What Is Old Is New Again

If you like to browse, collect or shop for antiques, Des Moines may be just the place for you to find that one-of-a-kind treasure.

Day 1
Travel to the original West Des Moines, downtown Historic Valley Junction. This charming, renovated railroad district has a collection of more than 120 retail businesses, many of them specializing in antiques. Memory Lane Antiques is one such shop.

Enjoy lunch at Americana Restaurant and Lounge or Ohana Steakhouse.

Bennett Schoolhouse was built in 1926 and restored in 1997. Tours are available. Contact (515) 225-1286 for more information.

Continue your antiquing adventure at Brass Armadillo Antique Mall and Majestic Lion Antique Center. These two unique malls showcase antique and collectible merchandise from more than 2,000 antique dealers.

For dinner, experience local Italian at its finest at Tursi’s Latin King. Remember to ask the owner about the history of the restaurant. Contact (515) 266-4466 for more information.

Enjoy one of the areas hot spots for dinner and entertainment at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Try the Triple Crown Eatery. Contact Matt Kiernan at (515) 967-8544 for more information.

Day 2
Visit Java Joe’s or Green Grounds Café to kick start your day!

Terrace Hill, a National Historic Landmark and the Iowa Governor’s residence, was built in 1869 by Iowa’s first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen. It is one of the finest examples of American Victorian Second Empire architecture designed by William Boyington, a well-known Chicago architect. Tours can be scheduled by contacting Meredith Sillau at Meredith.sillau@iowa.gov or (515) 281-7205.

Visit the eclectic West End Architectural Salvage. Craftsmanship from the past is available for renovations or creative repurposing. Socialize at the coffee shop and try one of their famous smoothies! Contact owner Don Short at (515) 243-0499 for more information.

For lunch, visit The Kirkwood Lounge or Fong’s Pizza.

Check out the Downtown Des Moines trail of antique marvels. There you’ll find some great shops including Flea Market on 63rd Street (221 SW 63rd Street), Collectamania (3200 Delaware Avenue) and Found Things (520 E Grand Avenue).

The 42-room architectural wonder, Salisbury House and Gardens, was built by cosmetics magnate, Carl Weeks, and displays more than 10,000 fabulous finds from around the world. To schedule this must-see tour contact Leo Landis at (515) 274-1777.

For dinner, enjoy Baratta’s, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse or Dos Rios.

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