Four best practices for creating a mother-daughter weekend itinerary you’ll never forget
ABOVE: MOMMA (LEFT) AND MY BEST FRIEND SERENA (RIGHT) MET FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS EASTER WEEKEND. WE ATTENDED THE DRAKE SOFTBALL GAME TOGETHER AS OUR FIRST DES MOINES TOURISM ACTIVITY.
Mom and I engaged in Des Moines tourism over Easter weekend when she came to visit from her home in the Twin Cities.
If you’re a college student like me, chances are your mom comes to see you at university, too. I always look forward to mom’s visits. The first few times she came to see me, though, I struggled curating an itinerary. I worried about it being too stiff – or too boring.
Now, I have hosted relatives enough to know what works. These are my four tips for hosting loved ones in Des Moines.
1. Pick two structured activities per day
For each full day Mom’s in town, plan two structured activities. What do I mean by structured?
Look for events that
- have a clear start and end time
- are hosted by an organization (such as a boutique, gallery, or neighborhood)
- cater to your visitor’s niche interests
These can include museum tours, fitness classes and aquarium shows.
Having structured events on your itinerary prevents you from having to constantly entertain your guests. Think about it. You’ll be hosting a relative for two, three – maybe even seven days. You have to keep them engaged.
So why not let an organization take on some of that responsibility?
My favorite part about attending community events is learning more about Des Moines. They lead to wonderful conversations with community members and Mom.
My mom and I did the Highland Park Shop Hop on April 19. We kicked things off at The Collective. The Collective is a shop that sells sustainable goods and advocates for social justice.
Mom purchased a bamboo first aid kit for her Pre-K classroom in St. Paul, Minn. I wanted the birthday design market tote. Its design was an adorable sketch of The Collective’s checkout area with the owner sketched behind the desk.
I ask the person ringing us up, “Is this a picture of you, Jamie?”
“Yes!” she says.
“You should sign the bag, then,” my mom jokes.
At least I thought she was joking. Jamie gets out a Sharpie and signs the front of the bag.
“Who is this bag for?” she asks.
“My sister Kylie,” I say.
Jamie writes “To Kylie” with a heart on the front of the tote.
This is why you need to take your mom to community events. While teaching her about Des Moines, you yourself will meet new people and learn new things.
How can I find events happening in Des Moines?
- browse the calendars of tourist sites Catch Des Moines and Des Moines Girl
- follow Des Moines influencers @thumgreenbean and @desmoinesparent
- and my personal favorite tip: go to a coffee shop in Des Moines, look at its bulletin board and take pictures of event flyers that interest you
Let it be known that if you plan to attend an event, you don’t have to follow through with it. If you and Mom spontaneously do something else — even better.
Having two structured events planned will help you prevent boredom.
2. Have some Des Moines lounges and breweries in your back pocket
Have a list of five lounges and breweries in your back pocket. Pick ones that you’ve never been to before.
lEFT: MOM AND I WENT TO EXILE BREWING IN DOWNTOWN DES MOINES FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS EASTER WEEKEND. I HAD TO PHOTOBOMB HER FACEBOOK POST.
Lounges and breweries are great places to go when you and your relative become tired tourists. You’ve already seen the sights and exhausted the activities. You’re ready to relax and have a conversation.
Lounges and breweries offer enough occupancy to where you can stay as long as you like without the waiters begging you to leave. And all you’re expected to get is a drink. There’s no pressure to order food (but you absolutely should).
3. What’s up in Des Moines’ schools?
Some of the best arts productions I’ve attended have been produced by a high school. College sporting events are electric and engaging. And the best part of both of these: they’re affordable!
ABOVE: RON BUEL SOFTBALL FIELD AT DRAKE UNIVERSITY.
Before Mom arrives, look into the arts and sports scenes of the local schools. Consider what Mom was a part of when she was in school.
For example, my mom played college ball, so I took her to a (free!) Drake Softball game. She grumbled at errors and cheered for home runs!
4. Establish a Des Moines visit tradition
Traditions make the different eras of your life. College is a singular and short era of your life. Why not have a special ritual to remember Mom’s visits to your university by for years to come?
Maybe you’re at a loss.
What am I supposed to do as a tradition with Mom in Des Moines?
I’ve provided a list to help you get started.
Des Moines Tourism Traditions
- buy two chains and find new matching charms each time Mom visits
- record a podcast at Drake University
- pick up a DSM Magazine and visit the places featured in the issue
- attend a trivia, bingo or karaoke night
- establish your favorite coffee shop and order the same drink
- explore the same park (this is especially fun if Mom tends to visit during different seasons)
- restock your refillable soaps and hair products at The Collective
- take an art class
You’re ready to hit the town!
It can be easy to stress over the details of your family’s visit.
You must remember: your relatives traveled because they wanted to see you. They wanted to hear from you.
They are not concerned about if you made a perfectly exciting itinerary.
Take a chill pill and enjoy your weekend in Des Moines.
