The Downtown Farmer’s Market is conveniently located by the Surety Hotel and takes place on Saturday Mornings. Find the Mao’s Homemade Egg Roll booth for the best Crab Ragoons and fried rice in Des Moines.

The high life lounge is one of our favorite places to get something to eat and enjoy the atmosphere. Enjoy Tony’s favorite High Life or Hamm’s on tap or venture over to El Bait Shop next door and try 1 of their 275 beers on tap.

If you’re a cat lover like Emily, grab a coffee and enjoy a visit with Des Moines most adoptable cats while they await their forever home! Make a reservation before you go or check out all the local shopping in the Historic Valley Junction area.

Since being in Des Moines we have loved taking our dog Mac for walks around Gray’s Lake. We are always tempted to stop and enjoy a beer and live music at the Biergarten across the street at Water Works park (accessible via walking trail). Also tempted to stop by Confluence Brewing Company behind the walking trail.

Stop by Graziano Brother’s in Little Italy to grab some Gabagool. We love Graziano’s for picking up our favorite pasta shapes and Italian Deli meats/sandwiches.