Shop the State
Des Moines has its own shopping districts worth visiting, but plenty of nearby areas are worth a trip, too.
By Cyote Williams
HISTORIC EAST VILLAGE
East Village, Des Moines
www.eastvillagedesmoines.com
A short walk out of downtown Des Moines and into the East Village puts shoppers in a paradise. Stores like Bridal Boutique, Ichi Bike and East Village Spa speak to the wide range of shops in the area. Not to mention, several bars and restaurants are nearby to break up the day of shopping.
HISTORIC VALLEY JUNCTION
137 Fifth St., West Des Moines
www.valleyjunction.com
Find a parking spot and let the day pass you by in this West Des Moines shopping haven. The older buildings create a classic small-town-Iowa feel with businesses in the area offering almost anything a shopper can think of. Hit up BW Outdoors for the grilling fanatic in your life, or try Sassy’s when gift-shopping for a friend or family member. Book stores and coffee shops are also around if you plan on taking it easy.
FRANKLIN STREET, PELLA
720 Franklin St., Pella
www.visitpella.com/shop
An abundance of shopping options are located around Pella’s Central Park. Patrons flock to Pella each spring to experience Tulip Time, but flower enthusiasts can partake in excellent shopping options in Iowa’s own slice of Dutch heaven. Boutiques, shoes, thrifts and more can be found in the area.
JORDAN CREEK TOWN CENTER
101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
www.jordancreektowncenter.com
Every page of this magazine could be dedicated completely to the stores located inside of Jordan Creek Mall alone. A number and range of high-quality stores and subsequent shopping areas are also located within the area. Major stores including Scheels and Dillard’s — and stores like BoxLunch and LuLuLemon on the inside — give shoppers more than enough places to spend cash.
SOUTHRIDGE MALL
1111 E. Army Post Road, Des Moines
www.shopsouthridgemall.com
Major changes are on the horizon for Southridge Mall. Stores like Marshalls and several jewelry stores continue to succeed, and the surrounding area is experiencing continued improvement as well. Time will tell if the new ownership is able to bring the southside of Des Moines’ only major shopping center back to its former glory.
THE DISTRICT AT PRAIRIE TRAIL
S.W. District Drive, Ankeny
www.thedistrictpt.com
Located in the heart of Ankeny, this 1,031-acre community offers a wide variety of shopping options. Discover numerous boutiques, bookstores, dining and drinking options in Ankeny’s premier destination for a day of shopping.
OUTLETS OF DES MOINES
801 Bass Pro Drive N.W., Altoona
www.outletsofdesmoines.com
It would be easy and, for some, fun to get lost in all of the outlet shopping options offered at the Outlets of Des Moines. Run to Levi’s for a brand new pair of classic blue jeans or taste some crazy flavors from Pepper Palace for your spice needs. These outlets have a little something for everyone.
WEST GLEN TOWN CENTER
5465 Mills Civic Parkway,
West Des Moines
www.westglentowncenter.com
They say, “Explore every corner,” and we dare you to try. With everything in the area from high-quality restaurants, crazy donut creations, thrift stores and high-end boutiques, the West Glen Town Center has options galore for most any shopaholic. Health and beauty stores dominate the area as well.
THE DISTRICT: CZECH VILLAGE AND NEW BOHEMIA, CEDAR RAPIDS
208 12th Ave. S.E., Cedar Rapids
www.the-district.org
The Czech Village in Cedar Rapids is right next to the Cedar River and features plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, not to mention the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. Lion Bridge Brewing Company is a great place to grab a craft beer, or stop in at Vintage Market and Supply Co. for various shopping needs.
HISTORIC EAST VILLAGE
East Village, Des Moines
www.eastvillagedesmoines.com
A short walk out of downtown Des Moines and into the East Village puts shoppers in a paradise. Stores like Bridal Boutique, Ichi Bike and East Village Spa speak to the wide range of shops in the area. Not to mention, several bars and restaurants are nearby to break up the day of shopping.
HISTORIC VALLEY JUNCTION
137 Fifth St., West Des Moines
www.valleyjunction.com
Find a parking spot and let the day pass you by in this West Des Moines shopping haven. The older buildings create a classic small-town-Iowa feel with businesses in the area offering almost anything a shopper can think of. Hit up BW Outdoors for the grilling fanatic in your life, or try Sassy’s when gift-shopping for a friend or family member. Book stores and coffee shops are also around if you plan on taking it easy.
FRANKLIN STREET, PELLA
720 Franklin St., Pella
www.visitpella.com/shop
An abundance of shopping options are located around Pella’s Central Park. Patrons flock to Pella each spring to experience Tulip Time, but flower enthusiasts can partake in excellent shopping options in Iowa’s own slice of Dutch heaven. Boutiques, shoes, thrifts and more can be found in the area.
JORDAN CREEK TOWN CENTER
101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
www.jordancreektowncenter.com
Every page of this magazine could be dedicated completely to the stores located inside of Jordan Creek Mall alone. A number and range of high-quality stores and subsequent shopping areas are also located within the area. Major stores including Scheels and Dillard’s — and stores like BoxLunch and LuLuLemon on the inside — give shoppers more than enough places to spend cash.
SOUTHRIDGE MALL
1111 E. Army Post Road, Des Moines
www.shopsouthridgemall.com
Major changes are on the horizon for Southridge Mall. Stores like Marshalls and several jewelry stores continue to succeed, and the surrounding area is experiencing continued improvement as well. Time will tell if the new ownership is able to bring the southside of Des Moines’ only major shopping center back to its former glory.
THE DISTRICT AT PRAIRIE TRAIL
S.W. District Drive, Ankeny
www.thedistrictpt.com
Located in the heart of Ankeny, this 1,031-acre community offers a wide variety of shopping options. Discover numerous boutiques, bookstores, dining and drinking options in Ankeny’s premier destination for a day of shopping.
OUTLETS OF DES MOINES
801 Bass Pro Drive N.W., Altoona
www.outletsofdesmoines.com
It would be easy and, for some, fun to get lost in all of the outlet shopping options offered at the Outlets of Des Moines. Run to Levi’s for a brand new pair of classic blue jeans or taste some crazy flavors from Pepper Palace for your spice needs. These outlets have a little something for everyone.
WEST GLEN TOWN CENTER
5465 Mills Civic Parkway,
West Des Moines
www.westglentowncenter.com
They say, “Explore every corner,” and we dare you to try. With everything in the area from high-quality restaurants, crazy donut creations, thrift stores and high-end boutiques, the West Glen Town Center has options galore for most any shopaholic. Health and beauty stores dominate the area as well.
THE DISTRICT: CZECH VILLAGE AND NEW BOHEMIA, CEDAR RAPIDS
208 12th Ave. S.E., Cedar Rapids
www.the-district.org
The Czech Village in Cedar Rapids is right next to the Cedar River and features plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, not to mention the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. Lion Bridge Brewing Company is a great place to grab a craft beer, or stop in at Vintage Market and Supply Co. for various shopping needs.