moines beer passport app. The beer passport app is your invitation to tap into some of the best Iowa craft beer that Greater Des Moines has to offer on your way to becoming a Brew Moines-ian. Check into all participating breweries and taprooms to become a Brew Moines-ian and receive an exclusive "Barley & Hops & Brewery Stops" T-shirt. Since we’re starting downtown, stopping by Exile or Confluence is a good way to earn some stamps at the beginning of the weekend.
Horizon Line Coffee
If you’re on the lookout for a pick me up after the road trip, check out Horizon Line Coffee. Located just off the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Horizon Line Coffee is a great place to grab a cup of joe. Built off the simple vision of serving good coffee and caring about others, Horizon Line has been serving up some tasty brews including their cold brew and coffee flight. Don’t forget to try their seasonal lattes and teas.
Court Avenue
Finish your night with a drink on Court Avenue. Court Avenue is a hub for anyone looking to take on Greater Des Moines nightlife. Featuring more than 11 bars in a three-block radius, Court Avenue is a great place to grab a drink, dance and meet up with friends. Regardless of your musical taste or drink of choice, Court Avenue has it all. Since you downloaded the Brew Moines app, stop by Court Avenue Brewing and earn a stamp and grab a bite to eat!
Day 2:
Kick off day two with brunch at Americana! With more than 40 brunch items, there’s something for everyone. Check out the custom grilled cheese bar, loaded mashed potato bar, gluten friendly options and more! Don’t forget to dabble in their unlimited bloody mary’s or mimosas.
Historic East Village
After brunch it’s time to shop. Historic East Village is Des Moines’ most vibrant and diverse districts, with more than 90 shops, restaurants and entertainment destinations. West of the State Capitol in downtown Des Moines, its central location allows visitors to access via bike, car or public transportation.
Dumpling Darling
Once your shopping bags are full, dine in the East Village at Dumpling Darling. As one of the few restaurants of its kind in Greater Des Moines, Dumpling Darling serves everything Asian fusion. Choose from steamed dumplings like their Lesley’s lamb or pork & cabbage. If a fried dumpling is more your liking grab the potato pierogies or the mac & cheese. If you’re looking to sample them all, don’t miss the dumpling flight.
Burn off some calories by trying a hand at rock climbing at Climb Iowa East Village. Climb Iowa is a great place for climbers of all skill levels. You can sign up for induvial lessons, leagues or just walk in and climb the 4,000-square-feet. Harness up and let the trained specialists show you the ropes on everything rock climbing.
Once you’ve caught the thrill of rock climbing, check out Peace Tree Brewing. With 24 taps, Peace Tree is home to a diverse selection of ever-rotating, independent, craft beers and aims to be a community center for great conversation, ideas, arts and culture. Peace Tree has year-round beer releases plus plenty of additional events such as sporting activities, live music and trivia. Since you have the Brew Moines app, Peace Tree is a way of getting another stamp and moving one step closer to being a Brew Moines-ian.
Up-Down
Finish your second day off at Up-Down. Up-Down Des Moines features more than 40 arcade games from the ‘80s and ‘90s, pinball machines, skee-ball alleys, Nintendo and Sega console gaming and life-size Jenga and Connect Four. All games cost 25 cents and their drink menu is extensive. With 20 beers on tap, wells and gaming inspired-cocktails, Up-Down is a must stop.
Day 3:
The District – Prairie Trail
On day three head a little north to The District in Prairie Trail. The District is home to retail boutiques, dining and entertainment venues. Start the day with brunch at Jethro’s BBQ’n Lakehouse Ankeny. Serving up some slow cooked classics on top of unique options, you can’t miss Jethro’s brunch.
Vintage Main
After lunch, check out some of the retail options at The District. Vintage Main is a 67,000-square-foot building beautifully designed with vignette store fronts at street level and a two-story glass atrium wall showcasing expansive views overlooking Lake Promenade to the southwest. Before you leave The District make sure to grab a picture by one of the murals around the area. Post it with the hashtag catchdsm for a chance to be featured on our social media or website.
B&B Theatres
Just around the corner in Ankeny is B&B Theatres, offering movie screens, an arcade and bowling! B&B Theatres has 4D motion experience and provides an immersive environment, where you actually “feel” the action on the screen from the built-in motion and effects in the seats and theatre around you.
Fong’s Pizza – To Go
Before you leave make sure to grab some food from Fong’s! Crab Rangoon pizza is a staple of Fong’s, but with their weekly specials and 22 pizzas on the menu, even the wildest taste buds will be satisfied. Start off your meal with some Chinese cheese sticks, create your own pizza or try a slice of the mac and cheese pie and finish off with raspberry cheesecake egg rolls.
