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Old Sep 9th, 2015, 04:07 PM
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Des Moines

Never been there. Anything fun to do? May be passing through for work in a couple weeks and wanted to get any insight.
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Old Sep 10th, 2015, 04:06 AM
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Went there for work several times, but not in the last ten years. I think it is probably a lot hipper now, like everything else.

As I remember, there was a good art museum in a nice modern building, and I remember going to a farm/rural life museum out in the country.

It is not a bad drive to Iowa State if you enjoy university campuses and college towns.

The third trip, I got snowed in and spent two nights in a motel on the strip near the airport. Fortunately, I had a couple of books, and a nearby steak house stayed open. Hope you are not going in the winter!
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Old Sep 10th, 2015, 06:57 AM
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I lived in Ames, and worked in Des Moines, for fifteen years. Some of the things I enjoyed:

Living History Farms
Botanical Center
Salisbury House
State Capitol

Other than those, Des Moines has the same types of bars, parks, sports places, and stores that you'll find anywhere else -- just on a less impressive scale.

If "DC Guy" means you live on the East Coast (as I do now), you'll probably find the cultural attractions and events a bit subdued compared to what you're used to.
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Old Sep 11th, 2015, 12:34 PM
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Interesting takes on the city, thanks. How does Des Moines compare with Cedar Rapids, where I've also never been but have thought about visiting?
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Old Sep 12th, 2015, 05:47 AM
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I like staying in Des Moines for business, everything is centrally located. I havent seen full Hotel Lobby bars like DSM anywhere since the 80s, even the Embassy Suites Happy Hour overflows, literally 200+ people. Then you can follow the Conga line to Zombie Burger or Fongs Pizza.
If you have a business dinner, Alba, Django, Latin King and Chentro are really good and easy to get to. Last time I was there we went to Flemings in West Des Moines, they did a nice job over in Jordan Creek with several chain restaurants but not worth the drive.
Are you going out for election work?
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Old Sep 12th, 2015, 11:40 AM
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Django is good.DO NOT INDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, stay at Fort Des Moines Hotel, where its located. I had to spend a week there on business, straight out of The Shining. Aargh!!!!
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Old Sep 12th, 2015, 12:08 PM
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LBloom,
Ive stayed at Hotel Ft Des Moines several times over the past 20 years years, nothing lately. I kinds liked the old feel. I heard after the new owner wont run the air, its not just old but a hot hellhole. Good news is, I hear, soon they will turn it into a high end Hilton property
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Old Sep 12th, 2015, 12:19 PM
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Go and visit the bridges of Madison county
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