Go Shop View archives

• Chocolaterie Stam

  Exquisite European chocolate stars at this inviting shop. Run by a member of the Stam family—which started the business in the Netherlands in 1913—it features rich, finely crafted bonbons as well as truffles, cookies, coffee and gelato. (9/2011)

  2814 Ingersoll Ave
  515-282-9575
  stamchocolate.com
  

• Best Wishes

  In addition to stylish home items, gifts and jewelry, this shop has the exclusive Iowa rights to the stunning Victoria & Richard Emprise line, which includes whimsical yet sophisticated furniture and décor in eye-popping colors. (9/2011)

  833 42nd St
  515-274-4438
  bestwishesdsm.com
  

 

Go See View archives

• ARTstop

  Sample Des Moines’ thriving arts and cultural scene during this free event in which 41 museums, art galleries, performing arts venues and artists’ studios in six cultural districts will host special exhibits, performances and demonstrations. Free buses shuttle visitors between the sites. Sept. 24-25. (9/2011)

  Various locations
  515-222-3642
  facebook.com/artstop
  

• Jazz in July

  Pack a picnic and listen to regional musicians play jazz favorites at 24 free concerts throughout July. The concerts, held at parks and other outdoor sites, are accompanied by artists’ displays, children’s activities and food vendors. (9/2011)

  Various locations
  515-280-3222
  metroarts.org
  

• Bike Trails

  Greater Des Moines boasts more than 300 miles of interconnected bicycling and walking trails. Rent a bike at one of the four “B-cycle” kiosks downtown and explore the trails along the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, or head to attractions like the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Iowa Hall of Pride or the ever-popular Gray’s Lake Park, located roughly two miles south of downtown. (9/2011)

  Various locations
  515-288-8022
  desmoines.bcycle.com
  

 

Go Eat View archives

• Americana Restaurant & Lounge

  This new, multi-level restaurant claims to “celebrate the swagger of the cocktail culture” with classics like the Sidecar and Singapore Sling. While the vibe may be Mad Men-esque, the cuisine is contemporary. The kitchen turns out American and continental dishes, including creative small plates such as pulled pork crostini and seared artichoke hearts. $$ (9/2011)

  1312 Locust St
  515- 283-1312
  americanadsm.com
  

• Open Sesame

  Since its opening in January, this casual Lebanese café has drawn raves for its authentic and flavorful renderings of Mediterranean dishes, such as falafel, kafta (spiced ground sirloin patties) and baba ghanoush. $$ (9/2011)

  313 E Locust St
  515-288-3151

• Kirkwood Lounge

  This high-energy restaurant is downtown’s newest hotspot. The Southern-inspired menu takes casual dining to a more creative, refined level. Try egg rolls with smoked chicken and braised greens, a salmon BLT burger or the roasted beet pizza. $$ (9/2011)

  400 Locust St.
  515-288-9606

 

Go Party View archives

• The Lift

  Strawberry shortcake martini, anyone? Or perhaps mint cookie appeals to you? That’s just one of almost three dozen flavors of martinis at this casual bar in downtown’s Court Avenue entertainment district. Catering to an eclectic crowd, it also features daily specials and rotating exhibits of works by local artists. (9/2011)

  222 Fourth St
  515-288-3777
  dmlift.com
  

• The House of Bricks

  This lively East Village bar is downtown’s live music capital, hosting rock, blues and indie music acts and presenting edgy comedy shows, poetry slams and open-mic nights. If you’re hungry, order from a menu filled with bar standards like potato skins, deli sandwiches and burgers. (9/2011)

  525 E Grand Ave
  515-727-4370
  thehouseofbricks.com
  

• Vaudeville Mews

  This eclectic place is one of the city's top venues for touring acts that play everything from rock and blues to hip-hop, folk and funk. Located in the lively Court Avenue entertainment district, this bar has no set hours, but typically opens an hour before shows. This month, see the likes of local blues rockers Rebel Creek (June 10) and Portland, OR-based synth pop band Lovers (June 18). (9/2011)

  212 Fourth St
  515-243-3270
  vaudevillemews.com