Paws and Pints is a dog park with a half bar and grill situated on the south side of Des Moines. Visitors can enjoy a cocktail or burger in the Best Friends Bar while letting their furry friend run around in the large fenced-in dog park. The patio has an inside portion and an outside option to give the dogs more space and allow Paws and Pints to stay open year-round. Large windows on the side of the restaurant ensure the owners can see that their dog stays safe and engaged.
Best Friends Bar
The restaurant isn’t exactly amazing, but I wouldn’t necessarily base my opinion strictly on the food. The restaurant environment feels like the millennial burger places going viral on TikTok. Some of the food seems a bit overpriced for what you would get. A burger alone could cost around $15.00. Seating is also extremely uncomfortable. No seats had padding on them, and at the inside tables, there were what were essentially lawn chairs.
However, they do have an interesting take on cheese curds with their honey glaze topping. Overall, my favorite aspects of the restaurant would have to be the cheese curds and the house sauce that they put over the burgers.
Along with the main bar and restaurant, there is also an additional bar located outside. However, the outside bar is seasonal and only used during the summer months.
Coffee Shop:
Another thing that I find special about this location is the built-in coffee shop. When customers bring their dogs in the morning, they can enjoy a coffee or latte from the connected coffee bar. The coffee shop has more limited hours than the main restaurant, though, as it is only open in the morning and afternoon.
Pet Services:
Beside the main dog park, Paws and Pints offers dog grooming and a new transportation service. Customers can now request that Paws and Pints pick up their animals from their homes and transport them to their appointments. Destinations for this service can range from a day at the dog park or grooming appointment to other doctor appointments off-site.
Dog Park:
Dogs can attend the park only if their owners register an account with Paws and Pints and upload the dog’s veterinarian records for proof of vaccination. Owners can also purchase a day pass or the membership option. While bringing a dog is expensive, entering the park without animals is completely free.
Thoughts:
Paws and Pints is an underrated place in Des Moines for the many things it offers. It’s a great place to get some food and play with dogs. In my experience, it’s a great stress reliever and a great way to get some love from furry friends.
Driving through the heart of eastern Iowa you will find a small town called Mount Vernon. It is full of history, charm, and lots of energy. You start to wonder what Mount Vernon, Iowa is known for you are in the right spot. It is a town that will leave a lasting impression on its visitors and the locals. It is full of life and a community that loves it so very much.
Historic Downtown
One of Mount vernon’s biggest claim to fame is its historic downtown, it is filled with unique shops, buzzing coffee shops, and local restaurants. Walking down First street feels like you are stepping back in time as you will be surrounded by 19th-century buildings. This year Mount Vernon will celebrate the 20th year of chalk the walk, which is iowa’s largest chalk art festival.
Natural Beauty
If you love the outdoors Mount Vernon has a lot to offer you. It is very close to the Cedar River and Palisades Park. Both of these places offer beautiful places to hike, swim, fish, or just relax. Whether you are taking a peaceful walk through one of the parks or planning a picnic for your people, the natural beauty of the area creates the perfect scenery for all kinds of activities.
Community Events
Mount Vernon has a very strong sense of community. This is showcased at their annual events. Celebrations like Heritage Days brings the town together with parades, live music, and lots of food. The Lincoln Highway Arts festival and the antique festival are two others that draw people from near and far to show what the town has to offer.
Local Food
Mount Vernon may be small, but it has a vibrant food and dining scene. This makes people from near and far want to keep coming back for more. The downtown area has a variety of cute coffee shops, delicious bakeries, and unique restaurants. A very popular dinner spot is the Lincoln Wine Bar. It is known for their outstanding wood fire pizza and live music nights. Many of the restaurants in town like to partner with local farmers to make sure that most of the food on the table is fresh and locally found. Whether you are grabbing a morning coffee from fuel or sitting down for a farm to table meal, Mount Vernon’s food scene will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Why people live in Mount Vernon
Whether you are visiting for a day trip, attending a festival, or simply exploring the outdoors it is easy to see why Mount Vernon holds a special place in people’s hearts. The town perfectly blends small-town charm, historic preservation, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Spring and summer unveil the beauty of Des Moines cycling trails, making Greater Des Moines a haven for riders. With over 100 miles of paths, from the iconic High Trestle Trail to the sprawling Raccoon River Valley Trail, these routes offer scenic views, unique landmarks, and local stops perfect for spring cycling Des Moines. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a seasoned rider, the city’s trails showcase Iowa’s landscapes and charm. Curious about the best summer bike trails Iowa has to offer? Here’s an informative guide to four top Des Moines cycling trails for your next ride.
