Do It Like a Local, A Weekend Guide to West Des Moines

West Des Moines is comprised of towns that used to lie outside the boundaries of the city of Des Moines. As the city grew the towns may have been enveloped by urban sprawl but still managed to retain their sense of individual community. You can stroll through village shops or wander the largest mall in the state, all with a few miles of each other. And with restaurant choices ranging from Mongolian to seafood to native Iowa steak, you're sure not to go hungry.

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Historic Valley Junction
Once a bustling railroad town, Valley Junction has retained much of its character and is now an attraction for its unique shops, upscale restaurants, summer Farmer's Market and holiday events. Don't miss the Heart of Iowa Marketplace- lots of Iowa souvenirs- and plan to spend at least 30 minutes (probably more) in the fabulous Kangaro... More >
Once a bustling railroad town, Valley Junction has retained much of its character and is now an attraction for its unique shops, upscale restaurants, summer Farmer's Market and holiday events. Don't miss the Heart of Iowa Marketplace- lots of Iowa souvenirs- and plan to spend at least 30 minutes (probably more) in the fabulous KangarooBoo toystore where you can try (that is play) with practically every toy before you make your choices! Or sit and relax anywhere with your computer- Valley Junction has free wifi... everywhere.
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Rube's Steak House
Though technically in Waukee, this steakhouse lies on the very edge of West Des Moines and is a local favorite. With the very best cuts of steak- plus chops, chicken and select seafood- oversized indoor grills and sides including Texas Toast, salad bar and potato bar, no one leaves hungry. Be sure to get your steaks butterflied to sp... More >
Though technically in Waukee, this steakhouse lies on the very edge of West Des Moines and is a local favorite. With the very best cuts of steak- plus chops, chicken and select seafood- oversized indoor grills and sides including Texas Toast, salad bar and potato bar, no one leaves hungry. Be sure to get your steaks butterflied to speed the cooking time. Half the fun is meeting others over the fire. The other half is eating what you've grilled.
The Val Air is truly an institution in the Des Moines metro.
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Jordan Creek Town Center
Jordan Creek Town Center goes beyond a typical mall and is almost an entertainment center. Sure, it has upscale shops, the only Godiva store in Iowa (with the highest sales in the nation), and a terrific theater. But outside the mall is so much more. A three and a half care lake with walking/ biking trails passes fabulous restaurant... More >
Jordan Creek Town Center goes beyond a typical mall and is almost an entertainment center. Sure, it has upscale shops, the only Godiva store in Iowa (with the highest sales in the nation), and a terrific theater. But outside the mall is so much more. A three and a half care lake with walking/ biking trails passes fabulous restaurants and plays host to outdoor events in the summer.
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Val Air Ballroom
The Val Air is truly an institution in the Des Moines metro. It opened in June 1939 as an open air ballroom. Now it serves as the city's most popular concert venue as well as hosting high school proms, fashion shows, political rallies, and luncheons. Once in a while it may even have dancing.
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Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant
Located in West Glen Town Center and surrounded by shops, restaurants and other varieties of night life, this is the place to come for an adults-only evening. Dueling piano acts perform Thursday thru Saturday, with local performers the other nights. Food is casual, affordable and quite good, but people pack this place for the enterta... More >
Located in West Glen Town Center and surrounded by shops, restaurants and other varieties of night life, this is the place to come for an adults-only evening. Dueling piano acts perform Thursday thru Saturday, with local performers the other nights. Food is casual, affordable and quite good, but people pack this place for the entertainment and socializing.
Located just off I-80, the location makes it handy to anywhere you may decide to venture.
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Des Moines Menace Soccer
The Menace are one step from professional soccer, but what really brings people out to support their team is how much the team supports the community. The games, held at Valley Stadium, are fast and fun. Everyone loves Maniac, the mascot. He may be the most popular member of the team!
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Staybridge Suites
Large suites with kitchenettes, free breakfast, Sundowner Reception (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and free wifi make this a perfect spot for a weekend in West Des Moines. Located just off I-80, the location makes it handy to anywhere you may decide to venture.
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About the Author

Jody L Halsted
Jody L Halsted
Jody Halsted has been blogging since 2004, when she became a stay at home mom to her eldest daughter. As frequent travelers, Jody and her husband heard "You can't travel after you have a baby." When internet searches for family traveling turned up results for Walt Disney World and similar vacation spots, Jody began sharing her family travel how-to's in her first travel blog, Have Kid Will Travel. In 2010 Jody launched FamilyRambling®, a website designed to inspire family travel, provide tips to make it easier and share first hand trip reports. New for 2011 Jody is sharing her love of family travel in Ireland by launching Ireland With Kids, a website designed to promote family travel in the Emerald Isle. Jody also writes for various online and print publications. Jody is active in social media, sharing her knowledge via Facebook and Twitter as well as bringing together social media experts for her own I_Blog Conference. To follow Jody's travels be sure to visit the Family Rambling Facebook page (facebook.com/familyrambling). For more about Jody visit JodyHalsted.com.
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