🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍔 Adult Happy Meal. Enough said.
🥞 If you need a low-cost win this weekend, here’s one that involves syrup.
🌕 If February felt heavy, this walk might be your exhale.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
The Flamingo Lounge | 3089 North Ave , Norwalk |
Photo: Norwalk Hot Moms Club (drink) | Emily Johnson
Photo: Pesto Chicken Panini | Emily Johnson
🍹 Cocktails With Personality (and Names You’ll Remember) – I ordered the Norwalk Hot Moms Club (Deep Eddy vodka, St. Germaine, strawberry puree, lime, Backpocket ginger beer, basil) and it was bright, refreshing, and just the right amount of fun. The drinks here are definitely part of the experience - flamingo straw and all! My friend ordered the Buffalo Chicken flatbread and I snagged the Pesto Chicken Panini (herbed grilled chicken, basil pesto, tomato, fresh mozzarella) with crinkle cut fries and everything was delicious.
☀️ Ambiance That Makes You Stay Longer – The real standout? The vibe. Jewel-toned, playful, and comfortable. It’s the kind of space that feels elevated but not stuffy. It’s cozy inside now, but that massive patio is going to be the place to be once warmer weather shows up. I can already picture it full.
💰 Deals Worth Planning Around – Thursdays just got interesting. The “Adult Happy Meal” (Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned, burger, fries) for $20 and the “Girls Dinner” (dirty martini with blue cheese olives, Caesar salad, fries) for $20 are a fun twist. Tuesdays are another win with half-off flatbreads and bottles of wine plus $1 off drafts. Add this to your “let’s try something new” list 👉 View the menu here.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: Amazon Echo Spot
The new Echo Spot shows time, weather, song titles, controls your lights, and plays music with rich, clear sound. It also has built-in privacy controls that are as easy as pushing a button. #ad Learn more here.
Enjoy great sound with deep bass and clear vocals.
Check time, weather, and alarms at a glance.
Photo of owl by Kurtis Garton
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🦉 Owls of Iowa | Jester Park Nature Center
Curious about the mysterious birds you hear at night? Head to Jester Park Nature Center for Owls of Iowa, a one-hour program exploring the different owl species found across the state. Learn how to identify them, what they eat, where they live, and why they’re such important predators in our ecosystem. And yes, a live owl will be there! | Friday, Feb. 27th | 1–2 pm | FREE | polkcountyiowa.gov
🩰 Nothing Holds Still | Ballet Des Moines at Hoyt Sherman Place
Experience an evening of powerful, contemporary movement as Ballet Des Moines presents Nothing Holds Still. This dynamic performance explores change, connection, and the beauty of motion through bold choreography and stunning artistry. It’s the kind of show that draws you in visually and emotionally — intimate, expressive, and beautifully performed on the historic Hoyt Sherman stage. | Friday & Saturday, Feb. 27th–28th | 7 pm | Prices vary | balletdesmoines.org
🥞 All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes | Area Hy-Vee Locations
Clear your Saturday morning schedule because it’s pancake time. For just $5 per person, participating Hy-Vee locations are serving up all-you-can-eat pancakes from 7–11 am. It’s simple, nostalgic, and the kind of low-cost outing that feels like a small win this time of year. Bring the family, meet a friend, or just show up hungry. | Saturday, Feb. 28th | 7–11 am | $5 per person | hy-vee.com
🛍️ Vintage & Handmade Market | Upcycled DSM x Big Acai | West Des Moines
If your ideal Saturday includes treasure hunting and an açaí bowl, this one’s for you. Upcycled DSM and Big Acai are teaming up for a Vintage & Handmade Market filled with curated secondhand finds, unique handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind pieces. | Saturday, Feb. 28th | 10 am–3 pm | 115 5th St., West Des Moines | Upcycled DSM Facebook Event Page
🌕 Full Moon Women’s Walk in Nature | Clive Greenbelt Trail
Step outside, slow down, and gather under the glow of the full moon. This guided women’s walk by All Love Wellness offers space to connect with nature, reflect, and move your body in community. It’s gentle, grounding, and a beautiful way to reset as we move into a new month. Bring layers, an open heart, and a friend if you’d like. Registration is required. | Tuesday, March 3rd | 6 pm | Register at alllovemovement.as.me
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Gearing up for state basketball tournament!
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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