As an Iowa native I’m often asked what keeps my family here when there are so many places we could live (my husband and I are both self employed).  I usually begin my answer with a joke- “I don’t want to tell you because if everyone knew how great it was they would all want to live here!”  And, honestly, that’s not far from the truth.  While Iowa has her faults, my state has “earned” the reputation of staid, boring, and nothing to see.  I recently invited some friends to join us on an afternoon “Tour o’ Des Moines”.  I took a piece from each of my Des Moines “playlists” – suggestions of what you should do if you are lucky enough to find yourself in Des Moines- One Day in Des Moines, Do It Like a Local- A Weekend Guide to Des Moines, and Do It Like a Local- A Weekend Guide to West Des Moines.

Downtown Des Moines

Come Along on a Tour o’ Des Moines

Begin in Valley Junction

Historic Valley Junction was once a busy town in its’ own right, catering to the railroads and the business they brought.  Now Valley Junction promises visitors a memorable shopping experience.  Wander along the shop-lined streets.  You’ll find everything from upscale boutiques and antiques to smoked meats and Iowa treats.  Be sure to visit Heart of Iowa Marketplace for your Iowa-themed souvenir before heading to Lambert & Ewers Smoked Meats for a hearty sandwich stacked with their delectable smoked meats for lunch.  Before leaving Valley Junction plan at least 30 minutes to visit KangarooBoo, the brick and mortar home of the popular online (and our favorite) toy store.  Toy samples are open- feel free to play before you buy!  Everything here is kid-powered; no batteries required- just bring your imagination!

Step Back in Time at Salisbury House- Des Moines Best Kept Secret

After shopping follow Grand Avenue toward downtown and make a detour to Salisbury House, Iowa’s English Castle.  This beautiful country house was modeled after the King’s House in Salisbury, England.  In fact much of the interior came from English estates (including that of Admiral Lord Nelson), pubs, abbeys and theaters.  The beautiful beam ceiling in the Great Hall is said to have been over the head of “The Bard” himself when he performed in a Salisbury theater.

Great Hall ceiling at Salisbury House

Salisbury House has something for everyone.  Suits of armor, beautiful antiques, rare paintings and even more rare manuscripts are only a few of the wonders that fill this castle.

While you can take a self-tour at any time Salisbury House is open to the public, I highly recommend a guided tour to learn about what you are seeing and how it came to be in the house.  Just an FYI: a guided tour is the only way you will be allowed to the the phenomenal library which houses over 35,000 books, rare pages and one of a kind manuscripts.

Library at Salisbury House

After your tour be sure to take time to wander the grounds.  The beautiful English Garden at the front of the house is the setting for annual events like the Concours d’Elegance and Shakespeare on the Lawn.

Stroll through the Pappajohn Sculpture Garden

Inside Nomade at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Whether you understand the art or don’t (I fall in the latter category), wandering through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in downtown Des Moines is sure to provoke conversation.  Nomade is a favorite (featured in the opening image), as are two, called Back of Snowman White and Back of Snowman Black, which most people refer to as “the salt and pepper shakers”.

The sculpture park has 27 pieces of art, many benches and lots of open space- perfect for relaxing with your partner or while watching the kids run off excess energy.

Dinner at the Royal Mile

Dinner at the Royal Mile

While beer enthusiasts sing the praises of The Royal Mile’s vast selection of beers (and the Red Monk Belgian beer bar), we love it for the great food and family-friendly dining room upstairs.  Begin with a delicious Scotch Egg with a touch of Coleman’s Spicy Mustard.  Or the easy-to-share Ploughman’s Platter of cheese and salami with a sweet chutney. Follow with some of the best fish & chips you’ll ever have – these are really on par with those I’ve had in the UK- or the pastry wrapped Steak & Guinness Pie.  Wash it down with a beer- or a pint of Strongbow.  It’s the perfect way to complete a great day in Des Moines.

Photo credits: JLHalsted