Chez Jennie Recommends....

Jennie
Chez Jennie Recommends....

Drinks & Nightlife

Do you like tater tots and retro charm? I do! http://thehighlifelounge.com/
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The High Life Lounge
200 Southwest 2nd Street
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Do you like tater tots and retro charm? I do! http://thehighlifelounge.com/
A kitschy midcentury spot located in the lobby of the old Register and Tribune building downtown. Everyone raves!
14 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Hello, Marjorie
717 Locust St
14 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A kitschy midcentury spot located in the lobby of the old Register and Tribune building downtown. Everyone raves!
A slice of old school Des Moines: a working class bar that is progressively getting hipper. Still really a great place.
The Greenwood Lounge
3707 Ingersoll Ave
A slice of old school Des Moines: a working class bar that is progressively getting hipper. Still really a great place.
A dive bar, pure and simple, but because it's on Ingersoll, it attracts a younger and cooler crowd that mingles with the regulars.
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Alpine Tap Room
2720 Ingersoll Ave
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A dive bar, pure and simple, but because it's on Ingersoll, it attracts a younger and cooler crowd that mingles with the regulars.
It feels like a classy 1930's hotel bar. I was here on Super Bowl Sunday and there were people dressed up and talking about theater! There is an old fashioned phone booth to use to call for pizza to be delivered to your table from Gusto, a couple of doors down.
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Juniper Moon
2005 Ingersoll Ave
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
It feels like a classy 1930's hotel bar. I was here on Super Bowl Sunday and there were people dressed up and talking about theater! There is an old fashioned phone booth to use to call for pizza to be delivered to your table from Gusto, a couple of doors down.
Sister bar to Hello, Marjorie, in the East Village. Recently featured in Imbibe Magazine.
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Bellhop
440 E Grand Ave
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Sister bar to Hello, Marjorie, in the East Village. Recently featured in Imbibe Magazine.
Fun and kitschy: you tell them what you like in a drink, ad they concoct something. Midcentury interior, very laid back vibe.
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The Bartender's Handshake
3615 Ingersoll Ave
9 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Fun and kitschy: you tell them what you like in a drink, ad they concoct something. Midcentury interior, very laid back vibe.

Food Scene

Classy brunch spot with great drinks. http://www.eateryadsm.com/
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Eatery A
2932 Ingersoll Ave
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Classy brunch spot with great drinks. http://www.eateryadsm.com/
Caribbean and barbecue at a favorite local spot just a couple of blocks away from the house. http://flyingmango.com/
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Flying Mango
4345 Hickman Rd
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Caribbean and barbecue at a favorite local spot just a couple of blocks away from the house. http://flyingmango.com/
Neighborhood coffee shop, locally owned, less than half a mile from the house. http://www.groundsforcelebration.com/beaverdale.html
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Grounds for Celebration
2709 Beaver Ave
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Neighborhood coffee shop, locally owned, less than half a mile from the house. http://www.groundsforcelebration.com/beaverdale.html
Neighborhood pizza within walking distance (1/3 of a mile to be precise). A nice little place. http://www.dsmpizza.com/
Michael's Pizza
2629 Beaver Avenue
Neighborhood pizza within walking distance (1/3 of a mile to be precise). A nice little place. http://www.dsmpizza.com/
A great family owned doughnut shop with good coffee, and they also make the celebrated Des Moines specialty, champagne cake!
Donut Hut
4941 Douglas Ave
A great family owned doughnut shop with good coffee, and they also make the celebrated Des Moines specialty, champagne cake!
Snookie's is a Beaverdale tradition: people camp out the night before they open for the season. They serve custard, so more soft serve, but the people watching is hysterical, they have little cones for dogs, and it's very yummy. And not a bad walk from the house.
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Snookies Malt Shop
1810 Beaver Ave
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Snookie's is a Beaverdale tradition: people camp out the night before they open for the season. They serve custard, so more soft serve, but the people watching is hysterical, they have little cones for dogs, and it's very yummy. And not a bad walk from the house.
Very elegant 1920s speakeasy vibe bar with unusual and retro cocktails in the really up and coming Ingersoll district.
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Juniper Moon
2005 Ingersoll Ave
12 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Very elegant 1920s speakeasy vibe bar with unusual and retro cocktails in the really up and coming Ingersoll district.
This is upscale crazy Mexican food. Three different shrimp tacos, all amazing, great drinks. Located in the same building as the Des Moines Social Club, which used to be the main firehouse. http://malodesmoines.com/
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Malo
900 Mulberry St
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This is upscale crazy Mexican food. Three different shrimp tacos, all amazing, great drinks. Located in the same building as the Des Moines Social Club, which used to be the main firehouse. http://malodesmoines.com/
Aposto is located in a lovely old home in the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood. Explore the website: Pricey, but impeccable. http://www.apostodm.com/
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Aposto at the Scala House
644 18th St
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Aposto is located in a lovely old home in the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood. Explore the website: Pricey, but impeccable. http://www.apostodm.com/
Unchanged by time steakhouse: it's so retro, it seems weird that it ISN'T filled with smoke. https://theoriginaljessesembers.com/
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Jesse's Embers
3301 Ingersoll Ave
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Unchanged by time steakhouse: it's so retro, it seems weird that it ISN'T filled with smoke. https://theoriginaljessesembers.com/
I'm an old lady, so to me it's a tad expensive for burgers and fries, but it's sooo worth it! These are the best fries I've had in forever. So good!
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Lachele's Fine Foods
2716 Ingersoll Avenue
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I'm an old lady, so to me it's a tad expensive for burgers and fries, but it's sooo worth it! These are the best fries I've had in forever. So good!

