Des Moines is constantly growing with new places to go visit/eat. It is known for the small businesses and dining options that it has to offer. Here are 6 of the many places that are a must visit/eat in Des Moines over the summer.
Good thing to do on the weekends- Farmer’s Market
The Des Moines Farmer’s Market is one of the largest farmer’s markets in the country with more than 300 entrepreneurs from over 50 Iowa counties.
This is the 42nd year of the market and it is open every Saturday in the summer from 7 am to noon. With the theme of “Feed your soul,” the farmers market this year is expected to be bigger than ever.
Good Art exhibit- Sculpture Park
The Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a very well-known thing in Iowa. It is on postcards, t-shirts, in photos, and much more. It is a popular site to walk around and visit and it is open 24/7.
Although people are allowed to walk through the sculpture park at any time, they are not allowed to touch any of the sculptures (except Seating for Eight). Along with the 24/7 availability, there are also free tours available on the fourth Friday of the month from 2:30-3p.m. and the second Monday on the month at 12:30-1p.m. To go on one of the free tours of the park, sign up here.
Good Coffee Shop- Smokey Row
Smokey Row is a go-to coffee shop for many people. From study for finals to going on a coffee date, this is the place to go.
There are a lot of good coffee shops in Des Moines but none of them have the same character and charm that Smokey Row has.
“It’s the best place to watch people and to be inspired whether it’s writing a paper for class, or America’s next greatest novel,” Des Moines Register dining and food reporter Brian Carlson said.
Good BBQ- Smokey D’s
Des Moines has a lot of good BBQ but Smokey D’s is one of them you must try.
“The ribs recently took first place at a national barbecue cooking competition,” Carlson said. “It also has the best selection of sauces, having recently bought the company that made them.”
Along with their winning ribs, they also have classic barbecue, and their pulled pork is always amazing.
Good place to grab a late night treat/snack- Hurts Donut
Hurts Donut is a donut shop that is open 24 hours a day every day. Not only is open all the time, but they also have a donut for everyone. If you want sprinkles, glazed, or even a donut with cereal on it, they have that.
They even carry donuts with things as strange as bacon on them. So if you’re up late at night and want to try a strange donut, this is the place for you.
Good new place to eat- Cheese Bar DSM
There are a ton of new places in Des Moines but one of the bests is definitely the Cheese Bar DSM. It is the newest addition to the cheese scene in Des Moines and it is becoming more and more popular.
“Not only is it one of the only places in town to get raclette and fondue, but the cheese selection for its charcuterie boards is phenomenal and its grilled cheeses are some of the best I’ve had,” Carlson said.
Along with these places, here are a few more worth mentioning places to go to in Des Moines
- Zombie Burger (restaurant)
- Snookies (ice cream)
- La Mie (bakery)
- Tacopocalypse (restaurant)
- Fong’s pizza (restaurant)
- Gray’s Lake (lake/park)
Ready to adventure yet? As you can see Des Moines is filled with lots of delicious foods and cool places to visit. Everyone has a different opinion on food and places that they like so I decided to use the word “good” instead of “best” throughout this post.
Be sure to visit all these places with friends and family to see which ones you like the best. Also, keep an eye out for even more new places to eat and enjoy in Des Moines. And for more opinions from Taylor Carlson you can visit this website.
