High Trestle Trail Bridge, Des Moines, Iowa
A VISITORS GUIDE TO DSM By Jordan Powers There’s a reason Greater Des Moines is the fastest-growing major metro in the Midwest. People like it here, and not only in a “great-placeto-raise-a-family” way, but in a “great-place-to-spend-a-weekend” way, too. Looking for things to do while you’re here for #ACCE18? We’ve compiled a few must-see attractions for you to consider.
IOWA STATE CAPITOL The 23-karat golden dome towering above the city is a favorite of sightseers, and the 275-foot building is the only state capitol with five domes. Call 515-281-5591 for tour information.
GREATER DES MOINES BOTANICAL GARDEN This indoor and outdoor garden is an oasis in the heart of Downtown Des Moines. Learn about fascinating plants, check out programming to enhance your experience or simply immerse yourself in the garden. The Botanical Garden location also offers a nice panoramic view of the city skyline.
WELLS FARGO HISTORY MUSEUM Just blocks from the ACCE Annual Convention, Wells Fargo has opened its 12th history museum nationwide. The museum features an authentic Concord stagecoach and a Wells Fargo wagon like that made famous in native-Iowan Meredith Wilson’s play “The Music Man.”
HISTORIC EAST VILLAGE Historic East Village is a progressive, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood featuring eclectic local flair. Shop for edgy garb at Raygun, sip hand-selected, loose leaf teas at Gong Fu Tea or learn about Iowa’s history at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, located at the foot of the State Capitol.
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Chamber Executive
Spring 2018
MEREDITH CORPORATION TEST GARDENS Tour the beautifully designed gardens where the publishing giant evaluates plants and gardening techniques for its flagship publication, Better Homes and Gardens. Visit www.ACCE.org/convention for information about tours of the gardens and test kitchens.
TRAILS If you are looking to get out and get active, Greater Des Moines is home to more than 800 miles of bicycling and walking trails. Within close proximity to the ACCE Annual Convention, we recommend seeing the Principal Riverwalk on the banks of the Des Moines River. On the southern edge of downtown, the Meredith Trail can take you to Gray’s Lake, a 100-acre lake that offers stunning views of the Downtown skyline. Learn more at catchdesmoines.com/trails. Make sure to rent a bicycle using Des Moines’ BCycle program, which has 21 stations around the metro.
MUSIC Live music is a staple in Des Moines with various venues around the metro, including the Des Moines Civic Center, Wells Fargo Arena, Hoyt Sherman Place and the Des Moines Social Club, all within walking distance or a short ride from the conference location. Love jazz and cabaret? Visit Noce for a night of tunes in their jazz age cocktail lounge.
RESTAURANTS Prepare for eclectic eats, local lagers and delectable desserts. With hundreds of local restaurants, Greater Des Moines is the destination for unique, locally-sourced food and drink. Whether you are looking for a seasonal menu, a full-course meal, a food truck or an all-inclusive brunch, it’s easy to get your foodie fix here. Consider a sit-down meal at Centro, run by James Beard Outstanding Restauranteur finalist George Formaro, or enjoy upscale comfort food classics at Bubba Southern Comforts. Looking for something unexpected? Try the Dead Moines burger from Zombie Burger or a crab rangoon pizza from Fong’s.
DRINKS Des Moines has no shortage of spots to grab a drink after a day spent in the #ACCE18 classroom. Unwind and network at the Iowa Taproom, which offers more than 120 taps of locally brewed craft beers. Looking for even more options? Nationally-recognized El Bait Shop features over 220 beers on tap. If a unique cocktail sounds more appealing, try a newspaperthemed mixed drink from Hello, Marjorie or experience the Gatsby-esque environment at Juniper Moon while sipping an Ingersoll Manhattan. Jordan Powers is communications manager at Catch Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.