Afternoon
You’re off to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, one of Des Moines’ great free museums recognizing great achievements in agriculture and food security (you are Iowa, after all). The building itself is over a century old and used to be home to the original Des Moines Public Library. Inside it is adorned with beautiful artwork, photography, mosaics and stained glass, making it no wonder that this also serves as one of the metro’s most popular event spaces.
Speaking of food, assuming you didn’t eat your way through Valley Junction or the Farmers’ Market, make your way to Big Grove Brewery, where the food is just as great as their beer. (Pro tip: The equally delicious Lua Brewing is right across the street if you want to brewery hop.) If the weather cooperates, enjoy your meal and cold beverage on their massive patio, replete with fire pits for those colder days and evenings.
Since this itinerary has a decidedly aesthetic vibe, you’re probably going to be feeling like you need to upgrade your own digs. Lucky for you, you’re right next door to West End Architectural Salvage, a four-story showcase of everything awesome. Containing one-of-a-kind salvaged pieces (think dressers, tables, chairs, mirrors, and lighting), it rose to fame with its eponymous show on HGTV.
The excitement of your inevitable remodel that you just planned in your head as you wandered through West End Salvage is going to require creative juices. There are plenty of creative juices to be found in the form of fermented grapes at Jasper Winery. Their modern tasting room is yet another design style to consider. Now that you’ve seen all the different design styles, it’s time to try all the different wine styles. Cheers!
