🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍳 Carnitas omelets, horchata lattes, and plenty of reasons to come back again.
💜 Purple rain energy is hitting Wooly’s. It’s a night for the dance floor!
❄️ A snow day without the snow boots — art, play, and winter fun inside.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Café con Leche | 2905 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines |
Horchata Latte
Monterrey Omelet
A Post-Pandemic Bright Spot Worth Celebrating – Café con Leche quietly opened in 2022, and it feels like exactly the kind of place we needed. Vibrant yet cozy, welcoming but unpretentious. It’s the kind of dining spot where you immediately want to slow down, sip your coffee, and linger a little longer. The space feels warm from the colors to the people behind the counter.
Breakfast Done Exceptionally Well – Everything we ordered was outstanding. My Monterrey Omelet (eggs filled with carnitas, pico de gallo, and Mexican cheese) was hearty, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, especially alongside sourdough toast. Pair that with a chocolate abuelita latte (rich, comforting, and just sweet enough) or their horchata latte, and you’re starting the day right.
Rooted in Culture, Full of Flavor – The menu was created by Ana & Sergio, who are from central Mexico and draw inspiration from northern Mexican flavors to celebrate Latin culture. You’ll find pan dulce and grab-and-go treats like flan at the counter, plus plenty of reasons to come back that I look forward to trying next like tres leches pancakes, chilaquiles, grilled shrimp tacos, and more. This is thoughtful, soulful food made with pride.
View the menu 👇
🤝 Partner Spotlight: It’s A Date!
Want to add some novelty to date night? Scratch it. Reveal it. Do the date. It’s a Date makes reconnecting fun again. Comes with 40 scratch off dates in the box.
Pick a card that matches your vibe including time of day, length, and cost
Our most recent date - creating a throwback playlist from the time we met!
Photo: Hoyt Sherman Place https://hoytsherman.org/event/jeff-tweedy/
🎟️ Buy Tickets Now: Jeff Tweedy with Sima Cunningham, March 10, 2026 at 7:30pm | Hoyt Sherman Place
An intimate night with one of indie music’s most respected voices. Jeff Tweedy, frontman of Wilco and a masterful storyteller, brings his show to Hoyt Sherman Place for an evening of stripped-down songs, reflection, and connection. Expect a mix of beloved favorites, laughter, and stories that feel especially powerful in a historic venue like this. If you appreciate thoughtful lyrics and music that lingers, this is one to book now.
👉 Tickets available here: hoytsherman.org
Photo: The Prince Experience https://www.firstfleetconcerts.com/events/detail/the-prince-experience-1070803
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
☕🎨 Cocoa & Crafts | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Cozy meets creative at this after-hours winter favorite. Cocoa & Crafts invites you to warm up inside the beautiful and tropical Botanical Garden while sipping hot cocoa and getting hands-on with seasonal craft projects. It’s a relaxed, feel-good evening that’s perfect for friends, date night, or anyone craving a little creativity during the colder months. Tickets are required and this one tends to fill up. | Friday, 6:30–8:30 pm | dmbotanicalgarden.com
💜🎸 The Prince Experience | Wooly's
Get ready to dance, sing, and celebrate one of the most iconic artists of all time. The Prince Experience delivers a high-energy tribute packed with the hits, style, and electric stage presence that made Prince legendary. Expect big sound, bold fashion, and a crowd that’s fully in it together. If you love live music and want some nostalgia, this one’s gonna be a blast. | Friday, 7 pm | firstfleetconcerts.com
🛒 Big Indoor Garage Sale | Horizon Events Center
If January has you itching to treasure hunt, this one checks the box. The Original Big Indoor Garage Sale brings together hundreds of sellers under one roof, offering everything from household items and clothing to toys, décor, and unexpected gems. It’s climate-controlled, easy to wander, and a great excuse to kick off the year with a little browsing and bargain hunting. | Saturday, Jan. 10th, 9 am–4 pm | $5 admission (ages 12+) | horizoneventscenter.com
⛸️❄️ Family Skate Date | Brenton Skating Plaza
Lace up your ice skates and make some winter memories together. Family Skate Date at Brenton Skating Plaza is an easy, joy-filled outing with everything included for one low price — admission, skate rental, refreshments, and games. Expect limbo on ice, playful skating games, hot chocolate to warm up, and off-ice fun. It’s the kind of simple, wholesome fun that makes January feel a little brighter. | Saturday, Jan. 10th, 12–2 pm | $5 per participant | Register at DSM.City/Skate
🎨❄️ SNOW DAY | Des Moines Art Center
Turn a winter Saturday into something creative and playful. SNOW DAY at the Art Center is a family-friendly celebration packed with hands-on art activities, interactive programs, and opportunities to explore the galleries together. It’s designed for all ages and encourages curiosity, creativity, and connection. | Saturday, Jan. 10th, 11 am–2 pm | FREE | Full schedule
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Photo: Cafe con Leche | Emily Johnson
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Staying cozy!
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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