My first impression of Des Moines Iowa was that it’s very quiet and laid back. I’m sure in the summer it’s more livelier but it was pretty dead for lack of a better word lol. There isn’t a lot of top sites compared to other cities I’ve been to but I spent time at the Des Moines Art Museum, checked out the state capitol, and had dinner downtown. The downtown area was nice and clean, I loved the sky walks, and there were bars, restaurants, shops, just like any other downtown. I had a 620am flight the next day so I turned in early.
Bubba’s – I had the chicken fried steak, creamy corn w/ mashed potatoes and a glass of Midnight in the garden – crown apple, cider, and cranberry.
One place I have to call out that I did not see but wish I did was the Grotto Redemption. I LIVE for seeing places that exist no where else and are unique to an individual city.
It was about 2hrs and 30 minutes away from my hotel and I didn’t rent a car. Why didn’t I use uber? I thought about it. It was 200-300 dollars round trip and soo yeah no 🙂
Google facts on Grotto of redemption: Story of a mans fall and his redemption by Christ the savior of the world. Constructed from 1912-1954 and it’s the largest grotto in the world. It’s constructed from fossils, shells, and minerals such as rubies, sapphires, and pearls.
A visitor to the grotto is presented with scenes depicting the Holy Trinity, the Garden of Eden, the Ten Commandments, the stable in Bethlehem, Jesus boyhood home, the Sermon on the Mount, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Stations of the Cross.
Other places in Iowa I found interesting
Salisbury house garden, pappajohn sculpture- no connection to the pizza just the guys last name lol, Iowa food staples – Iowa chops, Maid Rite (similar to sloppy Joe sandwich but no sauce), Grotto Redemption , Skywalks around downtown
If you ask yourself would you visit a city more than once and the answer is yes, that must be a pretty nice city. Indianapolis was my favorite between the all 3 cities. I did far more here than the others and I found more interesting things to do. The nice weather was also helpful.
Places I visited
Milktooth – brunch spot with really good food, laid back vibe, pretty eclectic – think urban outfitters
I ordered the cafe rozata – espresso w/ orange, almond, burnt cinnamon, and steamed milk. Blue corn grits with bacon and scallions, waffle with maple syrup, salted butter, and nectarines.
Tappers Arcade Bar – It’s a 2 minute walk from milktooth. Once I heard the games were free as long as you ordered from the bar, I was sold. So nostalgic and reminiscent of my childhood, I spent at least 40 minutes drinking and playing pac man, aliens, mortal combat, burgertime, 1942, and race car games.
Monument Circle – nice, clean downtown area, beautiful fountain sculpture in the center (soldiers/sailors), local restaurants, comic book stores, coffee shops
Rocket Fizz – a candy store that has almost every candy made and bottled soda with weird flavors. I bought a small bag of frooties and a buffalo flavored soda just for kicks. I still haven’t tried it but I want to save it for girls night lol.
Indy Canal Walk – walked here for almost an hour listening to Jhene Aiko’s chilombo, I love this trail! The river has bright blue water and rows of townhouses on each side. The trail goes all the way downtown to the Indiana state museum.
Bru Burger Bar – I had the Mexicali burger and fries and when there’s warm pretzels with cheese on the menu you do not turn it down. ever.
Other places in Indiana I found interesting
Indy500, Medical Museum, Tibbs Drive-in, Duckpin Bowling, Veal’s ice tree – shown in the winter months only, Fountain squares rooftop garden, White Rabbit Cabaret, Holiday Park, White River State park, St. Elmo Steak House – St. Elmo shrimp cocktail, popular extremely spicy cocktail, Roller Derby, 500 Museum, Art Center, Convention Center
Milwaukee was the last city I traveled to. To my surprise, there are some really interesting places here. There’s good entertainment, a variety of food options, and scenic areas.
Places I visited
Damascus – a local Syrian restaurant in Milwaukee. I ordered the falafel appetizer and the mixed platter, comes with rice chicken skewer and kefta kabob.
Black Cat Alley – alley filled with artistic murals
Juneau Park – I didn’t see this park on any Milwaukee must see lists and I’m not sure why. It’s beautiful, has great views of the Milwaukee skyline, and there’s a nice wide walking trail. I thought the park had a connection to Juneau Alaska but it doesn’t, it’s just some old guys last name
Milwaukee Riverwalk – I love how the river goes through downtown area, similar to Chicago.
Other places in Milwaukee I found interesting
Harley Davidson Museum, The Outsider, Dons Diner & cocktail, Bryant’s cocktail lounge, Buckley’s, Goodkind, Momo Mee, Horticulture Conservatory, Basilica Saint Josapht, Wisconsin’s Cheese Mart, Comet Cafe, Mr Perkins, Tri Poli Shrine temple
Travel Time
Flight to Des Moines from Chicago – Connecting took around 3hrs but direct would be closer to 1hr
Indianapolis to Chicago – 2hrs 43 min drive
Chicago to Milwaukee – 1hr 30 min drive
2020
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