An east side staple, Granny’s Sweet Freeze Shoppe is a small ice cream shop hidden in plain sight! You’ve likely driven down the frontage road, Hubbell Ave, dozens of time but if you’re not from the area it’s likely you don’t know what the cute building with the pink trim is. Having grown up on the […]

When was the last time you visited a general store? That’s what Des Moines Mercantile is (only a super cool 2020 version!), and you’ve got to check it out! There used to be hundreds of small general stores – also called local mercantiles – all around Des Moines. Owner Mallory Richardson wanted to open up a […]

The Union Park neighborhood holds a special place in my heart. My Grandma lived in the neighborhood and I spent my childhood at Union Park, otherwise known as “the rocket slide park.” You definitely lived a deprived childhood if you didn’t get to experience 3rd degree burns from that slide! Fortunately it’s been redone in […]

Looking for a great place to enjoy an outdoor patio while practicing social distance? Captain Roy’s at Birdland Marina has one of the best scenes in town. This neighborhood spot offers cold beer, awesome food (their fish & chips are approved my British hubby) and gorgeous views overlooking the river. It’s an experience you won’t […]

Show off your Des Moines pride with our official flag, thanks to Flag of Des Moines. This city symbol was revived in 2018 after almost a decade by husband and wife duo, Mason and Emily. After learning about the flag and its history, they worked to bring it back as Des Moines’ official flag and […]

If you’re looking for a fun and creative experience in Des Moines, you have to check out the JJ Gaffers Glass Blowing Studio. You’ll be amazed by the hand-blown glass art you can create or shop! Located at Mainframe Studios on Keo Way, JJ Gaffers offers classes for all ages. With such a great teacher […]

Today’s Friday Find features one of my absolute favorite places in Des Moines’ East Village, Dornink Couture. Dornink Couture is an incredible boutique owned by my good friend, Sarah, and her mom, Faythe, that has been around for almost 15 years. The shop specializes in custom bridal, evening and cocktail gowns but also in amazing […]

This Friday Find episode features a magical shop located in Mainframe Studios, The Red Door Press. The Red Door Press is a letterpress print and design shop that’s been around since 2012. One of the things I love most is that this shop is bringing back an art form you just don’t see everywhere anymore. […]

For this Friday Find, I want to highlight the coolest floral and event styling studio, Wildflower. Wildflower is not your average floral shop. Its unique and trendy selection plus its uber-talented team make it one of those shops you can’t help but love. Whether you need beautiful, boho floral arrangements or event styling and planning, […]

I filmed this special Friday Find a few weeks ago, before schools and everything else had shut down. I’m sharing it today because it highlights a really important program that provides support for students, families and schools in our neighborhoods. And even though school’s not in session now, the By Degrees team is working hard […]