Enjoy Des Moines like the locals do, and maybe find some hidden gems along the way.
Local Lunch Spots
Looking for a little fuel for that lunch time hunger? We love these locally owned lunch spots throughout the des moines metro area.
Cheese Bar - Charcuterie, to-die-for grilled cheeses, and delicious cocktails and beers. / Main Street Cafe - Small family owned cafe and bakery located in Ankeny, perfect for short meetings or a latte break. / Eatery A - Perfecting simple dishes that focus on local, quality ingredients. / Wasabi Tao - Amazingly fresh sushi located in downtown Des Moines, perfect location if you are going to the Farmer’s Market or working from Gravitate co-working.
Happy Hour Favorites
Do you like wine? HOw about whiskey? Do you like happy hour specials? Well, we have the list for you.
Winchester Pub Valley Junction is such a cool area of town, and this pub embodies the full character. Great drinks and amazing atmosphere. / Bubba - Specializing in Southern favorites and classic cocktails, Bubba offers a menu that is sure to please everyone – no matter where you hang your hat.
Looking to host an event or visit an awesome venue for fun things to do in Des Moines? This is the list you want to view.
Event Venues
Big or small, corporate or wedding, we have a venue that will fit your budget and head count.
Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater and Event Center - Located at the avenues of St Mary’s and St Charles, you may recognize this area as the spot where Hinterland is held, but they host so many more events than just that! / Decades Event Center - Decades Event Center is a newly renovated spot right in the heart of West Des Moines ready to host any of your corporate or personal events. / Bistro Nomad Meeting Room - Located in Downtown Des Moines, this is a great lunch spot and meeting room for any occasion. / Wedding Venue List curated by Heartland Wedding Ideas - These girls are THE specialists when it comes to the happenings of all things wedding.
Event Planners & Vendors
These vendors will make sure your business storefront or actual location is in tip top shape for your needs and client approval.
Jess at Salon 86 - Jess stays up to date on new trends and tactics to keep your look fresh, whether its for headshots or an event. / Timberly at Partners in Hair - Timberly worked with me personally to help me find a hair dye that I wasn’t allergic to, without sacrificing the results. She is a hairdye guru. / After Glow Studios - Kati is an expert at airbrush makeup application, microblading and all things glam. / About Face Beauty - Nicole is a talented makeup artist that specializes in event makeup, microblading and spray tans. / On the Spot - Ryan is one of the partners behind the Des Moines Wedding Show with specialties in marketing events and businesses through video and social reach in the Des Moines metro. / Make it Happen Events - Gina is the other half of the brains behind the Des Moines Wedding Show, with expertise in everything from birthday parties to large corporate events, she’s a master planner. / Des Moines Movers and Shakers - Josh has 10 years experience running events in Chicago, and specializes in weddings. He recently transplanted his business here in 2018.