🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🌮 A queso situation so good it may completely derail your original dinner plans.
🌿 Lavender fields, small-town wandering, and a day that smells significantly better than your average Friday (especially when downtown stinks, am I right?)
🥓 A bike ride where bacon is not a side note - it is, in fact, the star.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Abelardo’s | 5525 Douglas Ave. plus other locations |
Photo: The star of the show - queso! | Emily Johnson
Photo: Nebraska burrito | Emily Johnson
🌮 Fast, filling, and reliably hits the spot - Abelardo’s is one of those places that comes through when the craving strikes and you need something satisfying now. Breakfast is served all day, which instantly earns points with me, and favorites like the chorizo plate, carnitas plate, Nebraska burrito, and California burrito make this an easy repeat stop.
🧀 Do not overlook the chips and queso - truly. The queso is amazing: rich, craveable, and the kind of thing you keep thinking about later. The chips are fresh, perfectly seasoned, and honestly, I’ve found myself ordering an entrée almost as an accessory because the queso is the main event and the portions are huge enough to nibble on for days.
🚗 Convenience matters, too - the location I frequent has a drive-thru, which is always a win, and it’s also an easy DoorDash-pickuporder-while-running-errands situation. On our most recent visit, we ordered the Nebraska burrito and chips and queso, and I’d happily do that again tomorrow. Bonus points for the salsa bar situation too with lots of choices - I’m a sucker for the salsa verde and the creamy guacamole salsa. 👉 View the menu here.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: New Martha Stewart Kitchen Collection
Elevated Countertop Upgrades.
Martha Stewart’s new collection of kitchen appliances brings together simple design, everyday function, and a calm, elevated look for the countertop. From the toaster to the slow cooker and French door air fryer oven, these pieces are made for easier mornings, cozy meals, and a kitchen that feels less cluttered and more intentional. Check it out on Amazon! #ad
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
Photo: Lavender fields | Abide Studios
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🌿 PepperHarrow Lavender Festival | PepperHarrow Farm, Winterset
This is the kind of event that feels like a little escape. PepperHarrow opens its gates right at peak bloom, so you can stroll rows of lavender, cut your own bouquet, sip something lovely, and fully lean into summer for a few hours. There are demos from lavender pastry-making to essential oil distilling and beekeeping that make it feel extra special, and the artisan vendors and food lineup give you every reason to hang for awhile.
| June 19th–20th | 9 am–3 pm | $35–$60 | pepperharrowfarm.com |🥓 Bacoon Ride | Raccoon River Valley Trailhead, Waukee
If you like bikes, bacon, and charming Iowa trail towns, this one is pretty hard to beat. The Bacoon Ride turns a scenic ride on the Raccoon River Valley Trail into a full-day flavor adventure, with bacon-themed snacks and drinks waiting at stops along the route. It’s goofy in the best way, wildly popular for a reason, and ideal for cyclists who like their endurance with a side of crispy snacks.
| Saturday, June 20th | 7 am–4 pm | $65–$95 | eventbrite.com |
🚲 High Trestle Fest 2026 | Madrid, Slater, and Woodward
This is basically a full trail-town celebration. High Trestle Fest is a fun excuse to explore one of the area’s most beloved bike trails while hopping between local businesses, farmers market stops, summer kickoff activities, live music, and small-town favorites all day long. It’s a great pick for people who like to wander, snack, shop a little, and make a day of it.
| Saturday, June 20th | 8 am–8 pm | Free to attend | Facebook Event Page |
🍖 2026 Free Range Music & BBQ Festival | Jasper Winery
Live bluegrass and folk rock music, award-winning BBQ from Whatcha Smokin?, Smokey D’s and others, craft drinks, lawn hangs, and a baby goat zoo - seriously! This Father’s Day weekend really delivers! This outdoor festival at Jasper Winery should be an easy crowd-pleaser - good for families, music fans, BBQ lovers, and anyone who enjoys a summer event where there’s always something going on.
| Saturday, June 20th | 2–9 pm | $30–$60 | eventbrite.com |
🍺 Pints & Ponytails | Big Grove Brewery, Des Moines
This dads-and-daughters event is equal parts adorable and practical. Pints & Ponytails pairs a morning drink with a hands-on hair styling class where dads can learn pigtail braids, slick backs, and messy buns with help from pro stylists, and the loaded goodie bag is a nice bonus.
| Saturday, June 20th with sessions at 10 am and 11 am | $50 per duo | eventbrite.com |
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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