🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🇮🇹 Fresh sandwiches, specialty treats, and a deli case full of surprises — meet your new favorite stop on University Ave. 👇
🥘 Want to make a real difference this week? It starts with one casserole.
💛 This newsletter is still new, scrappy, and growing — and last week’s amazing ticket giveaway was just the beginning. Share this newsletter with a friend and help support a small local project that wants to help us connect and celebrate Des Moines!
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Taste of Italy | 8421 University Ave. Suite D, Clive |
“The Godfather”, pasta salad, & Italian Hoagie
Enjoy a Piece of Italy on University Ave – A Taste of Italy is the kind of neighborhood spot that feels like a discovery every time you go. It’s part Italian grocery, part deli, and 100% charming — friendly service, shelves full of authentic staples, and those unmistakable Italian flags waving out front. It’s a cozy place to settle in for a delicious, no-nonsense lunch inside or outside on the small bistro tables.
Sandwiches, Pasta Salads, and Surprises – Their deli case is a treasure trove: piled-high sandwiches, pasta salads, olives, marinated veggies, cheese spreads, and rotating specialties that make it hard to stick to just one thing. Even the drink cooler is an adventure with old-school pop like Fanta, Crush, and hard-to-find Mountain Dew flavors. And don’t forget dessert — the homemade tiramisu is worth the trip all on its own.
It’s Worth Going Right Now Because – You’ll walk in for lunch and walk out with dinner too. Their prepared pastas, refrigerated entrées, sauces, and Italian groceries make it easy to stock up. The staff is always ready with recommendations and it’s one of those local gems where the people, the food, and the atmosphere remind you why supporting small DSM spots feels so good.
👉 View the menu here.
Photo: DSM Partnership, Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1274359198054209&set=a.225693369587469
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Now: Craft a Cozy Porch Planter for the Season
Winter Porch Planter Make & Take | Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, EMC Expo Center - Hall C | Add a little winter magic to your doorstep! Join Quilted Gardens & Nursery at the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market for a hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own festive porch planter—evergreens, accents, and all supplies included. It’s a fun, creative way to welcome the season and make something beautiful for your home. Choose from 11 am or 1 pm sessions. | Saturday, Nov. 22 | $50 | Register here
🤝 Partner Spotlight: Firstleaf Wine
Firstleaf Wine Profile
Photo: Emily Johnson
Need Wine for the Holidays? I’ve Got You!
I’ve been getting my wine from Firstleaf for over five years, and I’ve loved every bottle. You choose what you want and when you want it. If a bottle ever misses the mark, they’ll credit you for it. It’s the easiest (and most fun) way I’ve found to explore new wines.
Try it now for the holidays with this special offer!
🍷 Get $15 off your first box #ad HERE.
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
Makers Market at Jester Park | Jester Park Nature Center & Lodge | Make a day of it at Jester Park! Start with a peaceful hike through the trails, then shop from local makers at this annual market. Browse handcrafted goods, art, jewelry, home décor, and seasonal gifts while enjoying the beauty of one of the metro’s favorite outdoor spaces. Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will be on site to keep you warm and caffeinated as you wander. Free admission makes this the perfect low-key, family-friendly weekend outing. | Sunday, Nov. 23, 11 am–4 pm | jesterparknaturecenter.com
Brenton Skating Plaza Opening Night | Downtown Des Moines | It’s officially the start of the holiday season in the heart of the city! Join the community for Opening Night at Brenton Skating Plaza — complete with the annual Tree Lighting at 6 pm, a visit with Santa, and all the festive charm you’d expect on the first night of the East Village Holiday Promenade. Enjoy seasonal songs you’ll want to sing along to and discounted skating prices. Skating and concessions are optional, but the holiday joy is free. | Friday, Nov. 21, 5–11 pm | Weather permitting | dsm.city/BrentonEvents
Tinseltown in Water Works Park | Water Works Park, Des Moines | Step into a glowing holiday wonderland as Tinseltown comes to Water Works Park! Wander (or bike, or stroll with your pup) through sparkling light displays, enjoy seasonal treats from the Des Moines Biergarten, and soak up the festive atmosphere with family and friends. Kids will love the special readings of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas by St. Nicholas, and carriage rides (for a fee) add an extra touch of holiday magic.
Support local students by bringing a new, unwrapped toy. Donations go to children and families across 64 DMPS schools. You can even take home the perfect tree from Northern Holiday Christmas Tree Sales before you go. It’s family-friendly, pet-friendly, and a joyful way to welcome the season. | Opens this weekend | Event details at waterworkspark.org
Jingle in the Junction | Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines | The holiday season officially kicks off in Valley Junction with the first night of Jingle in the Junction! Stroll along 5th Street under thousands of twinkling lights, pop into local shops for extended hours and holiday treats, and enjoy live music, carolers, and photo ops that make the whole district feel like a small-town Christmas movie. It’s festive, family-friendly, and one of the most charming ways to ease into the season. | Thursday, Nov. 20, 5–8 pm | valleyjunction.com
Cumming Holiday Sip & Shop | Middlebrook Mercantile, Cumming | Head to charming Cumming for a relaxed morning of holiday browsing at Middlebrook Mercantile’s Holiday Sip & Shop. Enjoy seasonal drinks while you explore local vendors, handmade gifts, home décor, treats, and small-batch finds — all in one warm, festive space. It’s the perfect low-key way to ease into holiday shopping and support local makers in one of the metro’s most delightful small communities. | Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 am–2 pm | facebook.com/events/743786441883030
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Photo: Jingle in the Junction https://valleyjunction.com/valley-junction-events/jingle-in-the-junction-4/
🧸 Family-Friendly Pick
Snowglobe at Exile Brewing Co. | Downtown Des Moines | One of DSM’s most magical winter experiences is back. Step inside Exile’s Snowglobe—the warm, glowing restaurant and brewery filled with twinkling lights, festive décor, and plenty of holiday cheer. Families can enjoy themed entrees and fun photo ops, while adults can sip from Exile’s winter drink menu inside their enchanted holiday space. ✨Last year, my drink came with glittery gumdrops! ✨ Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or a special outing, Snowglobe is one of the easiest ways to add a little sparkle to the holiday season. | Now open | exilebrewing.com
Photo: Emily Johnson
Photo: Emily Johnson
Photo: Emily Johnson
💛 Giving Back
Support Salvation Army’s Mobile Breakfast Service | If you’re already baking for the holidays, here’s a beautiful way to make an even bigger impact. Every Tuesday and Friday morning, The Salvation Army’s mobile canteen serves breakfast to nearly 800 unhoused people across Des Moines. One of the staples is a hot, high-protein egg casserole—simple, comforting, and deeply appreciated.
You can help by preparing these casseroles at home. Each pan feeds 10 people, and the program needs 150 casseroles every week to meet the need. It’s a small act that stretches far, especially during the winter months.
Photo: The Salvation Army’s Mobile Breakfast Service https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/desmoines/volunteer/
To learn more or sign up, call 515-282-3599.
Casserole recipe + details: 👉 centralusa.salvationarmy.org/desmoines/volunteer/
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
📩 Did a friend send this to you? Want to make sure you get the newsletter every week? Sign up at AroundDSM.com.
AroundDSM sometimes partners with local businesses or uses affiliate links. We may earn a small commission — at no cost to you — if you make a purchase through our links. We only share what we truly love!