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

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

Small towns, bigger city

I moved to the Des Moines area earlier this year from a much smaller town about an hour and a half away — and I immediately fell in love with this city.

I used to think Iowa was boring and didn't have much to offer (I grew up in a small town where the only places open after 10 p.m. were the gas stations and the 24-hour gym). But there's a surprising amount of unique, fun things to do and see here. You just have to go to the right place.

Des Moines has been ranked one of the top up-and-coming cities on several occasions and for different reasons. And there are even lists that say it's one of the best cities for young adults. It's really an exciting time to live in this area, with all the growth and change happening. Apartments are sprouting up on just about every empty corner, new bars and restaurants are opening all the time.

This summer Adam and I went to wineries, explored the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, scouted new restaurants and played mini-golf. And there's still so much more. I never thought I'd fall in love with Iowa, but there's something kind of magical about it — especially its capital city.

Can you relate? Have you ever discovered a "new" old place that changed your mind about your home state? Or somewhere new altogether?

(Photo via Iowa House Republicans)

9 movies for a rainy (or sick) day

Rain seemed to be the theme of 2014 here in Central Iowa for a while. And even though it's been relatively dry for the last week or so, it's still cloudy and chilly — aka, Perfect Movie Marathon Weather.

Plus, I've been sick for the last week so laying on the couch watching movies in my pajamas sounds like heaven to me, regardless of the weather. Here are my marathon picks, with a variety of genres for every taste.

Family pumpkin patch!

Last weekend Adam and I visited my favorite place in the world: my uncle's farm and pumpkin patch. The farm has been in my family for longer than I even know, and I grew up visiting during harvest season and picking pumpkins. I always make at least one trip back every fall to get some pumpkins and see the family. Get ready for lots of photos.

Dad and Grandma had a great time taking rides on the ancient golf cart... Until it broke down.

But the guys took a loot and got it working again. Hooray for manly men ;)



My grandma was happy to see my grandpa's old tractor looking as beautiful as the day he bought it. The best part about visiting the farm is all the family memories there.

And making new memories.

And taking a million pictures.

And a little outfit of the day action. Did I mention fall is my favorite?

Iowa is actually pretty cool

Iowa is an underrated state. I know this may come as a shock to some people, but it's not all corn and soybeans here. Granted, there is a lot of farmland...but it's beautiful farmland.

We may not have the tallest buildings or the most movies filmed here, but we do have our merits. As Ashton Kutcher recently said, Iowa is full of hardworking, get-it-done, good people.

And did you know Alfonso Ribeiro's wife is from Iowa? They come back to visit our lovely state "a few times a year" (no big deal). Iowa has even made Buzzfeed's radar with this viral video of a father/daughter dance-off in the heart of downtown Des Moines. (See...Iowa does have some swag.)

I used to think Iowa was awful and couldn't wait until I was old enough to leave. But now...I can't really imagine leaving. At least not permanently.

(Photo via Wikiality)