A weekend on the town gets even better when you add in a few more friends.
THINGS TO DO:
RICOCHET
There are many places where you and your friends might have fun. At Ricochet, it’s a sure thing. Located in the hip Historic East Village, it’s all fun and games: table tennis, foosball, darts, bags, shuffleboard and pool. Plus, three beer lounges show big-screen sports and movies. With one low entry fee, you are free to play.
WARRIOR LANES
Enjoy strikes, spares and high fives while bowling in Waukee, on the western edge of Greater Des Moines. You’ll enjoy this modern facility for a game that has brought friends together for centuries. Scoring is automatic; so is a good time. There’s even scheduled “glow bowling” with music and disco lights.
CLIMB IOWA
More than 50,000 visitors have enjoyed moving up in the world at Iowa’s premiere indoor facility for learning, practicing and enjoying the experience of rock climbing. You’ll find 10,000 square feet of climbing surfaces, 200 routes, and instructors eager to show you the ropes.
GRAY’S LAKE
This 167-acre lake offering outdoor adventure is right outside of Downtown Des Moines. Hop on the two mile trail that loops the lake or relax on the public beach. If you’re looking to get some time on the water stand up paddle-boards, pedal boats, canoes, single kayaks, double kayaks and sailboat rentals are available beginning in mid-April. (Sailboat rentals require sailing class certification.)
EAT & DRINK:
TAKI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
Uniquely enchanting, Taki has earned a reputation for fresh sushi and Teppanyaki. From the extensive sushi menu or more traditional dinner menu, your group will find exotic tastes to enjoy. Ingredients include fish delivered overnight from Hawaii and the highest-grade Japanese rice from California.
COSI CUCINA ITALIAN GRILL
Discover the casual Italian cuisine that has made Cosi Cucina a local favorite since 1993. Featured are wood oven pizzas, specialty pastas, fresh salads, classic entrees, house made desserts, and an expansive wine list. The cozy environment is great for the lively conversation that friends enjoy after a fun-filled day.
JAVA JOES COFFEEHOUSE
Des Moines’ original micro-roaster now has multiple locations, but the engaging original in downtown’s Court Avenue district is worth a special visit. With an atmosphere all its own, including theater space for performers, you’ll enjoy fresh roasted coffee and espresso drinks, teas, sandwiches and more.
515 BREWING COMPANY
In 2016, just three years after its creation, 515 Brewing won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival, the largest commercial beer competition in the world. Taste for yourself. This brewery is all about the beer. Food? Bring your own or have it delivered. But if you’re serious about beer, stop here. Did we mention that it is right off of the Clive Greenbelt Trail? A perfect spot to stop for a refreshing brew.
TASSEL RIDGE WINERY
Road trip! Pile your posse into the car and head southeast of Des Moines. After less than an hour of telling stories and laughing, you’ll reach one of the leaders in Iowa’s growing wine industry. Tours are free, and the tasting room is always fun. End the day on the patio with gourmet cheese and a glass of your favorite.
STAY:
ELEMENT WEST DES MOINES
Traveling with friends, you’ll want a convenient place to stay for all of your group’s weekend fun. This hotel is less than a mile from the shopping, dining and entertainment at Jordan Creek and West Glen Town Center. To work off calories, try the fitness center, pool or bikes for the adjacent trail network.