SPRING THINGS TO DO

Come springtime, or as we like to call it, "shorts weather", the fun starts to blossom in Greater Des Moines. From parks and art to iconic races and farmers' markets, you'll have a little extra pep in your step.

DAY 1 MORNING ACTIVITY: CATCH THIS: WHEN TO VISIT: INFO: TAKE A DIP Motley School Tavern ⊲ New American Restaurant offering 1903 Beaver Avenue, fresh spins on yesterday's classics. Tue - Thur: 4 - 9 p.m. Des Moines ⊲ Blueberry Pancakes are as pretty Fri - Sat: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. motleyschooltavern.com as they are delicious. Sun: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Beaverdale Books ⊲ A hidden treasure in the metro Pickup and Delivery where you’re assured to find a Mon - Fri: 2629 Beaver Avenue, Suite S1, good book. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Des Moines Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. beaverdalebooks.com Sun: Noon - 4 p.m. Back Country ⊲ Stock up on name brand outdoor 2702 Beaver Avenue, apparel and gear. Refer to website. Des Moines theoriginalbackcountry.com

AFTERNOON ⊲ Internationally acclaimed museum Tue - Wed: is home to works of Edward 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. 4700 Grand Avenue, Hopper and Georgia O'Keeffe. Thur: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Des Moines Fri: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. desmoinesartcenter.org ⊲ More than 5,000 works of art in Sat - Sun: total, plus free admission! 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Manhattan Deli ⊲ Grab lunch to go, it’s picnic time! 3705 Ingersoll Avenue, Mon - Sat: Des Moines ⊲ Get the “Zach Johnson,” named 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. hansensmanhattandeli.com after ’s most famous golf pro.

John & Mary ⊲ This 44-acre park with 30+ , Year-round Pappajohn works of art is the crown jewel of 1330 Grand Avenue, Sculpture Park downtown and the perfect spot Des Moines for your Des Moines picnic. desmoinesartcenter.org/visit/ pappajohn-sculpture-park

catchdesmoines.com/catchlist @catchdesmoines SPRING THINGS TO DO

AFTERNOON CONTINUED ACTIVITY: CATCH THIS: WHEN TO VISIT: INFO: TAKE A DIP Art Route Des Moines ⊲ Explore downtown and its 87 pieces of public art. Year-round artroutedsm.com ⊲ Look for access paths marked with circles and chevrons.

Horizon Line Coffee ⊲ Much like Des Moines’ public art, 1417 Walnut Street, Suite B, the coffee here is BOLD! Tues - Sun: Des Moines 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. horizonlinecoffee.com

Django ⊲ Unpretentious French bistro with 1420 Locust Street, Steak Frites and a killer burger Daily: 4 - 9 p.m. Des Moines to boot. djangodesmoines.com

Mon - Thur: Hello, Marjorie ⊲ Craft cocktails in a dark setting,EVENING 717 Locust St, Des Moines illuminated by their famous “All 4 p.m. - 12 a.m. hellomarjorie.com the Prettiest Girls in the World Are Fri - Sat: 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. From Des Moines” neon sign.

*Pro-tip: Following after-dinner drinks, check out an arena show at Wells Fargo Arena, some indie rock at Wooly’s, or jazz at Noce Jazz and Cabaret.

DAY 2 MORNING ACTIVITY: CATCH THIS: WHEN TO VISIT: INFO:

St. Kilda Collective ⊲ Part breakfast café, part bakery, Mon - Thur: 333 5th Street, and part farm-to-table restaurant. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. West Des Moines ⊲ The avocado toast is as good as Fri - Sat: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. stkildadsm.com/collective advertised. Sun: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Salisbury House & ⊲ A must stop for lovers of Wed - Sat: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Gardens architecture, books, art, and 4025 Tonawanda Drive, quirky history. Sun: Noon - 3:30 p.m. Des Moines ⊲ Self-guided tours are available. salisburyhouse.org

catchdesmoines.com/catchlist @catchdesmoines SPRING THINGS TO DO

AFTERNOON ACTIVITY: CATCH THIS: WHEN TO VISIT: INFO: TAKE A DIP World Food Prize ⊲ Free museum, home to beautiful Tue: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 100 Locust Street, Sat: 9 a.m. - 1 a.m. Hall of Laureates artwork, photography, mosaics, Des Moines and stained glass, all paying halloflaureates.org tribute to achievements in agriculture and food security.

Mon - Thur: 4 - 9 p.m. Malo ⊲ Top notch modern Mexican food. 900 Mulberry Street, Fri - Sat: Des Moines ⊲ The totchos and topflight 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. malodesmoines.com margaritas are always a hit! Sun: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

West End ⊲ Famed for their show on HGTV, Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Architectural Salvage this four-story showcase of 22 9th Street, everything awesome features Sat: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Des Moines one-of-a-kind salvaged pieces. Sun: Noon - 4 p.m. westendsalvage.com

Jasper Winery ⊲ Sample hand-crafted wines at this "estate style" winery in the heart of Wed - Sat: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 2400 George Flagg Parkway, the metro. Sun: 1 - 5 p.m. Des Moines jasperwinery.com ⊲ Tours are available.

EVENING

Aposto ⊲ A one-of-a-kind dining 644 18th Street, experience nestled in an 1880 Wed - Thur: 5 - 9 p.m. Des Moines Victorian Mansion. Fri - Sat: 5 - 10 p.m. apostodm.com ⊲ The seasonal specials won’t disappoint.

Hessen Haus ⊲ A German style bier-hall known Sun - Thur: 101 SW 4th Street, for their hefeweizens. 10:30 a.m. - 12 a.m. Des Moines Fri - Sat: hessenhaus.com ⊲ “Pass the Boot” is a must! 10:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. Hoyt Sherman Place ⊲ Check their show schedule, 1501 Woodland Avenue, there’s truly no cooler (and more Refer to website Des Moines elegant) place to catch a concert for showtimes. hoytsherman.org or a comedy show.

catchdesmoines.com/catchlist @catchdesmoines DON’T MISS THESE SPRING EVENTS

Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival (early March) (late April) CelebrAsian (late May) Des Moines Farmers' Market (month of May)

catchdesmoines.com/catchlist @catchdesmoines