Last week, I took the day off to relax, unwind and cuddle with my dogs. If you haven’t had a truly chill day off in a while, I highly recommend! For me, no good day off is complete without a few stops by some of my local Des Moines favorites. Check out some of my favorite places to visit when I get a surprise week day to myself!
The Most Important Meal of the Day: Favorite Des Moines Breakfast Restaurant Stops
When I get a day off, I ALWAYS crave breakfast or brunch! Sleeping in, delicious food and small crowds - it’s the trifecta of brunch! I could go on and on about brunch. I am the target audience for brunch, and it shows. But here are a few of my favorites.
On-The-Go Des Moines Breakfast - 5 Borough Bagels
If I am looking to grab a quick breakfast or something to take home, 5 Borough Bagels is my go to! The service is excellent, the food is AMAZING and the coffee drinks are always so fun and tasty.
My favorite breakfast from here is a classic bagel with blended cream cheese. I love the garlic bagel with veggie cream cheese. Like, I dream about this combo!
Even if you’re not on the go, 5 Borough Bagels is a great choice! Their Clive location is so cute and exudes good vibes.
Classic Des Moines Breakfast - PerkUp Cafe
If you’ve ever spoken to me about anything remotely related to breakfast, brunch or coffee, we have undoubtedly talked about PerkUp Cafe. PerkUp is my favorite quick, classic breakfast spot! The hashbrowns are delish (I am a potato gal after all) and the coffee drinks are so good and come in the best mugs.
You can find me at PerkUp on days off, when I have out of town visitors, just because it sounds right, etc.
Des Moines Brunch + Boozy Drinks - Little Brother
Sometimes, when it’s your day off, you just need a bit of booze to go with your brunch. When that’s the case, I hit up my Windsor Heights (aka Windy Heights) favorite, Little Brother!
Ben and I have always had a special place in our hearts for Little Brother because it’s in our ‘hood, but I promise I am not overhyping, it is wonderful!
Their veggie breakfast skillet is *chefs kiss* and their salmon lox benny combines all the best flavors. Let’s also not forget this very important detail: you can get any potato you want with any meal you want!! Yes, that means fries with breakfast if that is what your heart desires.
Relaxation Nation: Des Moines Spas and Salons
For me, days off typically have two purposes. A really jam packed travel plan where I have a lot of fun and get no rest. Or a day where I plan to do nothing other than blob and relax. So for one of those relaxing type days, these are my go-to's.
Favorite Des Moines Spa - East Village Spa
If I am having one of those days off where I actually planned it in advance, you will 100% find me at East Village Spa. I’m not a super regular visitor, but I should be there more often!
There is no better way to spend your day off than in their soothing environment. The experience is the best - from the tea when you arrive, to the awesome staff, the zen-ness and the chocolate to end your visit. You just can’t beat it!
My go to is the signature massage or anything with hot stones. Give me all the hot stones!
Go-To Nail Salon - Four Seasons
While I’m not huge on getting my nails done, Four Seasons (repping the Windy Heights) again is my salon of choice! I love supporting my little community, and it’s even better that I can wander over to Grounds for Celebration for a little caffeinated treat after I’m all relaxed.
Retail Therapy: Best Shopping Areas in Des Moines
Right now I’m trying out this “low spend” month concept, but when I am looking to shop around, this is where you will find me!
Valley Junction
Valley Junction is just my kind of place. Goofy t-shirts at Bozz Prints, antique shops galore and The Winchester pub?! Not to mention a cat cafe and a new book shop!
Valley Junction has it all, but stays true to its eclectic roots. You can go out shopping and leave with cute home decor, decorative antiques, some fudge and a new outfit! And that’s just the beginning.
East Village
Though I’m not as frequent a visitor to the East Village, I love the combo of shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment. On a day off, get caffeinated at Scenic Route Bakery or Daisy Chain Coffee.
Then hit up some of the fun shops like the:
Caffeine Fix: Best Coffee Shops in Des Moines
Can’t forget about coffee! Maybe it’s our first…or second…or third. Either way, there are TOO MANY awesome coffee shops to choose from. The two below just happen to be some of my most visited as of late.
Grounds for Celebration
Already teased above, Grounds for Celebration in Windsor Heights is my favorite! I love supporting the Windy Heights and I love the cute and cozy atmosphere at Grounds.
It might not sound like a good combo, I highly recommend an oat milk latte and a chicken salad sandwich. Though you might want to have one and then the other.
I love that they have a drive through option, but they are speedy whether you go in or drive through!
Smokey Row
Smokey Row is a throwback to my Drake days! I spent many a weekend posted up at Smokey Row with a cream cheese muffin and too many cups of the flavor coffee. To this day, that is still my go to! Though I try not to stay so long coasting on free refills!
If I hang around for lunch, it’s all about the chicken salad (do I sense a trend) or the garden bagel. YUM. Now I know what I’m eating for lunch tomorrow.
See You Next Day Off!
Don’t fret, this is just winter edition! Be on the lookout for spring and summer editions, for more recommendations on going out and about!
Cheers,
Lisa
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