🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
✨ Rustic ambiance, sharable bites, and a cocktail with a name you won’t forget . . .
🎄 Holiday shopping, but make it cool — the Val Air Holiday Fair is calling.
📣 From one local to another: If this newsletter makes your week a little easier, share it with a friend! It’s free and it helps AroundDSM keep growing. Share the link arounddsm.com
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
RŌCA | 208 Court Ave, Des Moines |
Fondue Board
Fig & Goat Cheese Flatbread
Spontaneously Horny
Where Rustic Charm Meets Downtown Energy – RŌCA is one of those places that immediately feels special — warm lighting, exposed brick, and twinkly ambience that makes any night out feel a little elevated. It’s an easy go-to before or after a show downtown, especially during the busy holiday season when Court Avenue feels extra festive.
Small Plates With Big Flavor – The standout dishes were the ones that hit that perfect balance of cozy and creative. The Fondue Board was unforgettable — melty, savory, and fun to share with its mix of grilled andouille, crispy Brussels sprouts, apple slices, and soft pretzels. And the Fig & Goat Cheese flatbread? A dreamy combination of fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, red onion, arugula, and a drizzle of truffle honey that brings it all together.
Cocktails Done Right – RŌCA’s bar knows what it’s doing. The Spontaneously Horny (yes, that’s really the name!) is a bright, beautifully balanced mix of vodka, St. Germain, blackberry syrup, and lemon — refreshing, a little playful, and the perfect match for their rich small plates. Great food, thoughtful service, and a vibe that makes you want to linger just a bit longer.
👉 View the menu 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.
Photo: Des Moines Turkey Trot https://www.desmoinesturkeytrot.com/
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
Des Moines Turkey Trot | Downtown Des Moines | One of the metro’s most joyful Thanksgiving traditions! Thousands of runners and walkers head downtown each year for the Des Moines Turkey Trot — a feel-good way to kick off the holiday. It’s been a family tradition of mine for years, and there’s something special about gathering with the community on a crisp Thanksgiving morning, moving our bodies together, and then heading home to enjoy that big meal with a little less guilt. Choose your distance and start your holiday with smiles and gratitude. | Thursday, Nov. 27th at 9 am | desmoinesturkeytrot.com
Holiday Promenade | Historic East Village | The East Village is glowing again for its beloved Holiday Promenade! This Friday, enjoy an evening of festive storefronts, live carolers, twinkle lights, and the annual Window Decorating Contest — one of the most charming parts of the season. Shops stay open late, restaurants and bars buzz with holiday cheer, and the whole district feels like a cozy winter movie set. Make it a night out! | Friday, Nov. 29th, 5–8 pm | eastvillagedesmoines.com/promenade
Festival of Trees & Lights | Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center | The Festival of Trees & Lights benefits Blank Children’s Hospital, a place that holds special meaning for me — I was born at Blank weighing only 3 pounds, and I truly owe the staff there my life. This event brings together hundreds of beautifully decorated trees, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and festive displays, all supporting the hospital programs that care for Iowa’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients. It’s a joyful, meaningful way to step into the season. | Nov. 28th–Nov. 30th | iowaeventscenter.com | $10
Holiday Art Market | Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way Des Moines | Celebrate Small Business Saturday by supporting the artists and makers who call Mainframe home. Wander through open studios filled with handcrafted gifts, original artwork, jewelry, ceramics, prints, and one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the perfect place to shop local, meet the artists behind the work, and feel the creative energy that makes Mainframe such a gem. Make it your first stop on a day dedicated to uplifting small businesses in our community. | Saturday, Nov. 29th, 11 am–3 pm | mainframestudios.org
Val Air Holiday Fair | Val Air Ballroom, West Des Moines | Looking for a holiday market that’s not your typical craft fair? Head to the Val Air Holiday Fair for a curated mix of vintage, handmade, indie makers, and quirky finds — all inside the iconic Val Air Ballroom. Expect everything from retro décor to unique gifts, local vendors, and creative treasures that make holiday shopping feel more like an adventure. It’s festive, fun, and a perfect way to support small businesses in a one-of-a-kind setting. | Saturday, Nov. 29th 11am-6pm | FREE | firstfleetconcerts.com
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Photo: Val Air Holiday Fair Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=879303451330195&set=pcb.879303507996856
🧸 Family-Friendly Pick
Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto | Casey’s Center | If you’ve ever wondered whether Disney On Ice is really worth it… I’ll be honest, I was skeptical too. But once we went, it genuinely felt like Disneyworld had landed in Des Moines. The music, the costumes, the storytelling — the magic is real, and the kids weren’t the only ones completely mesmerized. Featuring the beloved worlds of Frozen and Encanto, this show is packed with color, movement, and big emotional moments that will leave you smiling. A perfect family outing to kick off the holiday season. | Nov. 27th–Nov.30th | iowaeventscenter.com
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines! And HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 🍂
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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