Explore These Top Trails
High Trestle Trail (25 Miles)
The High Trestle Trail stretches 25 miles from Ankeny to Madrid, famous for its 13-story bridge that glows with blue lights at night. Pedal across this engineering marvel, then stop at Porch Light Coffeehouse in Ankeny for a latte or Trailside Tap for burgers and live music. A pedestrian bridge on Oralabor Road connects to other trails, ensuring safe access.
Raccoon River Valley Trail (89 Miles)
Spanning 89 miles through 14 communities, the Raccoon River Valley Trail is a cyclist’s dream. With this trail, the rider will get a great tour of the Des Moines area, from rural to urban. Start at Waukee’s trailhead, where colorful artwork lines The Loop. In Adel, visit the Freedom Rock, a painted boulder honoring veterans, and grab a brew at Brickyard Burgers & Brews.
Great Western Trail (8-17 Miles)
The Great Western Trail runs 17 miles from Des Moines to Martensdale, blending urban and rural vibes. In the city, refuel at Mullets downtown or sip wine at Jasper Winery’s summer concerts. Out in Cumming, snap a selfie at The Chicken’s giant statue. This trail’s mix of city and countryside makes it ideal for spring cycling Des Moines. For Seasoned riders, this trail continues and additional 9.5 miles beyond Cumming to the rural community of Martensdale, making this a great way to get an extra workout and see some rural sights.
Chichaqua Valley Trail (20 Miles)
The 20-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail connects Bondurant to Baxter, passing small towns like Valeria and Mingo. Start at the Bondurant Trailhead and enjoy quiet, tree-lined paths. In Bondurant, Reclaimed Rails offers craft brews like “Freeze Peach” for a post-ride treat. This trail’s rural charm shines in summer.
Plan Your Ride
With diverse Des Moines cycling trails, spring and summer are perfect for exploring Iowa’s landscapes. While these trails are described as seperate entities, the truth is that due to Des Moine’s great cycling infastructure, it is easy to connect between al these large trails and small local ones, meaning you are never far from a great time. Visit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition for trail maps and biking tips. Pick a trail, pack your gear, and hit the paths to discover Des Moines’ beauty. Share this guide with friends and plan your next cycling adventure!
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.
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
Since 2018, I have come to realize the importance of shopping locally. Whenever I spend my money at a local business or an owned business. One of my articles focuses on local bookstores(shout out to The Little Book and Beaverdale Books). I don’t think I should be the only one passionate about this, so I wanted to share with you three reasons why you should also care about shopping locally versus big corporations. This is all my opinion, but I believe there are very good reasons.
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You are Keeping Money in the Community
Keeping money in the community is good because it creates jobs. Not only that, but many local businesses also support other smaller companies in their own endeavors. I know The Slow Down Coffee Co. sources its puzzles from local artists. They host smaller businesses, such as Chain & Spoke, which hosted DSM Flea as one of their monthly events.
You are Supporting a Dream
Many of the local businesses aren’t millionaires but normal people like you and me. A 9-5 can be great. However, it is not for everyone. A lot of creatives want to work, but not in a traditional sense. When you shop local, you are supporting them and helping them make a living from their craft. Not only are you supporting the owners, but also the people who work for them. According to Hombase, workers at small businesses tend to like their jobs more than those at large companies. Whether we want to have our own business or not, we all want a job that we don’t mind going to.
You get More of an Experience
Could this be the next third place? We are in a loneliness epidemic. There are several factors, but one is the lack of community. Many of these businesses host free events, allowing you to meet like-minded people. Are you an artist? Check out First Friday at MainFrame Studios’ monthly open house. Are you in Poetry? Go to the Des Moines Slam Poetry every third Thursday of the month. Alot of the bookstore hosts author readings and other events. Many communities want to see you there.
I hope I convinced you of the importance of shopping local. If not, I hope you learned something new. Many times, we worry about what is convenient, forgetting what matters most. People. There is a saying that having a community means being inconvenienced. Inconvenience gets a bad rep, but it means that people matter to you. If going to spend your money try to spend it in your community!
