Girls Getaway
Looking for somewhere to spend a weekend with the gals? Greater Des Moines has it all – from bottomless brunches and retail therapy to bridges and Broadway, there is no shortage of ways to unwind and pamper yourselves (as you should, you queens)!
DAY 1
Morning
Today is for exploring Historic Valley Junction, a charming, renovated railroad district in West Des Moines filled with a mix of old and new, with an emphasis on boutiques, antiques, galleries, and local restaurants. First up is breakfast at St. Kilda Collective, an offshoot of the popular downtown Australian-style breakfast and lunch spot. At the Collective, you’ll find many of their old favorites (Hello avocado toast) alongside dishes like homemade crumpets, a cheddar chive breakfast sandwich and Counter Culture Coffee. We’re here for the latte art.
Afternoon
Time to explore 5th Street by foot. You’ll definitely want to check out Hinge, one of the most popular boutiques in town for good reason. You’ll find everything from modern farmhouse home décor to affordable, boho-chic clothing, and seasonal decorations.
If antiques are your thing, you’re in luck. Places like Atomic Garage, Memory Lane Antiques, and A Ok Antiques will all scratch your nostalgic itch, from clothing and records to antique signs and furniture. You can’t shop without snacking, so pop into Big Acai for a healthy acai sorbet that’ll look great on your Instagram feed.
For the artsy ones in the group, there is Bozz Prints, with t-shirts, prints, and postcards depicting Midwest landmarks with a self-aware sense of humor. And no trip to Valley Junction would be complete without stopping into Bing’s, where you can pick up everything from novelty socks to books and board games. As they like to say, “we sell things that make people happy.”
Everyone loves a good, quality candle, right? Head over to Candle Bar DSM, where you’ll learn what it takes to create your very own candle. Not only do you make your own, but you create your own one-of-a-kind scent as well. Choose your jar size, pick some scents, and the wonderful staff will assist you in creating your personal candle. Candle making is lit!
Evening
Once you finish your creation, head on over to Cooper’s on 5th for an elegant evening sure to please. Maybe they’ll even let you use your candle to set the mood. Fill up on our legendary Steak de Burgo (if you’ve never had it, it’s worth a try), and if steak isn’t your thing, they have a Chicken de Burgo pasta. Uh, yum. Feeling a bit more casual? Head over to The Tavern for their light and flaky thin crust pizza or Heavenly Asian for some pot stickers and sautéed beef with black pepper served on sizzling cast iron.
Post dinner drinks start off at Winchester Public House and Eatery, a cozy prohibition style pub with a signature line of cocktails that are modern twists on the classics. It’s a cool, comfy space with rich woods and exposed brick where you’ll feel as trendy as your drink.
DAY 2
Morning
Today will be spent exploring Des Moines and the East Village. First grab a coffee at Horizon Line Coffee for the best tasting and best-looking coffee in Des Moines, complete with glass mason jars that are good for the environment and good at making you feel cool. Pro tip: The vibrant purple Horchata Ube is a delicious conversation starter.
Once caffeinated, we recommend taking the time to refresh your mind and your body by taking a class at Powerlife Yoga. Power yoga, hot yoga, gentle yoga, power sculpt and power barre. Whatever your preferred style is, you’ll find it here, and leave with feeling refreshed and ready for wherever the day takes you.
Speaking of where the day takes you, one option would be to kick the pampering up a notch by going at East Village Spa, which is just as relaxing as it sounds. Massage, facials, nails, you name it. Why not all three? This is girls weekend, after all.
Once you finish treating yo’ body and mind, it’s time to treat yo’ tummy. So many options. We’d be remiss not to suggest the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market if it’s going on (Saturdays, May – October), where you can pair your breakfast burrito or homemade dumplings with a fresh bouquet of flowers. If you’d rather keep the relaxation theme going and take a load off, head over to The Breakfast Club for some brunch. Not only do they have mimosa flights, but they also have anything from s'mores donut holes to strawberry shortcake waffles. Brunch is all about balance, right?
Afternoon
After your buzzy brunch, head over to the Outlets of Des Moines for some retail therapy. This high-end outlet mall is the only outlet in Greater Des Moines, and you get to spend your afternoon outside exploring options like Nike Outlet (new yoga pants?) or Vera Bradley for your matching luggage needs.
Evening
After you’ve burned off those mimosas and few dollars at the Outlet Mall, you’ll want to replenish some energy, and the options are endless downtown. Sushi and sake? Try Blue Sushi Sake Grill for a more festive atmosphere. Tapas and drinks? Try RoCA on Court Avenue or The Stuffed Olive on 3rd Street. Patio and people watching? You can’t go wrong with Malo, where the chips and guac, margaritas, and patio lights are a definite mood.
DAY 3
Morning
Early Bird gets the worm, right? Start your day with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and Hash Holes (hash browns, bacon, and cheese all mixed and then deep fried) at Early Bird Brunch. This West Des Moines spot is all the rage. With a nice mix of both breakfast and lunch options, as well as a full-service bar, this brunch hangout is worth the trip.
Prefer your brunch paired with bingo? Smash Park in West Des Moines offers Brunch Bingo every Sunday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with brunch, $2 breakfast cocktails and bingo, all on Iowa’s largest outdoor patio.
Afternoon
Do you like history with a heavy dose of country charm and pop culture flair? Head 30 minutes outside Des Moines to explore the famous Covered Bridges in picturesque Winterset. Home to the movie The Bridges of Madison County, there are six covered bridges and countless photo ops. If you plan your trip in October and there’s even a Covered Bridges festival with vendors, a parade, and covered bridge tours.
Be sure to stop at the Covered Bridges Winery where you can learn about Iowa wines and take home plenty of bottles to commemorate your stop. Then head back to the city and stop at Jasper Winery, an estate style winery just minutes from downtown offering samples, flights and by the glass. Their Summer Concert Series’ on Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. (free!) is a great one-off girl’s night idea as well.
Looking to taste more? Head over to WineStyles in West Des Moines on your way back into town. They offer wine tastings every week, as well as a variety of wines available for purchase. They also sell cheese and chocolate. What more could a girl want? If you're more of a beer girl, don't worry, you can make a stop at BeerStyles as well!
Evening
To cap of your epic Girl’s Weekend, grab dinner at Splash Seafood, Iowa’s premiere seafood restaurant, with jet fresh seafood flown in daily from the coasts. Maine lobster is never a bad idea.
End the weekend with standing ovation by way of some of Des Moines’ underrated performing arts scene. Take in a Broadway show at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center, home to shows like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen. Or check out a concert or performance at the historic (and stunningly beautiful) Hoyt Sherman Place, built in 1877 and part of the Iowa Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. Rock and roll all night, and party every day, indeed. We need to do this more often.
For more information, contact:
Heather Ashton
Event Experience Manager
(515) 699-3454
heather@catchdesmoines.com