Feb 13, 2026 - Things to Do
Unromantic Valentine's Day plans in Des Moines
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Some brutalist beauts. Photos: Linh Ta/Axios
Hey, baby. Anyone can take you to Ruth's Chris or Cooper's Hawk for Valentine's Day.
- But I know you. You're looking for something unique, something a little less pedestrian.
Take a ride in my Subaru and let me show you places only the locals know.
West Des Moines office park
We could spend 3.5 hours watching "The Brutalist." Or in just five minutes, we can step back in time and gaze at these office parks along Westown Parkway.
- Ahh, the concrete, the recessed windows. If you're lucky, I'll bring us by Farm Bureau, and we can walk around the pond (just watch out for the geese).
I-35/80
Let's take things slow. Like, real slow. How about we meet at 4, maybe 5pm and head on I-35/80 for a bite to eat off Hickman.
- 50-50 chance the exit is closed. That just gives us more time together.
A clandestine Popeyes
Have you ever been to a Popeyes that may not be a legally recognized Popeyes?
- Welp. It's your lucky day.