Moving to Des Moines? What You Need to Know

So, you’re moving to Des Moines. You have a great job and have found a fabulous apartment community, but now you’re wondering about actually living in this Iowa city. Des Moines has much to offer in the way of things to do, places to eat, festivals and fun. Here's a glimpse of a few things you can do to round out your Iowa experience. 

Eating

Downtown Farmers Market

From May to October, the Court Avenue District becomes a bounty of fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, and plenty of other farm-fresh products from around Iowa. More than 300 vendors come every Saturday to sell all kinds of fresh and yummy stuff. You can pick up everything you need for a great meal, and then some. If you’re not a cook, pick up some terrific gifts, from one of a kind jewelry, fermented salsa, leather products, oil paintings and more.

Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewery 
309 Court Avenue

Des Moines is also home to several fine restaurants that offer up wonderful eating experiences. If you are also a lover of the hops, you have try this funky place on (no surprise, here) Court Avenue. Both a restaurant and craft beer brewery, this place lets you enjoy a meal of locally sourced food, plus your choice of handcrafted ales.

Shopping

Historic East Village 

For the serious shopper, the East Village is the first stop on a day of shopping. Clothes, jewelry, beautiful stationery and even some duds for your dog can be found in this neat shopping area. You can also grab lunch at some terrific restaurants and even book a spa treatment to relax after a hard day of retail therapy. 

Playing

Principal Riverwalk

Downtown Des Moines boasts a beautiful, relatively new area to get outside and enjoy the Des Moines River. Wander all or part of this 1.2-mile pedestrian trail that crosses the river over two bridges. Along with enjoying the sights and sounds of the river, you can also check out the public art along the way, watch the skaters at the Brenton Skating Plaza or catch an outdoor show at Simon Estes Amphitheater. 

80/35 Music Festival

If music is your muse and rollicking tunes your lullabies, then you definitely want to put this fantastic festival on your calendar. Usually held each summer, this coolest-of-the cool features more than 50 bands heating up downtown on multiple stages. Watch for announcements next summer of exactly when the multi-day event will take place. 

So, welcome to Des Moines! Get out and enjoy all the city has to offer and you’ll feel like you’re home in no time.