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As
Iowa's capital city, Des Moines is a hub
of government action, business activity,
arts and cultural affairs. With a City
population approaching 200,000 and a metro
population of nearly 500,000, Des Moines
offers some of the nation's best schools,
superb public services, and friendly,
caring neighborhoods. Affordable housing,
one of the nation's shortest average commute
times, and an increasingly diverse population,
make Des Moines a wonderful place to live,
work and visit.
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Greater
Des Moines is a diverse, multi-faceted metropolitan
area. Exciting nightlife abounds-from the arts
(the theatre, ballet, symphony, opera) to comedy
clubs and from live music to historical places.
The Downtown Community Alliance is working hard
to provide events and attractions which make downtown
Des Moines a GREAT downtown. The focus is making
a commitment to ensuring that people experience
downtown in a uniquely positive, compelling, and
memorable way. The Vaudeville Mews, a new entertanment
venue in downtown Des Moines had its grand opening
weekend beginning December 5. House in the renovated
space at 212 Fourth St., The Mews provides an
eclectic mix of entertainment, including live
theatre, music and comedy. Additionally, the Mews
will screen independent films and features a full,
non-smoking bar. Warm up by a wood-burning stove
this winter and enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal
in either an 1875 Victorian home dining room or
the 1900 Farm kitchen at Living History Farms.
Victorian Home Dinners are offered from November
to March. The Victorian Home Dinner begins with
a stroll along the lantern lit boardwalk in the
1875 town of Walnut Hill to the Tangen Home and
a cup of hot punch. Dinner is served family-style
in the formal dining room and includes roast chicken
or beef a la mode; specialty potatoes; two vegetable
side dishes; fresh-baked yeast rolls with jams,
jellies and churned butter; and fancy cake and
preserved fruit. Following the main course, guests
are invited to the parlor for Victorian entertainment.
The 1900 Farm Dinner begins with a horse-drawn
wagon ride to a century-old farmhouse where dinner
guests are greeted by the smell of freshly baked
bread and treated to hot spiced apple cider.
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Dinner is followed by a lantern-lit barn
tour. The Des Moines Arts Festival is Iowa's
premier celebration of the arts. Each year
the FREE, three-day celebration of the arts,
decorates the downtown riverfront with top-notch
artwork, entertainment and children's activities.
Artists from all over the country showcase
their original artwork at the Festival.
Attendees can enjoy and purchase artwork
from more than 150 talented artists in a
variety of styles and prices. ImaginEve!
started a new tradition in 2000 for families
to celebrate New Year's Eve in downtown
Des Moines. It's a free, non-alcoholic New
Year's Eve celebration alternative, featuring
family fun activities. Come to Des Moines
!
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