If you’re looking for things to do in Des Moines, Iowa this summer, checking out the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market is a must! Now open every Saturday from 7am to noon throughout the summer and into the fall, come visit Des Moines’ Historic Court District downtown to shop from an incredible selection of local vendors.
Continue reading “Visit the Des Moines Farmers’ Market”Des Moines’ Top 4 Pizza Spots
Looking for a quick slice or bite to kick off your week (or weekend)? Here’s our top 5 places in Des Moines for a good pizza fix!
Fong’s Pizza
A Des Moines classic, this is a must for anyone new to the city or coming again for a quick visit. Some fan favorites include the Crab Rangoon pizza, General Tso’s chicken pizza, and the Street Taco pizza. This Asian-Italian fusion has proven to be a success amongst Des Moines natives and visitors alike!
Eatery A
This Mediterranean-inspired spot has become known and beloved for their selection of wood-fired pizzas. Customers strongly recommend trying their non traditional flavors such as the savory-sweet #14, which features smoky bits of chorizo and tart pineapple with a hint of heat from jalapeño jam.
Blaze Pizza
If your dream pizza is one that happens to be light, fresh, and quick, Blaze is your pizza soulmate. This popular pizza chain has 800 degree ovens guarantee a perfectly blazing hot pie just about any time you order from them. Flavors that won customers over include the Green Stripe and the traditional mozzarella and red pepper.
Franka Pizzeria
Another wood-fired find, this restaurant is owned by the same company behind St. Kilda Cafe and Bakery. Their feel and atmosphere are great, but what sold their customers was their simple, yet excellent quality pizza. Fan favorites here are the grilled corn, margherita, and pancetta pizzas! Their sweet inclusion of hot honey is what makes the place stand out from the rest here.
Top Places to visit in Des Moines
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, may not be as well-known as some of the bigger cities in the United States, but it certainly has plenty to offer visitors. From its vibrant downtown to its expansive parks, Des Moines has something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to go in Des Moines.
Here Are The Top Places You Should Visit When In Des Moines!
Continue reading “Top Places to visit in Des Moines”Des Moines Outdoors
Des Moines Outdoors: Heartland Hiking
Living in the city doesn’t mean you can’t get your shoes muddy every now and then. The Des Moines has an abundance of parks and trails to hit this spring. We’ve already mentioned some popular trails around town; let’s take a look at three often overlooked but worthwhile parks and conservation areas with hiking trails along the edges of Des Moines.
- Fort Des Moines Park – 1.9 miles
Fort Des Moines Park lies on the southernmost part of Polk County, about three miles southeast of the Des Moines International Airport. The park’s loop trail guides visitors around a fishing pond and through native Iowa prairie, making this hidden gem a must-see in summer months. The 1.9 mile-long trail can be modified to be about 1 mile if desired–check posted trail maps at the park for details.
- Brown’s Woods – 3.2 miles
Brown’s Woods is a quick drive west of the airport, and has shorter loops for those who might not have the time for a 3 mile hike. Sloping hillsides lead the way through some of the most heavily-forested areas managed by Polk County Conservation.
- Yellow Banks Park – 3.1 miles
Yellow Banks Park is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Des Moines, but you would never guess by the amount of wildlife and quiet sounds. The park’s trail cuts around two ponds, grassy and forested hillsides, and has recreation areas for baseball, camping, and fishing.
Hiking Essentials
These paths might be close to Des Moines, but you should still prepare before embarking on a hike, especially on a new trail. Be sure to stay hydrated before heading out for your adventure, and bring plenty of water with you to drink during and after your hike. Putting sunscreen on before leaving the house is always a good idea, even on cloudy days, and wearing a hat to protect your face from the sun can also prevent surprise sunburns. It’s always helpful to review trail routes before you get to the park or hiking area just in case you lose cell service and need to exit on a whim.
Above all, remember to have fun and soak up the sights and sounds of nature as you head to the great Des Moines Outdoors!
Breaking Records and Making History: Inside the Excitement of the 2023 Drake Relays
The 2023 Drake Relays is an outdoor track and field competition, known to be “America’s Athletic Classic.” The annual event is considered to be the most exciting event at Drake and it’s just around the corner. Just 2 more weeks from today and athletes from all over the country and world will be toing the line, jumping and throwing. The event will take place at Drake University, in the Drake Stadium on the 26-29th of April. One of the biggest track and field events in America is held in Des Moines – why not get around the track and field spirit and see what the hype is all about!
Schedule Overview
The Drake Relays kicks off with the road races on Sunday the 23rd, offering a half marathon, 10km and the 5km. On Tuesday 25th, the Grand blue mile and USATF MILE championship is being held, which featured some of Americas best mid-distance athletes. Heptathlon events kicks off the official relay events on Wednesday; Thursday night is the distance carnival where college athletes will battle it out in the 800m, steeplechase, 5000m, 10,000m, and Friday and Saturday feature sections of high school, college and professional athletes (many of which are Olympians).
Athlete Overview
At this time, only professional athletes from the shot-put event have been announced. World champion and record holder Ryan Crouser will be attempting a new world record in the Drake Field House on Wednesday night. Crouser has won the last 4 titles at the relays and will be back to claim his 5th. Along with Crouser, Chase Ealey – Women’s World Champion and American record holder will be teaming up in an 8-thrower competition.
The Drake athlete’s to look out for is Isaac Basten. Basten is a 4 x All-American, who recently placed runner-up at the NCAA Indoor championships, in the Mile, missing out on the NCAA title by just .03 seconds. Basten won the 1500m title at last years Drake Relays. Anthony Barmes will be competing in the hammer throw. Barmes is Drake’s hammer throw school record holder and placed 21st at the 2022 NCAA outdoor championships. On the women’s side, Brooke Mullins will be competing in the 3000m steeplechase Thursday night. Brooke is the school record holder for the steeplechase and the indoor mile. Chandler Height – fresh off her new PR in the shot put, will be looking to improve her own school record Saturday afternoon.
Although not confirmed, Drake will submit a distance relay team on the men’s and women’s side. Unsure of what relay exactly, whichever they toe the line in they will be looking to bring home a relay title. The women’s will be in the mix to place high in whatever the race in.
Looking For Tickets?
Head to the Draketix.com to purchase your tickets. You don’t want to miss it – they are selling out fast!
