Stitchin And Patchin
Every fall, Des Moines hosts the American Quilter’s Society (AQS) Quilt Show and Expo, but a quilting tour will have you "stitchin and patchin" all year long.Day 1
Historic Valley Junction is home to bead, quilt, yarn and lace shops. Also, make sure to stop by Light the Earth, Kavanaugh Art Gallery and Memory Lane Antiques for uniquely Midwestern pieces. Call ahead for Historic Valley Junction representatives to greet your coach and hand out coupons for the local shops. During the American Quilter’s Society Quilt Show and Expo, participate in a Quilt Walk, featuring open houses, exhibitions, gallery openings with artists and much more. Contact (515) 274-8407 for more information.
Travel just 20 miles to Van Meter to The Craft Cottage. This cozy home provides space for scrapbooking, stamping and quilting. The Craft Cottage also works well for parties and club gatherings. Rent the cottage for a few hours or for a weekend! Contact (515) 669-4038 for more information.
Before lunch check out the State Historical Museum. The State Historical Museum's world-renowned Mary Barton Quilt Collection is on display in conjunction with the American Quilter's Society Quilt Show & Expo. Mary Barton, a native of Iowa, became one of the world's foremost experts on quilts, patterns and other issues that impacted women in the 19th and 20th centuries. Between 1987 and 2001, Barton donated more than 1,500 items to the State Historical Museum. A variety of other historic quilts are also on display throughout the year. Contact (515) 281-5111 for more information.
Have lunch at the museum’s bistro restaurant, Café Baratta’s, where they serve homemade, seasonal, fare.
The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, set on 4.4 acres in the heart of Downtown Des Moines, features 27 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculptures. Contact (515) 271-0344 for more info.
Next, travel 30 minutes to the small town of Madrid – home to the Iowa Arboretum. The arboretum is 378 acres of trees and woodland trails, along with flowers and shrubbery stretched over the plains. Contact (515) 795-3216 for more information.
For dinner, visit Centro, a restaurant that has earned its reputation as one of the best nights out in Des Moines. The menu features wood-grilled specialties, pastas, classic Italian entrées and New York-style pizza. Contact (515) 248-1780 for reservations.
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino features 1,900 slot machines, table games including poker and blackjack, as well as Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. It’s sure to be a fun night for everyone! Contact (515) 967-1000 for more information.
Day 2
Embrace your artistic side at the Des Moines Art Center. Tours are available in the gallery. Contact (515) 271-0328 for more information.
Experience the outdoors at the Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center. The beautiful, exotic, blooming flowers and plants are sure be pleasing to the eye first thing in the morning. Contact (515) 323-6288 for more information.
For lunch, try Star Bar, Americana Restaurant and Lounge or Gusto Pizza Co.
The Historic Jordan House, a stately Victorian home of Italianate Gothic design, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program. It is one of the oldest structures in Polk Country, as well as West Des Moines. Contact Penny Schiltz at (515) 225-1286 for more information.
Next, indulge into some delicious Belgium chocolate at the Beaverdale Confection Co. This store has many handmade candies truffles, pecan clusters and gourmet marshmallows. Contact (515) 279-0553 for more information.
Before the evening settles in, travel to the quaint town of Perry to visit the Ben Franklin store. From gifts to fabric- they have it all!
Enjoy dinner at Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewery or BOS before enjoying a show at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines.
Day 3
After a quick drive to Winterset, Iowa, stop at Howell’s Dried Florals and Greenhouse where five acres of rainbow arranged flowers await. Contact (515) 981-0863 for more information.
Visit the Birthplace of John Wayne in Winterset, a quilting mecca! Fons and Porter draws quilters in for rare fabrics, patterns and kits. Next, embark on a “History with a Roof Tour” where you will see covered bridges and take a Barn Quilt tour.
On your way back to Des Moines, make sure to stop by some of the local quilting shops, including:
- Backdoor Fabrics
- Cornerstone Quilts
- Creekside Quilting
- Eye Beads & Gemstones
- Hobby Lobby
End the day at The Kirkwood Lounge or Fong’s Pizza.
Click here to download a PDF of this itinerary.
For more information, contact:
Katie Stien
Sales Manager
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
(515) 699-3432
kstien@desmoinescvb.com
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