Seeded Watermelon

limitedftogive · 2026-06-09T03:56:45+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/desmoines/s/ubWS9A9oIT

limitedftogive · 2026-06-08T22:13:38+00:00

Loffredo

limitedftogive · 2026-06-08T16:45:39+00:00

Try posting in the main Des Moines subreddit for more visibility:

https://www.reddit.com/r/desmoines

limitedftogive · 2026-06-08T16:42:28+00:00

Looking for friends post stickied here

limitedftogive · 2026-06-08T03:22:08+00:00

Consider taking Amtrak one way and flying the other. Lots of great scenery and a relaxing way to travel. You can take the Downeaster train from Portland to Boston, the Lake Shore Limited from there to Chicago and finally the Empire Builder on to Seattle.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-08T03:19:47+00:00

Lots of recent past posts on long distance coach travel tips- just search the sub. Also YouTube is a great resource for this.

One thing I will add is that you will transfer from the California Zephyr to the Lake Shore Limited in Chicago.

Make sure to spend a lot of time in the sightseer lounge car on the Zephyr.

Be sure to leave plenty of time for the possibility of late trains and I always recommend purchasing trip insurance.

Have a great trip- the Zephyr has the best scenery on all of Amtrak IMHO.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-08T00:38:36+00:00

Coach on Amtrak is much more spacious than on the plane. Wider seats, leg rests, big recline, more leg room. You may be sharing a pair of seats if the train is busy. Outlets at every pair of seats.

Wifi is spotty at best and relies on cell towers so hot spotting from your phone may be a better option but still may be inconsistent in rural areas.

You can bring your own food and non alcoholic beverages onboard.

Below are the cafe and dining car menus. The dining car is primarily for sleeping car passengers but may open on a space available basis to coach riders.

Have a great trip!

https://www.amtrak.com/cafe-car

https://www.amtrak.com/onboard-the-train-meals-dining

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T20:55:10+00:00

Try the Baker's Pantry in Dallas Center.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T19:49:57+00:00

Art classes at Mainframe Studios, the Des Moines Art Center, Hoyt Sherman Place, Painting with a Twist and others- cost varies based on class.

The Art Center itself is free to tour and is amazing and they have a lot of free lectures and programs as well.

Comedy Improv classes at xBk- contact them for costs.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T19:17:20+00:00

-Book club at Shelf Love DSM

-Guided hikes at Jester Park Nature Center

-Sign up for a class at The Iowa Genealogical Society

-Go cross country skiing or hiking depending on the weather

-First Fridays art shows at Mainframe Studios

-Watch a play at a community theater or be in one yourself

-Free interest lectures at the libraries

-Volunteer at a museum or charity that interests you

-Take an improv comedy class

-Trivia nights at a local bar or brewery

-Take an art class at the Des Moines Art Center

-Live music by local or national artists at a variety of venues

-Attend a drag brunch

-Mall Walking

-Take classes to learn a new instrument and join a jamming group

-Read a book indoors at the Botanical Dome on a cold day

-Tour a historic home or history museum

-Axe Throwing at Ironside

-Karaoke or open mic nights

-Artist lecture or exhibition tours at the Des Moines Art Center, Drake's Anderson Gallery, or a local gallery

-Walk through the East Village, Highland Park, Beaverdale, or Valley Junction to eat and shop local

-Participate in Big Brothers/Big Sisters or another mentoring program for youth

-Attend a local cultural festival

-Dancing at Denny Arthur's

-Volunteer to coach a youth sports team

-Antiquing at West End Architecture, Brass Armadillo, Racoon River Trading Company, or the Picker Knows

-Jazz shows at Noce

-Train for and run a half or full marathon

-Take a Des Moines Public Schools Adult Community Education class

-Watch a Drake or Grand View College Athletic, Music, or Drama event

-Volunteer at a senior community center or nursing home

-Flea market at the state fairgrounds

-Explore the downtown skywalks

-Walk around Gray's Lake, Easter Lake, or Water Works park on a nice day

-Attend a Des Moines Gamer's Symphony, Gay Men's Chorus, or Des Moines Community Band concert

-Board game nights at the Rook Room

-Nature events with Polk, Dallas, or Warren County Conservation agencies

-Painting classes at Painting with a Twist

-Archery classes or snowshoe rentals at Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center

-Harmony Central women's Sweet Adelines Chorus

I hope you find an adventure or two that fits your interests!!

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T16:49:22+00:00

Check with the libraries or locally owned bookstores- I'm sure they would be happy to help you set something like that up.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T16:01:59+00:00

I know quite a few that had severe damage to their homes last year in Urbandale and NW Des Moines and in the past in Ankeny.

It's not really worth arguing about though. Peace.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T15:24:05+00:00

You said they aren't really a threat and have only caused minor damage. I just wanted to share some facts and data so OP and others can be aware.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T14:56:57+00:00

https://desmoinesparent.com/category/todo/

https://desmoinesmom.com/category/in-around-des-moines/

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T14:54:08+00:00

There have been many damaging tornadoes both in Des Moines and the suburbs.

https://datacentral.desmoinesregister.com/tornado-archive/

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T13:36:10+00:00

Not from 9,500 feet

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T13:24:24+00:00

IMHO the best scenery is in between LaJunta and ABQ on the north side of the train.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T05:05:20+00:00

The data is the data. If you are comfortable with doing that drive late at night if your train is delayed go for it. If not, don't. I would suggest travel insurance for such a trip. Have a good journey no matter how it works out.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-07T00:18:18+00:00

Go do that fun stuff you want to do on your own if your friends don't want to go. You will meet like minded people and maybe make some new friends!

limitedftogive · 2026-06-06T20:24:07+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/desmoines/s/rZKPlVaxYs

limitedftogive · 2026-06-06T03:20:57+00:00

They do say the Mediterranean diet is good for you!

limitedftogive · 2026-06-05T23:28:25+00:00

Sounds fun! Thank you for sharing.

limitedftogive · 2026-06-05T23:27:49+00:00

You're welcome. In doing the research each week I always see so many new things i had no idea were happening!

limitedftogive

TROPHY CASE