Everything Else

Our locally owned small bookstore, .4 miles away. Frequent readings and activities and a great selection of local authors' books. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/
6 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Beaverdale Books
2629 Beaver Ave
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Our locally owned small bookstore, .4 miles away. Frequent readings and activities and a great selection of local authors' books. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/
Tuesday from 4 to 7:30 is our neighborhood farmer's market: smaller and within walking distance of my house. It's a nice little interlude, and often the music is darn good.
Beaverdale Farmers Market
4801 Franklin Avenue
Tuesday from 4 to 7:30 is our neighborhood farmer's market: smaller and within walking distance of my house. It's a nice little interlude, and often the music is darn good.
Gray’s Lake is a 166-acre park, just south of downtown Des Moines, east of Fleur Drive. The park has a loop trail, beach, boat rentals, fishing, and much more. https://www.dsm.city/business_detail_T6_R58.php
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Gray's Lake Park
2101 Fleur Dr
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Gray’s Lake is a 166-acre park, just south of downtown Des Moines, east of Fleur Drive. The park has a loop trail, beach, boat rentals, fishing, and much more. https://www.dsm.city/business_detail_T6_R58.php

Shopping

This is an old warehouse/shopping district very near the capital that has transformed into our very own hipster scene. You can buy vintage toilets, eat sushi, take part in a tea ceremony, or buy a saucy T-shirt from Des Moines' own Raygun. https://eastvillagedesmoines.com/
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East Village
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This is an old warehouse/shopping district very near the capital that has transformed into our very own hipster scene. You can buy vintage toilets, eat sushi, take part in a tea ceremony, or buy a saucy T-shirt from Des Moines' own Raygun. https://eastvillagedesmoines.com/
https://www.raygunsite.com/ Raygun is kind of a way of life. It started in 2006 by a Des Moines native who moved home after dropping out of college in the east, and has exploded: he sells Midwest positive and snarky T-shirts and collectibles, and has expanded to 3 or 4 stores in the Midwest. It's the anchor of the East Village and draws tourists like crazy. I own eight Raygun shirts and I wasn't even trying. There are three little snack and restaurant spaces inside the store building and all their stuff is made in the USA.
20 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
RAYGUN
505 E Grand Ave
20 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
https://www.raygunsite.com/ Raygun is kind of a way of life. It started in 2006 by a Des Moines native who moved home after dropping out of college in the east, and has exploded: he sells Midwest positive and snarky T-shirts and collectibles, and has expanded to 3 or 4 stores in the Midwest. It's the anchor of the East Village and draws tourists like crazy. I own eight Raygun shirts and I wasn't even trying. There are three little snack and restaurant spaces inside the store building and all their stuff is made in the USA.
From the first Saturday of May through the last Saturday of October, The Market has 300 vendors from across the state. It's the best place to people watch and meet random dogs and children: it's like the Iowa State Fair, only every Saturday! Go early to get parking. Prepare to be wowed. There is a nice Winter Market too, but it is no match! https://www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket/
16 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Farmers Market
231-299 Water St
16 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
From the first Saturday of May through the last Saturday of October, The Market has 300 vendors from across the state. It's the best place to people watch and meet random dogs and children: it's like the Iowa State Fair, only every Saturday! Go early to get parking. Prepare to be wowed. There is a nice Winter Market too, but it is no match! https://www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket/

