2020 has undeniably been hard for the majority of us. That’s a whole other post for another day. The good news is Des Moines continues to shine by giving us new places to go and things to do. Here are eight new places to check out in Des Moines.
8 New Places in Des Moines
Coffee Cats
Iowa’s first “Cat Cafe” opened in Valley Junction this summer. It is essentially a coffee shop/cafe that gives you the option to enjoy your cup of coffee in a separate cat lounge area where adoptable cats from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa are living. Customers pay $10 (which goes to helping to care for and house the cats) to be in the cat lounge and you can even book an event or celebration!
Covid Safety Guide: Coffee Cats is limiting the number of people in the cat lounge to 6 customers per session. Masks for customers and employees are required.
Fresko Restaurant
Fresko is a new farm-to-table restaurant with a focus on healthy food options. It’s located in the Federal Home Loan Bank building at 909 Locust Street, Suite 103. The menu will feature products from local farmers, vendors, and businesses. Their website is still under construction but follow them on their Instagram or Facebook! The grand opening is set for September 12.
Lucky Horse Beer and Burgers
This Drake Neighborhood beer and burger spot serves lunch, dinner, and drinks. It’s located at 2331 University Avenue and has everything from flatbread to a burger salad. They also have a blueberry cheesecake and key lime pie. And now I’m starving.
Urbandale All-Inclusive Playground
Did you know there are over 20,000 kids in the Des Moines metro with disabilities? And most playgrounds don’t give them the opportunity to have the same experience as their peers. Urbandale Parks and Recreation built a one-of-a-kind inclusive playground that includes a cushioned rubberized surface. The playground is located next to the Urbandale Miracle League Field, in Northview Park.
Petals & Moss
Located in East Village, Petals & Moss is owned by visual artist Saley Nong. The shop includes curated plants, gifts, antiques, and custom floral. You can also follow along on their Instagram to see the hundreds of plants they have!
Covid Safety Guide: The shop also has curbside pick-up as well as delivery options available.
Des Moines Mercantile
Located at 3707 6th Avenue, this is a modern general store with everyday goods. A one-stop shop with items from books and pillows to jams and hot sauce!
Covid Safety Guide: Des Moines Mercantile requires masks to be worn in their shop. They have disposable masks available as well as masks to purchase.
Almost Famous Popcorn
Located at 350 E. Locust, Suite 103 this gourmet popcorn shop has over 30 flavors of popcorn, pints of ice cream, and over 100 types of craft soda. They even have an ice cream flavor called “The Exhausted Parent” and I’ve never felt more seen.
Selfie Station
The first and only Selfie Museum in Iowa and arguably one of the most “Instagrammable” places in Des Moines. Located at 3800 Merle Hay Road, Selfie Station is considered a “pop-up” but hopes to be permanent. You purchase tickets and are free to take as many pictures in the museum as you’d like! Walk-ins are welcome.
