Summer Bucket List - Flyover State Style
So much to do this summer, so little time before that Flyover State Winter sets in! Here is my summer bucket list!! What is on yours?!
Food (and Drinks)
There are sooo many new places I am DYING to try this summer in Des Moines!! Here are some on my current watch list!
Bar Nico - 428 E Locust
For one my husband goes by Niko, so obviously we have to go!
Anyone who is local to Des Moines is familiar with Eatery A and Alba. From their genius minds comes a breakfast, lunch and dinner upscale Mexican restaurant.
Set to open in June.
The Continental Lounge - 407 E 5th St
I am so excited for this spot to set up a more permeant location! They have both tapas and drinks. What I am most excited about?! Happy Hour!! Every Monday-Thursday, 4:30pm to 6:30pm. $4.95 Bruschetta plus drink specials?! Sign me up!
Pura Social Club - 660 E 5th St Suite A
Another tapa and drink locale. They are known for their classics - Gin & Tonic, Old Fashions, and, my favorite, MOJITOS! You would be surprised at how hard it is to find a GOOD mojito in the Flyover States. In addition, they have unique dishes such as fried sprouts, roasted tomato & ricotta dip, and Elote flatbread.
Fun
So much to do, so little time. Here are the top 3 fun spots for summer 2022!
Farmer’s Market - Downtown Des Moines
Every Saturday from May - October
I am not exaggerating when I say this is the best Farmer’s Market in the Flyover States. They have got everything you could possibly want. My favorite stops are Steve’s for tempura vegetables, Jeannie’s soaps for essential oils and Pella Bakery for a apple turnover!
PRO TIP: Since Java Joes left downtown it’s been hard to get coffee so I suggest parking at Scenic Route getting your coffee, then walking across the bridge to market. Skip those lines!
Zoo Brew
The Blank Park Zoo, on Wednesday evenings, has the animals out late, food and drinks, and a band! It’s the coolest thing! I highly recommend if you haven’t gone.
PRO TIP: For those of you that have gone before, it did use to be every Wednesday evening, but due to staffing, and COVID, and all that fun it has been reduced to the following Wednesday evenings only this year:
Wednesday, June 8
Standing Hampton
Wednesday, June 29
Final Mix Show Band
Wednesday, July 6
The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Wednesday, July 27
Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys
Wednesday, August 3
Suede
Wednesday, August 17
Dick Danger Band
Winery Tour
If you didn’t know Iowa has a ton of wineries!! Grab a friend, or 10, get an uber or a party bus :) and hit them up!! My favorites are below!
Flights
Looking for a quick weekend trip?! Here are 3 on my to-do list this summer!
Minnesota Glamping
Now, I am not a camper at heart. The outdoors make me sneeze most of the time. Glamping on the other hand? Right up my alley. The peace of not having to deal with anyone or anything for a long weekend sounds amazing. Of course AirBnB has so many beautiful locations and cabins to pick from! Here are my top 3!
Klarhet’s Berkana Dome - totally secluded with gorgeous views! Located in Tofte, Minnesota it overlooks Lake Superior!
Spirit of Superior - this is a log cabin located on lake Superior in Schroeder, Minnesota.
Log Cabin - another log cabin located in International Falls, Minnesota. This location has access to Voyageurs National Park.
Cabins not your style? Check out this historic castle you can rent!
Chicago Long Weekend
I spent a lot of time in Chicago. There is so much to do in summertime there! My favorite summer time activities are:
Architectural Tour on the River/Lake - so much fun to get out on the boat in the summer time and see the beautiful architecture and history of Chicago. Make sure you book one that goes out onto the Lake! It’s gorgeous! And so much fun!
Gangsters & Crime Tour - a walking tour of downtown Chicago. They take you a tour of all the spots Al Capone and the Chicago Mob frequented and some of the most historical crime sites. For all your crime lovers, like me, it’s a must!
Dinner at the Walnut Room - located in the Macy’s in downtown Chicago. Opened in 1907, it was the first restaurant opened in the department store. A must see!
Kansas City Royal’s Game
Okay, I am not a huge fan of sports but if you go when the weather is nice, it’s practically like being on a patio enjoying a beer. And who doesn’t love Kansas City! The Power and Light District has such great bars and restaurants to explore. Take Friday off and make a long weekend of it!
For good seats, tickets are around $100 but less-than-the-ideal-view tickets can be less than $20! Plus there are games all the time!
Fitness
For those fitness freaks out there, there is plenty of fun fitness activities happening around the Flyover States this summer.
Dam to Des Moines
It might be too late for those that need to train to run 13.1 miles but the Dam to DSM is June 4th! Previously known as DAM to DAM. A fun, high energy, opportunity to crush your running goals! Looking for something later in the summer? Check out the list below!!
Twin Cities Women's Half Marathon & 5K - Bloomington, MN - June 26th
University of Okoboji Homecoming Races - Okoboji, IA - July 16th
Chi Town Half Marathon - Chicago, IL - April 8th, 2023 (for those that need a whole year to train, like me)
PS. I will be running the DAM to DSM this year! Drop an email for any last minute tips and tricks!!
Rise & Wine - Jasper Winery
Yoga class then bottomless mimosas?! Count me in!!
Cost is $30 and there is one class a month throughout the summer. Tickets available HERE! Next class is June 26th.
