🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍹 A longtime Clive favorite where the signature margarita comes in a shaker and the flavor does not mess around.
🚗 Thousands of hot rods, fireworks, and full-on summer energy are rolling into the fairgrounds this weekend.
🎷 A free summer jazz night at Hoyt Sherman Place sounds like exactly the kind of Tuesday upgrade we all need.
🥵 With temps high this week, I rounded up a mix of things to do — including a few indoor picks for when you want to get out of the house without immediately regretting it. Stay safe out there!
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Mi Mexico | 11407 Forest Ave., Clive |
Photo: Chicken Carnitas | Emily Johnson
🍹 I’ve been going to Mi Mexico for at least 15 years - it’s one of those places that just stays in the rotation for good reason. They’re known for their shaker margaritas, and yes, they really are that good. If you’ve had one, you already know. If you haven’t, this is your sign.
🌮 Portions are huge - My go-to order is the chicken carnitas with corn tortillas. It’s usually enough to split with my husband or save half for the next day. The bean dip they serve alongside the salsa is another standout and one of those little details that makes Mi Mexico feel different from the usual Mexican restaurant lineup.
🎉 Fast, friendly service, and a colorful atmosphere - a great pick for a casual weeknight dinner to a birthday celebration. They also have party-friendly spaces if you’re gathering a group, and we’ve celebrated many birthdays here over the years. And before you leave? Order the fried ice cream. It’s a winner. 👉 View the menu here.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: Etsy
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💛 Giving Back
🥧 Saving Lives & Apple Pies | LifeServe Blood Center, West Des Moines |
This is one of those events that manages to be both genuinely helpful and delightfully charming. Donate blood before the holiday weekend, help save local lives, and walk away with a patriotic trucker hat, a sweet treat voucher from The Bake Shoppe, and possibly even a pie for your Fourth of July celebration.
Every donation can impact up to three patients, and all blood donated through LifeServe stays local. Appointments are limited, and anyone wanting a shot at the pie drawing needs to schedule before July 2nd.
| Friday, July 3rd | 9:30 am–2:30 pm | Free | Register HERE. |
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
Photo: Goodguys Heartland Nationals at Iowa State Fairgrounds | Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🚘 Goodguys Heartland Nationals | Iowa State Fairgrounds
If your ideal holiday weekend includes chrome, classics, custom builds, and a whole lot of horsepower, this is your event. Goodguys brings thousands of hot rods, trucks, muscle cars, and classics to the fairgrounds for a three-day celebration that feels equal parts car show, summer tradition, and people-watching goldmine.
There’s a lot packed into this one: AutoCross racing, live music, swap meet shopping, a burnout contest, family activities, and Saturday night fireworks.
| July 3rd–5th | Times vary by day | Advance tickets from $27 adults / $10 kids | www.good-guys.com/hln |🇺🇸 Red, White, and Blue Brunch Bingo | Smash Park Des Moines
Brunch and bingo is already a pretty solid combo, but throw in patriotic outfits, family-friendly energy, and $3 breakfast cocktails and now we’re talking. This feels like an easy, low-stress way to keep cool and keep the holiday weekend fun going without needing a huge plan.
It’s free to play, there are prizes involved, and the vibe sounds playful in the best way. Good for families, friend groups, or anyone who enjoys a little competition with their brunch.
| Sunday, July 5th | 10 am–12 pm | Free to play | Info HERE |
🪴 Fused Glass Pocket Vase | Board and Batten, Dallas Center
This one is for the crafty people, the “I should do something creative this summer” people, and the people who just want a cute night out with a friend. You’ll make two glass pocket vases that are perfect for summer blooms or plant propagation, and all supplies plus hands-on instruction are included.
It’s the kind of workshop that gives you something pretty to take home and a reason to finally use that little stem you clipped from the garden. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required, and space is limited. See a pic of the completed vase in the form below.
| Monday, July 6th | 6:30–8:30 pm | $45 per person | Register at https://forms.gle/aaBbKo6gU1bBELu98 |
🧶 Make a Granny Square | Ankeny Public Library
This sounds like a lovely little entry point into crochet, whether you’re brand new or just want a low-pressure creative night. Participants will make a multicolor granny square and get a feel for the kind of cozy projects that can grow from there.
Bonus points for the fact that yarn and a crochet hook are provided which removes the classic “I would go but I don’t have the stuff” excuse. Registration is required.
| Tuesday, July 7th | 6 pm | Free | Register HERE |
🎷 Jazz in July | Hoyt Sherman Place
A free summer jazz night in a beautiful setting? Hard to argue with that. Jazz in July brings live music outdoors at Hoyt Sherman Place, starting with the Creative Music Studio Student Group and followed by NOLA Jazz Band with Abbie Sawyer.
This feels like a great pick for a laid-back evening with good music, warm weather, and maybe something cold to drink. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site which makes it even easier to settle in and stay awhile.
| Tuesday, July 7th | 5:30–8:30 pm | Free | Details HERE |
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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