Culinary and Cultural Delights of Des Moines Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the Des Moines Art Center, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. After exploring the galleries, enjoy a light breakfast at Sprockets Patio and Pub, a laid-back spot with a great outdoor area.

For lunch, head to Park Street Kitchen & Bar, where you can enjoy a meal in a stylish setting. Post lunch, spend your afternoon at the Des Moines Botanical Garden, surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. Take a guided tour or explore the gardens at your own pace.

Dine at Louie's Wine Dive, a popular spot known for its extensive wine list and gourmet comfort food. After dinner, take a leisurely drive to Valley Junction, a historic area with unique shops and boutiques. Enjoy an evening of shopping and entertainment in this charming district.

Fuel up for an active day with breakfast at Bailey’s Pub N Grub, a casual eatery with a friendly vibe. After breakfast, head to the Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs. If there's a game scheduled, catch some minor league baseball action. If not, take a tour of the stadium and learn about its history.

Enjoy a sports-themed lunch at The High Life Lounge, a retro spot with a fun menu. Afterward, visit the Science Center of Iowa, where you can engage with interactive exhibits and explore the wonders of science. Don't miss the IMAX theater for a larger-than-life experience.

For dinner, try Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio, a local favorite known for its casual dining and welcoming atmosphere. Afterward, if you're up for some evening entertainment, check out the schedule at Wooly's, a popular live music venue that hosts a variety of acts.

Take a day trip to the nearby city of Ames. Enjoy breakfast at Club 2000, a classic diner with a wide range of options. Afterward, visit the Reiman Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden with a variety of plant collections and seasonal displays. Take your time strolling through the gardens and enjoying the tranquility.

For lunch, head to The Royal Mile, a British-style pub with a cozy atmosphere and a menu of traditional favorites. After lunch, explore the Iowa State University campus, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant student life. Visit the university museums or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the area.

Return to Des Moines and enjoy a relaxing dinner at East Side Eddie's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, known for its friendly service and comfort food. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Gray's Lake Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities and beautiful views of the city skyline.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kelly's Little Nipper, a local favorite with a welcoming atmosphere. After breakfast, visit the Living History Farms, where you can step back in time and experience Iowa's agricultural heritage. Explore the historic farm sites and interact with costumed interpreters.

For lunch, head to Buzzard Billy’s, a lively spot known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine. Afterward, take a guided tour of the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum with a world-class collection of contemporary sculptures. Enjoy the art and the beautiful park setting.

Dine at The Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery, a quirky restaurant with a fun atmosphere and a menu of creative dishes. After dinner, if you're in the mood for some entertainment, catch a show at Temple for Performing Arts, a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances.

Take a day trip to the charming city of Iowa City. Enjoy breakfast at Maingate Bar & Grill, a casual spot with a diverse menu. After breakfast, explore the University of Iowa campus, known for its beautiful buildings and vibrant cultural scene. Visit the Old Capitol, the first building of the University of Iowa and a National Historic Landmark.

For lunch, head to Rock River Grill & Tavern, a local favorite with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu of American classics. After lunch, take a stroll through the Pedestrian Mall, where you'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Explore the area and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Return to Des Moines and enjoy a dinner at Bar Nico, a stylish restaurant with a menu of modern American cuisine. Afterward, take a relaxing evening walk around the Des Moines Water Works Park, a peaceful oasis with scenic views and plenty of green space.

Begin your day with a visit to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, where you can learn about the individuals and organizations working to improve the quality, quantity, and availability of food in the world. Afterward, enjoy a delightful breakfast at The High Life Lounge, known for its retro vibe and classic dishes.

For lunch, head to The Royal Mile, a British-style pub with a cozy atmosphere and a menu of traditional favorites. Afterward, spend your afternoon at the Des Moines Art Center, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Explore the galleries and enjoy the beautiful works on display.

Dine at Louie's Wine Dive, a popular spot known for its extensive wine list and gourmet comfort food. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the East Village, a vibrant neighborhood with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Explore the area and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kelly's Little Nipper, a local favorite with a welcoming atmosphere. After breakfast, visit the Living History Farms, where you can step back in time and experience Iowa's agricultural heritage. Explore the historic farm sites and interact with costumed interpreters.

For lunch, head to Buzzard Billy’s, a lively spot known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine. Afterward, take a guided tour of the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum with a world-class collection of contemporary sculptures. Enjoy the art and the beautiful park setting.

Dine at The Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery, a quirky restaurant with a fun atmosphere and a menu of creative dishes. After dinner, if you're in the mood for some entertainment, catch a show at Temple for Performing Arts, a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances.

Take a day trip to the nearby city of Ames. Enjoy breakfast at Club 2000, a classic diner with a wide range of options. Afterward, visit the Reiman Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden with a variety of plant collections and seasonal displays. Take your time strolling through the gardens and enjoying the tranquility.

For lunch, head to The Royal Mile, a British-style pub with a cozy atmosphere and a menu of traditional favorites. After lunch, explore the Iowa State University campus, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant student life. Visit the university museums or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the area.

Return to Des Moines and enjoy a relaxing dinner at East Side Eddie's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, known for its friendly service and comfort food. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the Gray's Lake Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities and beautiful views of the city skyline.

Begin your day with a visit to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, where you can learn about the individuals and organizations working to improve the quality, quantity, and availability of food in the world. Afterward, enjoy a delightful breakfast at The High Life Lounge, known for its retro vibe and classic dishes.

For lunch, head to The Royal Mile, a British-style pub with a cozy atmosphere and a menu of traditional favorites. Afterward, spend your afternoon at the Des Moines Art Center, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Explore the galleries and enjoy the beautiful works on display.

Dine at Louie's Wine Dive, a popular spot known for its extensive wine list and gourmet comfort food. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the East Village, a vibrant neighborhood with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Explore the area and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kelly's Little Nipper, a local favorite with a welcoming atmosphere. After breakfast, visit the Living History Farms, where you can step back in time and experience Iowa's agricultural heritage. Explore the historic farm sites and interact with costumed interpreters.

For lunch, head to Buzzard Billy’s, a lively spot known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine. Afterward, take a guided tour of the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum with a world-class collection of contemporary sculptures. Enjoy the art and the beautiful park setting.

Dine at The Angry Goldfish Pub & Eatery, a quirky restaurant with a fun atmosphere and a menu of creative dishes. After dinner, if you're in the mood for some entertainment, catch a show at Temple for Performing Arts, a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances.