summer to do list

Summer is officially here — though if you ask anyone around here, we've been sweating it out in 90+ degree temps for weeks now — and with it comes our bucket lists of everything we want to do before the snow comes again. I mentioned last year that even after a year in Des Moines, there's still so much that I haven't done or seen in this city, and the same is true this year.

Of course, I was able to venture out and find some new things to do in the last 12 months (exhibit a and exhibit b), but this year I want to keep adding to the list. Some of my goals are Des Moines-specific, but many of them can be done wherever you live.

1. Rent bikes to ride by the river.

2. Take a tour of the botanical gardens.

3. Go on a hiking trip.

4. Join an outdoor pop-up yoga event.

5. (Try to) learn how to golf. ;)

6. Plant my own succulent garden.

7. Picnic at a winery.

8. Read a classic novel.

9. Make a fun summer cocktail treat.

What's on your bucket list this summer? Would you try any of these things? I'd love to know!

P.S. here's to new adventures and my travel guide to Des Moines

Florida vacation recap

Good morning babes! How have you all been? I feel like I've been away from the blog forever, which I kind of have in blogosphere time. I came back from Florida last week and it's been a little crazy with unpacking and working and Adam's birthday (happy birthday boo!) but I'm finally adjusted to being home and I thought I'd start things off with a few photos from my trip!

NYC trip: Jonas Blizzard

As I was preparing for my first trip to New York two weekends ago, I decided to buy some new Nikes for all the walking we'd be doing. Sensible right? And I was going to wear my favorite faux leather jacket because it's my cutest one and the temps were supposed to be in the 30s, while I'd been getting used to hovering around zero here in Des Moines. It would be a heat wave!

here's to new adventures

Tomorrow I'm heading out on my first adventure of 2016, and my feelings are a mixture of excitement, nerves and anticipation. I've wanted to go to New York since I can remember, and for a long time I thought I would move out there after college and start my life in one of the greatest cities in the world.

Flash forward to present day and I honestly can't see myself living in NYC anymore. (Although that might just change after I see it all in person this weekend!) I love Des Moines and the Midwest, and the idea of settling here but traveling everywhere, starting now.

If I'm being completely honest, I'm slightly terrified. I have never flown by myself before, and the last time I was even on a plane was my freshman year of college, which feels like forever ago. But I'm 23 now and I feel like it's time to start doing more things that scare me. (I know that's super cliche, but bear with me — I'm on that "new adventures" kick!)

But for the most part, I am crazy excited to see the city I've been dreaming about my whole life. Adam and I have booked our weekend solid with sight-seeing. A few things on my list: The Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, the 9/11 memorial, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Met. It's supposed to snow up to two feet while I'm there, so hopefully everything looks beautiful and snow-covered. And the forecast is predicting warmer temps than we've had here in Des Moines, so no complaints there!

I won't be posting tomorrow due to my early flight, but I'll be back next week with a recap of my trip! Wish me luck that I don't get lost at any of the airports!

Have you been to New York? What are your recommendations? We want to try them all! 

7 things to do for the holidays in Des Moines

It’s easy to get lost in all the holiday prep this time of year, and sometimes we forget to actually celebrate. We’re too busy shopping for presents, decorating the house, etc. to take a minute and remember that there is still fun to be had before Christmas hits. Anyone feel me on this? Well, this year I found some fun holiday-themed activities to do before Santa gets here! Some are family-friendly, and some are for the more booze-enthused ;) Whatever you're looking for, here are 7 holiday-themed events and activities to add to your calendar this year:

My Travel Guide to Des Moines

Today I am very excited to share with all of you one of the projects I've been working on for the past couple months! When the lovely Susannah of Feast + West asked me to prepare a travel guide for Des Moines as part of her Hidden Gems series, I practically jumped for joy. Partially because I love writing guest posts and working with fellow bloggers, but also because I just love the city of Des Moines so much.

I had a lot of fun writing the post, which you can read in full here, but the hardest part was narrowing down the list of places to go. There are just so many things to recommend here! And there are even more that I haven't had the chance to do yet.

Des Moines may not be the biggest city, but it has so much to offer. I hope you enjoy my travel guide — it includes some of my favorite bars, restaurants local shopping and other things to do — and if you're ever in the area, look me up! :)

Have you ever been to Des Moines If you're from the area, what would you put on a travel guide? I'd love to hear! 

P.S. Another guest post: The Tipsy Traveler

8 places to pick pumpkins in central Iowa

With my intense love for fall comes a natural love for all things fall-related, and that includes pumpkin patches. When I was a kid, one of my uncles bought the family farm from my grandparents and started growing pumpkins. He has acres and acres of pumpkins, and every fall my whole family would get together for a big party to help him pick them and then celebrate with tons of delicious food. It is one of my favorite childhood memories to this day.

A visit to Sidebar

One of my favorite things to do is check out the new stores/restaurants/bars that open in Des Moines. This city is growing so much that new places are popping up all the time —it’s almost hard to keep up! The latest one Adam and I ventured to is called Sidebar. It’s part coffee house, part gelato shop and part cocktail lounge.

It opened on Monday in the Capital Square building in downtown Des Moines. We stopped in for lunch on Tuesday but found out they weren’t quite serving lunch yet — the chefs said that will be starting around next week-ish. So I settled for an almond latte and a scoop of gelato (big sacrifice, right? ;).

The coffee was good but not particularly special, but the gelato was out of this world. I opted for the caramel sea salt, and I barely let Adam have two bites because I wanted it all for myself! It’s a little pricey — $3.50 for one scoop — but once I tasted it I didn’t care how much it cost. It was creamy and perfect. I told Adam I wanted to come back every day for more!

My favorite part of Sidebar was its look. Everything is clean and white, and since it’s located on a corner, with two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s really bright and cheerful. I wish I worked downtown so I could go there every day...although it’s probably a good thing I don’t because I would literally go there every day!

P.S. a tour of Hotel Renovo, Eatery A and RoCA 

A tour of Hotel Renovo

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Des Moines blogger brunch at the newly opened Hotel Renovo in Urbandale. First, I want to say a huge thanks to Chelsea for planning the event. I haven't had the chance to meet many of the bloggers in my area, so it was great get to know these fabulous ladies. Now, let's talk about how gorgeous this place is! (Get ready for picture overload!)

Iowa State Fair Guide: My 2015 state fair bucket list

To wrap up my first Iowa State Fair Guide, I've made a bucket list of things I want to do at the fair this year. Some are ones that I've done before, while others are ones I've wanted to try or haven't heard about before this year. There are some things I like to repeat from year to year out of tradition, but this year I also want to try a few new things and maybe make some new traditions. Here's what I'd like to see and do at the State Fair this year:

1. Try a wine flight from Top of the Vine. Can you believe I only just heard about this? It sounds perfect for me!

2. See a concert on the Grandstand. This is my biggest state fair tradition — I go to at least one every year. This year is The Fray with Andy Grammer!

3. Ride the Sky Glider. I've only done this once, but it's so fun and gives you such a great view of the fair!

4. Try a new food item. Some years I do this, and some years I stick with my favorites (cough, cornodog, cough). What new food should I try this year?

5. Watch a free show. Either a free concert, the Red Trouser Guys or maybe even the Chainsaws — I haven't decided yet!

6. Take a ride on Ye Old Mill. I've never done this, but apparently it's an old tradition for lovers to kiss while on the "love boat." It sounds too sweet to pass it up!

7. Ride the Ferris Wheel. Ferris Wheels have always been my favorite part of theme parks, but I don't think I've ever done it at the fair. This year I'm hoping to change that!

Are you going to the Iowa State Fair? What's on your state fair bucket list? Any votes for which new food item I should try this year?!

P.S. 7 free things to do at the fair, 10 foods to try and 8 things you'll see at the fair

Iowa State Fair Guide: 8 things you'll see at the fair

The Iowa State Fair is like the Walmart of events: It's prime time for people watching. Walking through the fairgrounds, you'll see a little bit of everything, and it makes for quite the show. Here's my list of 8 things to look out for. If you have more, feel free to add them in the comments!

1. A Grandstand band member/performer. I went to a Boys Like Girls concert at the fair when I was in high school, and while we were walking through the carnival section before the show we saw this guy talking to a small group of people. We wouldn't have thought anything of it, except he was wearing all black clothes in the middle of the fair, which is not a super normal sight for mid-August at the Iowa State Fair. We found out later that he was actually the lead singer of Boys Like Girls, and we probably could have met him had we actually known what he looked like. Moral of the story: Know your band's faces and be on the lookout. Some of them really do like to mingle with fans.

2. Presidential candidates. Seeing as how Iowa is one of the most important states for politics, the Iowa State Fair is a hotspot for people running for president. Find them speaking, eating, promoting and generally chatting up voters at every corner of the fair. You never know, you might just get a selfie with the next POTUS.

3. Cutoffs and cowboy boots. What would a fair be without a little country? Plaid shirts, cutoff shorts, cowboy hats, large belt buckles and boots abound, especially on the nights when a country singer is headlining the Grandstand.

4. A stumbling drunk person in the street. With so many beer tents sprinkled throughout the fair, it's not surprising that some people have a little too much fun. There's always that person who thinks it's a good idea to wander out of the tent, leaving their friends to chase them as they stumble through the crowds.

5. People with fanny packs. Well, it frees up both hands for food and drinks, so I guess it's not the worst idea?

6. People carrying a bag of freebies from the Varied Industries Building. It's a massive showcase of businesses and their booths. It seems to be mostly hot tubs, but there are a lot of free products and samples to be had from various tables. And some people just can't say no to that 16th plastic cup with a home furnishing store's logo on it.

7. Farm animals. It's a well-known fact that fairs are full of animal contests and 4-H events, but bonus points if you can spot an animal somewhere inside the fair where it's maybe not supposed to be.

8. A sunglasses-shaped sunburn. Spending all day — morning till midnight — at the fair in the hot August sun leaves for some really fun sunburns. You'll know the campers and daily fair goers by the white raccoon eyes and extremely pink faces.

What would you add to the list of things you'll see at the state fair? 

P.S. 7 things to do at the fair and 10 foods to try and my 2015 fair bucket list

Iowa State Fair Guide: 10 foods to try

Welcome back, babes! As promised, I'm back with another Iowa State Fair Guide post. In case you couldn't tell, this one is dedicated to food, because if we're being honest, that's pretty much the main attraction here. The Iowa State Fair is famous for putting anything and everything on a stick. From the normal corndog to the weirder caprese salad — it's all there. Here I've put together a list of 10 foods, both old and new, everyone should try (or at least consider trying) at the State Fair. Be sure to let me know your top picks in the comments below!

Iowa State Fair Guide: 7 free things to do at the fair

The Iowa State Fair is so big and so jam-packed with things to do that it's impossible to narrow the must-do list down to any number. The best way to experience the fair is to keep going back, whether that means returning every day, a couple days each year, or just one day every year. My personal recommendation is to check it out a couple half days each year, because it can get a bit overwhelming to be there longer than that, but I know some people who camp at the fair for the whole time, every single year, and love it. Whatever floats your boat!

No matter how you decide to do it, the Iowa State Fair is one of the best (if not the best) state fairs in the country, so it's something that should be on everyone's bucket list — Iowans especially. And for those of you who are trying it out for the first time this year, I've put together an Iowa State Fair Guide. I'll have a different post for the next four days, so make sure you come back every day to check it out! Today, we'll start with 7 free things to do at the Iowa State Fair.

Dancing with the Stars Live Tour

It's no secret that I love (like, LOVE) Dancing With The Stars. I remember watching the very first season when it came out 10 years ago, and right away I was hooked. Then watching the 20th season last winter, my sister and I would text each other during the show about performances and celebrities we couldn't believe were still there. We kept seeing promos for the Live Tour happening this summer and one night we decided to bite the bullet and buy two tickets!

Iowa wineries: Penoach Vineyard and Winery

For anyone who knows me well, they know I love a good glass (or two... or bottle...) of wine. So when my mom invited Adam and me to go to a local winery to hear a live band last summer, I wasn't about to say no. My first-ever winery visit was to Penoach Winery in Adel (a small suburb of the Des Moines region), and it has since become my favorite place for local wines.

The events are simple, yet so fun. Twice a month from May through September, the winery has a live band and a tent set up for guests to park their picnics under. You can bring in all the food you want (some people bring in literally tables full of food!), but they also usually have a food truck as well. Outside drinks aren't allowed because obviously they want you to buy their wine, but for just $15 a bottle you can have any flavor they have, chilled and ready to go. They also have a tasting station so you can sample a few kinds before you order a whole bottle. One of my favorites is the Rustic Red.

For food that night, my mom stocked up on some of our favorite wine-pairing appetizers, like gourmet cheeses, ham and turkey, focaccia, olives and crackers. Honestly, if I could eat these items for dinner every night, I probably would! I love picking out our favorite foods and packing a cooler for the winery. It's so much cheaper than eating out, but it's just as fun because you get to be around other people and listen to live music! The best part about this night was seeing a group of 50- to 60-year-old women dancing to all the 80s tunes — one woman was so into it that she stripped her jacket off and threw it in the air!

The winery itself is absolutely adorable. It's located outside the city on a gravel road and a large acreage. The owners live there in a gorgeous two-story white house, and they sell the wine out of a little barn in the backyard. The bands perform on a patio attached to the barn, and the guests are seated in an open grassy area next to the vineyard. It's such a beautiful area that I love to just walk around and take it all in.

If you live in/around Des Moines, Penoach is definitely a place to add to your bucket list!

P.S. 10 free things to do in Des Moines, 5 happy hour specials in Des Moines and my own summer bucket list

Lighter than air: the National Balloon Classic

The part I love most about being a journalist is the exposure I get to new things. Since starting my job as a reporter in Des Moines, I've written about professional bull riding, the local transgender community, Wizard World Comic Con and, most recently, the National Balloon Classic, which is the second-largest hot air balloon event in the U.S., hosted right here in central Iowa. For each of these stories, I've studied up on the subject and talked to people involved to learn about it from the inside, and then inform the general public about it. I love being able to do that, but what I love even more is being able to experience some of what I cover. Which is why I ventured the 30 miles or so out to Indianola last weekend for my first hot air balloon experience.

10 free things to do in Des Moines

Since I'm a recent college grad and living on a college grad's budget, making weekend and evening plans typically revolves around the cost — because let's face it: fun can get expensive. Even just a simple night at the bars with friends can quickly add up to a $100 tab, and that's just drinking and talking! So when Adam and I think about our next date night or our weekend plans, we try to find things to do that won't break the bank. The great thing about Des Moines is that there are so many free activities to do here. Live music, museums, dancing, exercising — just to name a few. So even if you are on a tight budget, your social life doesn't have to suffer for it. For those of you living in the Des Moines area or even just visiting, here are 10 free things to do in Des Moines:

1. Bike on the many Iowa bike trails. The Des Moines area has approximately 1 billion (maybe a little less...) miles of bike trails, with plenty of restaurants and bars along the way. A great way to get exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the state — you might even find more than cornfields (gasp!).

2. Explore the East Village shops and boutiques. This one could cost you some money — especially if you like vintage pieces and eclectic finds — but I really do love just the experience of walking through all the shops in the East Village. From antiques to modern home decor, there's a little bit of everything.

3. Tour the Iowa Capitol building. This is something I've never done, but I've heard from several people who have that it's a very cool experience. The capitol is beautiful from the outside, so I can only imagine how the inside looks. And hey, you might even learn a couple things while you're there.

4. Try yoga at Gray's Lake Park. Yoga in the Park is every Saturday morning from June to September, and tons of people turn out each weekend to participate. You don't have to be an expert to go, just willing to try a few poses and meet new people.

5. Experience the Des Moines Farmers Market. Also known as the Downtown Farmers Market, this is the king of all Iowa farmers markets, stretching several blocks every Saturday morning from May through October. This one can also cost a few bucks, but it can be done for free — if you have good will power. Find everything from fresh produce and lemonade to handmade jewelry and yard signs.

6. Visit the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Free and open 24 hours a day, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is an outdoor grassy area next to the Des Moines library that displays art by 22 artists from around the world. It's the perfect end to a dinner date night downtown, or the beginning of a Saturday spent with family.

7. Learn to salsa with free lessons at Lime Lounge. If you've ever wanted to learn how to salsa, you can do it for free at Lime Lounge on Thursdays. Salsa Des Moines provides free lessons at 8 p.m. and the floor opens at 9 p.m., so come alone or with a group and dance the night away.

8. Tour the Salisbury House. The Salisbury House is a historic 42-room mansion built in 1923 (completed in 1928). With ties to Salisbury, England, it now houses various events, including Shakespeare on the Lawn each summer.

9. View an exhibit at the Des Moines Art Center. The DMAC holds various art exhibits throughout the year, many of which are free to the public and open for several months. The hours can be a little difficult for those working 9-to-5 jobs, but they're always worth it.

10. Enjoy an outdoor concert at one of the wineries or outside of Jordan Creek Town Center. Live music is in abundance in Des Moines, especially during the summer. You can find outdoor concerts pretty much anywhere, and many of them are free. We like going to Penoach and taking our own snacks for dinner. They don't allow outside beverages because they want you to buy theirs, but you certainly won't be disappointed — it's my favorite wine in the area.

P.S. my summer bucket list, 10 patios to enjoy in DSM and 5 happy hour specials 

My summer bucket list

Even though I've lived in Iowa my whole life and in Des Moines for a year, there are still so many things I haven't done here. People always say there is nothing to do in Iowa — I used to be one of those people — but the truth is, if you look for it, you can always find something happening somewhere. And that is why I've resolved to make this summer my best yet: trying new things, meeting new people and just making memories. Here are a few things that are on my summer bucket list:

1. Zoo Brew at Blank Park Zoo. Booze plus animals — what's not to love?

2. Eat at a food truck. I've never done this! Is food better on wheels? I'm going to find out!

3. Walk on the High Trestle Trail Bridge. Because architecturally pleasing bridges are what Instagram is all about.

4. Rent a paddleboat at Grays Lake. The best chance I have at recreating any scene from 10 Things I Hate About You.

5. Go to the Hot Air Balloon Classic. Where else am I going to see a sky filled with giant balloons?

6. Ride bikes downtown. The best place to re-learn a childhood skill is a high-traffic area with lots of people, amiright?

7. Hike at Ledges State Park. Hiking in Iowa? It really can be done!

I'd love to know...what's on your bucket list this summer?

P.S. small town vs. city living, 10 patios in Des Moines and best happy hour specials in Des Moines

10 patios to enjoy this summer in Des Moines

First off, let's just get it out there that when I say Des Moines, I'm usually talking about the Des Moines metro as a whole, which includes the surrounding cities. Second, when it comes to eating out, if I'm ever trying to think of places with patios, it always seems like there are only a couple to choose from. But that could not be further from the truth. In making this list, I came across dozens of bars and restaurants with patios in the metro. I even had a hard time narrowing it down to 10, but I think I did a pretty good job with my picks (if I do say so myself ;).

5 great happy hour specials around Des Moines

For the last year, one of my main responsibilities at work has been covering the nightlife section, which means I write an article each week about a different bar in the Des Moines area. I know, rough life, right? ;) But I've researched and visited a lot of bars and restaurants around here, and I'm beginning to know my way around fairly well.

I'm not saying I know all the hottest spots — there are approximately a billion (or at least a couple hundred) places to get a drink in Des Moines — but I do know a great happy hour special when I see it. And since everyone needs to take some time for happy hour once in a while, I've rounded up 5 of my favorite happy hour specials in downtown Des Moines and West Des Moines.

1. Cowboy Jack's / West Glen
3-6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight / $2 rail and call drinks, select beers; $4 house wines; half-off select appetizers
This might be THE best happy hour around — and it happens twice a day! My mom actually meets her friends here after work about once every two weeks, and I don't blame her. Cowboy Jack's has great appetizers (try the calamari!), and you can't beat $2 drinks. The really great part? Happy hour continues on Saturdays, which is extremely unique.

2. Eatery A / downtown
3-6 p.m. / Half-off beer, wine and wood-fired pizzas
Disclaimer: I've only actually eaten here once. BUT that's all it took for me to fall in love. Adam and I went to Eatery A for our anniversary last year and tried one of their amazing wood-fired pizzas. We thought they were reasonable at full price, so the half-priced happy hour is pretty amazing. The wine was equally delicious.

3. Johnny's Hall of Fame / downtown
4-6 p.m. / 50-cent wings; $2.25 domestic draws, bottles and wells; $7.50 domestic pitchers
Any place that offers 50-cent wings is my kind of place. Johnny's has great food all around, and the atmosphere is so lively and fun. Plus, you can't beat those drink prices, especially if you're going with a group.

4. Bar Louie / West Des Moines
4-7 p.m. / $3.25 drafts, $4.25 wines, $5.25 martinis, half-off select appetizers and flatbreads
Bar Louie holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the first bars I wrote about when I started my job. It had just opened up and I took my mom there for martinis at happy hour. I ordered my first-ever dirty martini (and impressed the bartenders for drinking it). Anyway, Bar Louie has a all sorts of great cocktails, but the flatbreads are the real winners.

5. The Stuffed Olive / downtown
4-6 p.m. / $2 off tapas, beer and wine
Speaking of martinis, The Stuffed Olive (formerly The Standard) has a martini menu the size of a small book. For real. It's a classy place, so the prices are a bit higher than the other bars on this list, but if you're in the mood for it, it's definitely worth it.

Enjoy your happy hour :)

P.S. Creme Cupcakes + Desserts, Eatery A and RoCA