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Bettendorf, Iowa, the 28,000-resident suburban town I grew up in, was far too small.
But Des Moines, Iowa, the Midwestern capital city I decided to move to in 2012?
Exhibit A: The headquarters ofDotdash Meredith, the publishing company behindTravel + Leisure.
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“Field of Dreams” fans know that if you build it, they will come.
Heres how to make the most of every moment.
At the end of the day, youll discover that the beds are impossibly soft, Handfelt says.
Courtesy of Marriott
Psst… Bring your ID, and ask aboutIn Confidence.
Its the Gatsby-esque speakeasy tucked accessible via a staircase behind a secret wall in Hobnob.
(Your drink menu is delivered in a file folder like a dossier.)
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AC Hotel
Downtown is split in half by the Des Moines River.
This Marriott property is situated in the center of the ultra-walkable East Village.
Its also a half-mile away from the glimmering Iowa State Capitol dome.
Courtesy of Oak Park
(If you have time, by the way, pop in for afree tourof the majestic government building.
)AC Hotels decor, from top to bottom, feels European and sleek.
The entire idyllic, peaceful property is magazine-worthy; in factRose Farmhas graced several of our sister brands covers.
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The on-site Airbnb is just as gorgeous.
(Jaume Plensas “The Nomade” is one of the most photographed scenes in the city.)
The color-blocked mural on the facade is tough to miss.
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There is a remarkable amount of talent in this town!
Visit a farmers market.
Thats about twice as many as youd find at New York CitysUnion Square Greenmarket.)
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I once saw a goat in a tiny sombrero, which made my life.
Take a dairy tour.
(Tell C.J., Brett, and Darren that we sent you.)
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They also have vegan and gluten-free options!
Embark on a biking beer crawl.
Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI)is much more than a bike ride.
RAGBRAI is the world’s longest, largest, and oldest recreational bicycle touring event.
Bop along to live music.
Come summer,Lauridsen Amphitheater,Jasper WineryandBotanical Gardenhost regular outdoor concerts.
(This years line-up includes Hozier, Vampire Weekend, Noah Kahan, and many more.)
Its no wonder since opening day, Oak Park has been booking out for months in advance.
Dessert options range from a $4 hazelnut chocolate bar to a showstopping $100 banana split.
Despite what the name says, Clydes is more than fine.
Table 128
Formerly located in the Western suburb of Clive,Table 128has been transplanted.
As of its reopening in May 2024, its thriving downtown.
Do not collect $200.
Head toHarbingerimmediately after your flight lands or you drive into town.
His review: Im very pleasantly surprised.
Everything was on par with D.C., and maybe even L.A.!
(Take it to go for a midnight snack if youd prefer.
It travels beautifully.)
Come late April and early May,Water Works Parkis painted pink by crabapple tree blooms.
Around Des Moines, the perfume of lilacs scents the sidewalks.
Bike trails come alive as locals and visitors alike prepare for RAGBRAI.
Already Iowas largest airport, its expanding as we speak.
By 2026, a new terminal will debut.
Each block has fun business to explore, especially from 28th to 35th Streets.
Oh, and dont forget dessert.
Its ready for you atCreme Bakery, Sammy Milas Asian-inspired bakery.
(For the uninitiated, those are no-bake chocolate-peanut butter cereal bars that few Iowans can resist.)
Heres a spectacular sample day entirely enjoyed in the E.V.
Enjoy a small bite and a beverage atHoqTail, then finish with tacos and churros at entirely-gluten-freeBar Nico.
How to Get Around
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Downtown and many neighborhoods outside of that are walkable.
Still, youll probably want wheels for at least a few excursions.
Rest assured that your precious time wont be eaten up by sitting in traffic.
Locals often say, Nothing is more than a 20-minute drive away.
