Top Three Places for a First Date in Des Moines, Iowa

Three top suggestions for you to entertain someone on a first date in Des Moines, Iowa include a variety of places and choices. You're on your own to make final decisions. Because it is spring time, these ideas incorporate the spring season into your first date fun.

1. Water Works Park and Grayslake - $

Crab apple trees of hundreds of varieties take your breath away with their sweet spring aroma and their beauty at Water Works Park.

Take your cameras and shoot some pictures. Walk hand in hand and tell each other about yourselves. The park is totally free. It is located off Fleur Drive on the south side of Des Moines just north of the airport.

After you've enjoyed Water Works Park, grab a light lunch and go to Grayslake. It is located directly across from Water Works Park. Pick out your favorite spot for a picnic type lunch. A great walking trail surrounds the lake. If you go back in summer, paddle boats are available for a small fee. If you have a dog - take him or her along. Dogs and kids of all ages make Grayslake a special and relaxing area within the city. Yet, you can find places where privacy can be yours.

2. Current Event at the Civic Center or Wells Fargo Arena - following special dinner at Splash Seafood Bar and Grill. - $$$

Depending upon the time you go, check on line or in the Des Moines Register for local events.

Des Moines is well-known for the great shows brought to town. Many sports activities also keep Des Moines active. Parking is usually easily available in nearby ramps or on the street.

Splash Seafood Bar and Grill is Des Moines' premier seafood restaurant.

This 5 star establishment serves fresh seafood expressed from Hawaii and other coastal ports. Reggae music, 9 huge salt water aquariums and location across the street from the Civic Center make it a favorite in Des Moines. Splash is located in the historic Homestead Building at the corner of 3rd and Locust.

3. Stella's Diner and Jordan Creek Mall-$$

If you're out for great fun and you think your date would enjoy a trip back to the 50s, try Stella's Diner.

Stella's is located off of 100th Street in Urbandale between Hickman and Douglas. Be sure to splurge and order a milk shake with that 50s style burger. Prices at Stella's are quite reasonable and the servers are always great fun.

They'll ask you if you'd like to place your glass on your head and your server will stand on a chair and pour the contents of the shake into your glass. Normally - they never miss.

You will be assured of a great relaxing date with lots of laughs and fun.

Then travel west to Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines.

Enjoy either a great shopping experience, movie, walk around the pond or a favorite drink on the porch of one of the restaurants bordering the pond. You'll feel far away from the daily grind of daily life and if you need some quiet time, this could be for you.

Jordan Creek Center is located south of I-80 on Jordan Creek Parkway. A great variety of shops and stores are also available nearby. On weekends during the summer, many activities take place around the pond area at the Town Center.

The Des Moines metro area's other fun visits could include the very beautiful capitol building with the golden roof and lovely gardens, Science Center, Art Center, Botanical Center and East Village on the eastern edge of the city. Most of these charge a small fee. The Drake University area on University in the center of Des Moines is also a place to find fun bars and places to grab a bite to eat.

On Saturday morning, experience the Farmer's Market on Court Avenue. The market is very well attended and features great varieties of products. It opens when farmers begin to have local produce to sell. You will enjoy the variety of foods, flowers and a plethora of additional products.

All of these suggestions could be quite inexpensive, except number two, and would give you time to get to know one another on a casual basis.

Remember Des Moines can be a great place to entertain your date for the very first time.