Things to Do
There are some great coffee options nearby:
Hobnob Coffee and Wine Bar - located just off the Hotel Fort Des Moines lobby. A good breakfast bite option too.
Starbucks - ever heard of it? One block north (corner of Locust and 10th).
Horizon Line Coffee - one of our favorites. Just a 7 min walk west down Walnut St.
Chain & Spoke - another favorite here. This one is a little further out than the others. Take a 5 minute drive if you are looking for more seating (or a pastry).
Jesse's Embers - 5 minute drive from hotel. You'll feel like a local when you walk in here, especially if you know to order the Cajun Shrimp app (you'll want extra bread with that, trust us!). Casual steakhouse vibes with steaks and burgers that are hard to beat.
801 Chophouse - walkable from hotel (~5 mins). Go here if you want an elevated steakhouse option Friday night before the Welcome Party. You can't go wrong with any of the steak, pork, and lamb options. We love the side of lobster mac!
Iowa Taproom - just across the river in the "East Village." With 160 beers on tap, be careful not to spend *too* much time here! Great food too.
Explore the East Village
Take a quick morning stroll toward 505 East Grand Ave. and stop by Daisy Chain Coffee (delicious cappuccinos, fresh honey, and incredible ice cream sandwiches) and Raygun (a "must go!" venerated local shop that sells small gifts, tee shirts, postcards and more). Once you're there and along the way you'll find lots of fun shops and restaurants in the area locally known as the East Village.
::
Take a leisurely walk through the Sculpture Garden
Locals are proud of this accessible and picturesque park filled with sculptures and art installations. It's a 4.4 acre park located at 1330 Grand Avenue which is within walking distance from Hotel Fort Des Moines.