Entertainment & Activities

This is rumored to be the largest farmers market in the US. It's like every Saturday morning they put on a small state fair downtown. It's not just literally buying produce: there are artists selling works, food stalls and trucks, people selling beautiful clothes, you name it. The people watching alone makes it worth it. https://www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket/
16 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Farmers Market
231-299 Water St
16 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This is rumored to be the largest farmers market in the US. It's like every Saturday morning they put on a small state fair downtown. It's not just literally buying produce: there are artists selling works, food stalls and trucks, people selling beautiful clothes, you name it. The people watching alone makes it worth it. https://www.dsmpartnership.com/desmoinesfarmersmarket/
Gorgeous! https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/
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Malaking Hardin ng Botanical ng Greater Des Moines
909 Robert D. Ray Dr
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Gorgeous! https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/
a long, long trail with lots to see. http://www.iowabytrail.com/find-a-trail/82/neal-smith-trail/
Neal Smith Trail
Neal Smith Trail
a long, long trail with lots to see. http://www.iowabytrail.com/find-a-trail/82/neal-smith-trail/
In the spring, there are acres of different kinds of lilacs. As summer goes on, because it's an enormous park, over 350 acres, it's a great place to be outside, go for a walk, or have a picnic. https://www.dsm.city/business_detail_T6_R49.php
Ewing Park
5300 Indianola Avenue
In the spring, there are acres of different kinds of lilacs. As summer goes on, because it's an enormous park, over 350 acres, it's a great place to be outside, go for a walk, or have a picnic. https://www.dsm.city/business_detail_T6_R49.php
A gorgeous park with historic lodge and lots of space for picnics and activities. More info here: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610133
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Walnut Woods State Park
3155 Walnut Woods Dr
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A gorgeous park with historic lodge and lots of space for picnics and activities. More info here: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/ParkDetails/ParkID/610133

Arts & Culture

Built as a private home in the 1880s or so, it was purchased in the early 20th century and turned into a theater space. It's a great space to see a comic in particular! http://hoytsherman.org/
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Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland Ave
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Built as a private home in the 1880s or so, it was purchased in the early 20th century and turned into a theater space. It's a great space to see a comic in particular! http://hoytsherman.org/
Just in the past 10 or 15 years Des Moines has gone all in on public art. We're still kind of amazed!
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Pappajohn Sculpture Park
1330 Grand Ave
78 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Just in the past 10 or 15 years Des Moines has gone all in on public art. We're still kind of amazed!
Awesome, world class museum. The architecture of the original museum wing was designed in a combination of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles by Eliel Saarinen in 1945 and completed in 1948. The second addition was designed in a Modernist style by I.M. Pei in 1966 and completed in 1968. The third wing was designed by Richard Meier and completed in 1985. I have always called it "the toilet," affectionately (It's very white and smooth...). https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/
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Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Ave
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Awesome, world class museum. The architecture of the original museum wing was designed in a combination of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles by Eliel Saarinen in 1945 and completed in 1948. The second addition was designed in a Modernist style by I.M. Pei in 1966 and completed in 1968. The third wing was designed by Richard Meier and completed in 1985. I have always called it "the toilet," affectionately (It's very white and smooth...). https://www.desmoinesartcenter.org/

Sightseeing

It is the most beautiful library in the world, built in the early days of the last century. Worth just standing and looking, particularly if you're down touring the capital already. https://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/services/collections/law-library
State Law Library
1007 East Grand Avenue
It is the most beautiful library in the world, built in the early days of the last century. Worth just standing and looking, particularly if you're down touring the capital already. https://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/services/collections/law-library
I'm partial, but I think our state capital is the most gorgeous in the US. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/resources/tourCapitol
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Kapitol ng Estado ng Iowa
1007 E Grand Ave
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I'm partial, but I think our state capital is the most gorgeous in the US. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/resources/tourCapitol
Salisbury House was built in the 1920s by a local cosmetics magnate. The home was modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England, and he went crazy buying furniture, art, and architectural details dating back to the 16th century.
14 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Salisbury House
4025 Tonawanda Dr
14 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Salisbury House was built in the 1920s by a local cosmetics magnate. The home was modeled after the King's House in Salisbury, England, and he went crazy buying furniture, art, and architectural details dating back to the 16th century.
"A four-mile trail system winds through steep slopes and scenic overviews, with sandstone ledges towering 100 feet above the Des Moines River. Numerous 1930s CCC structures can be viewed throughout the park including an iconic stone bridge spanning Peas Creek. An ideal destination for the seasoned hiker, daytime picnickers and campers, Ledges State Park takes visitors on a breathtaking excursion amongst Iowa’s natural beauty." https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Ledges-State-Park
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Ledges State Park
1515 P Ave
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"A four-mile trail system winds through steep slopes and scenic overviews, with sandstone ledges towering 100 feet above the Des Moines River. Numerous 1930s CCC structures can be viewed throughout the park including an iconic stone bridge spanning Peas Creek. An ideal destination for the seasoned hiker, daytime picnickers and campers, Ledges State Park takes visitors on a breathtaking excursion amongst Iowa’s natural beauty." https://www.iowadnr.gov/Places-to-Go/State-Parks/Iowa-State-Parks/Ledges-State-Park