🌟 Good morning, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍕 Detroit-style pizza in the heart of DSM? Yes, please. This week’s spotlight is one you’ll want to bookmark.
🇯🇲 Turn holiday cheer into real impact at this reggae-themed fundraiser.
📬 I’d love your input: Which section of this newsletter do you love most? What’s missing? Your feedback truly shapes this newsletter. Hit reply and send your thoughts!
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
Parlor | 4041 Urbandale Ave, Des Moines |
“Proud Mary” pizza slice (this is considered one slice!) | Photo: Emily Johnson
Half “You’re So Vain”/ Half “I Am the Walrus” pizza | Photo: Emily Johnson
Detroit-Style Done Right — and Then Elevated
Parlor may feel casual and cozy — the kind of place you stop in to watch the game or catch up with friends — but the pizza itself? Next-level. Their Detroit-style pies hit that perfect balance: crispy, caramelized edges with an incredibly soft, airy interior that practically melts when you take a bite. When we lifted our slice, the cheese stretched in long, glorious strings. We knew we were in the right place. 😋Creative Flavors That Sing
This isn’t just pepperoni-and-cheese territory (although they have that, too). Parlor leans into bold, signature combinations that make trying new slices half the fun. We ordered the Proud Mary (roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and balsamic drizzle over red sauce) and You’re So Vain (spinach, artichoke, olive, honey, and mozzarella with white sauce). Both were delicious — flavorful, balanced, and crafted with the kind of intention that makes each bite feel special.A Happy Hour Worth Planning Around
If you love a great deal and great food, this is your moment. Happy Hour runs daily from 3–6 pm with $4.50 slices and half-off draft beer, wine, sangria, and margaritas. It’s the perfect chance to try multiple slices (highly encouraged), meet a friend after work, or kick off a low-key evening. Cozy atmosphere, elevated comfort food, generous pours. Parlor is my kind of place.
👉 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 $60 off your first order #ad HERE.
Photo: The Ingersoll https://www.theingersoll.com/events
🎟️ Buy Tickets Now: A Night of Fleetwood Mac at The Ingersoll
A Night of Fleetwood Mac stars Iowa’s own Amy Friedl Stoner, whose powerhouse vocals have taken her everywhere from Birdland Jazz Club to a debut at Carnegie Hall. She and her band bring the spirit of Fleetwood Mac to life with beautiful arrangements and that unmistakable Stevie-Nicks-meets-rock-and-roll glow. Expect every favorite: Landslide, Go Your Own Way, Rhiannon, and more.
And the best part?
Your ticket includes a full chef-crafted dining experience served right inside the theater before the show. You’ll begin with a crisp salad and warm breads, then choose from standout entrées like Bourbon-Braised Short Ribs, Fjord Salmon, Crispy Prosciutto Chicken, Mushroom Risotto, and more. Dinner seating opens two hours before showtime — arrive early, relax into the evening, and make it a full night out.
Performance Dates: January 24 & 25, 2026 | https://www.theingersoll.com/events
💛 Giving Back
Reggae Christmas: Karaoke & Dinner Fundraiser for Jamaican Schools
Palm’s DSM | Tuesday, Dec. 16th, 5:30–8 pm
It’s been one month since Hurricane Melissa swept through Jamaica and the Caribbean, leaving homes, communities, and schools devastated. As emergency aid transitions into long-term rebuilding, JAM Iowa — a local community of Jamaicans living here in Iowa — is stepping in to help students regain stability, safety, and hope.
Two schools in Westmoreland were hit especially hard:
📘 Godfrey Stewart High School
📗 The Thomas Manning Building
To support rebuilding efforts, JAM Iowa is hosting a meaningful night of music and culture:
🎄 Reggae Christmas: Karaoke & Dinner Fundraiser
✨ Free entry
🍽️ Dinner available for purchase
🎤 $2 karaoke songs
👕 T-shirts for sale
📍 Palm’s DSM
Come eat, sing, laugh, and stand in solidarity with the people of Jamaica. Even small contributions make a real impact — and this is such a beautiful way to show up for our neighbors across the globe.
Let’s uplift Jamaica with love, generosity, and good vibes. 🇯🇲💚💛❤️
Event Info
Photo: Mainframe Studios https://www.facebook.com/mainframearts
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
Miracle on 3rd Street | Uptown Ankeny
Uptown Ankeny is about to sparkle! ✨The annual Miracle on 3rd Street celebration brings holiday charm to one of the metro’s sweetest shopping districts. Enjoy extended store hours, animated displays, twinkle lights, and that cozy neighborhood feel that Uptown always nails this time of year. Grab a warm drink, stroll the shops, and soak in the winter magic. | Friday, Dec. 12th, 5 pm-7:30 pm | uptownankeny.org
🎨 Last Call Holiday Art Market | Mainframe Studios
If you’re still checking names off your holiday list (or shopping for yourself — no judgment!), Mainframe’s Last Call Holiday Art Market is the place to be. Wander through 60+ open studios, meet the artists, and find one-of-a-kind gifts — ceramics, prints, jewelry, textiles, and more. It’s your final chance this season to shop directly from local makers in one of DSM’s most creative spaces. | Saturday, Dec. 13th, 11 am -3 pm | mainframestudios.org
🎅 Brunch With Santa | Willow on Grand
If you want a festive outing that includes the Big Guy, Willow on Grand has you covered. Enjoy a pancake breakfast from Chris Cakes, small bites, and a cozy hot cocoa bar. Grown-ups can treat themselves to holiday cocktails, mimosas, and bloody marys, while kids stay busy with cookie decorating and the Kid’s Craft Zone. Santa will stop by for visits and photos — the perfect moment for little ones to share their wish lists. Optional face painting available, too. | Sunday, Dec. 14th, 10 am–1 pm | willowongrand.com
🛍️ Historic Highland Park Holiday Shop Hop | Des Moines
If you haven't wandered through Highland Park lately, you're missing one of the fastest-growing, most vibrant pockets of the city. This year’s Holiday Shop Hop is the perfect excuse to explore — with new businesses opening all the time, the area is buzzing with creativity. Stroll from shop to shop, enjoy festive treats and specials, and check a few gifts off your list while supporting the heart of the neighborhood. | Sunday, Dec. 14th, 11 am–3 pm | Facebook Event Page
🚴♀️ Tour de Lights | Water Works Park, Des Moines
Tour de Lights invites you to bike, stroll, run, or walk through Water Works Park’s interactive holiday light displays — a magical way to end the weekend. Costumes are encouraged: ugly sweaters, glowing lights, reindeer antlers… the more festive, the better. Your registration includes a Scheels campfire mug filled with hot cocoa, digital image with St. Nick, Tinseltown ornament and more! A perfect outing for families, friends, and anyone looking to soak in some holiday cheer. | Sunday, Dec. 14th, 6–8 pm | ticketsignup.io
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Checking out the Beaverdale Holiday Lights | Photo: Emily Johnson
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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