City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Address: 1408 Locust St.
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
19. TALLGRASS THEATRE COMPANY
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (866) 745-4535
Description: Since its founding in 2000 by two local theater artists, this community theater company has put on an interesting array of shows, staging 3 to 5 productions each year, specializing in dramas. The company has also put on an annual playwriting workshop that features an Iowa playwright. Shows are usually held at the Rex Mathes Theatre (1401 Vine St.) in West Des Moines, a short drive from the Valley Junction shopping area. Ticket prices range from $10 to $15, and can be purchased through the theater’s website.
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Address: 106 W. Boston Ave.
21. A-OK ANTIQUES
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (515) 255-2525
Description: This Valley Junction shop has a large selection of modern items mainly from mid-20th-century America, as evidenced from the neon signs cluttered above the doorway and hanging in the front room. There are a lot of retro household items—need a pea-green Hamilton Beach milk shake mixer? The womb chairs on the second floor are far-out, man, especially the model with a built-in sound system, and the Warhol artwork on the walls adds to the vibe. Check out the vintage stereo systems scattered among the sleek tables and other furniture. A small backyard serves as an impromptu sculpture garden, with some geometric, modernist pieces. This shop has the same owners as Atomic Garage, across the street, and both are fun places to check out.
22. FOUND THINGS
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (515) 265-8624
Address: 520 E. Grand Ave.
Description: An interesting jumble of antiques and other old stuff spread over 2 floors. There’s lots of antique furniture as well as kitchen items—you may find some old cast-iron appliances if you root around enough. Downstairs you’ll find vintage clothing and a nice collection of vintage books, including a bunch of children’s titles. There are some neat vintage postcards as well.
23. PORCH LIGHT
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (515) 255-5900
Address: 526 E. Grand Ave.
Description: A treasure trove of retro housewares, such as vintage glass food containers and pottery teapots, is stuffed inside this shop on one of the East Village’s more popular street corners. There’s an entire cabinet of milkglass, done up in the old “bubble” style. Some fun vintage toys are scattered throughout the long, narrow space as well. Take a few minutes to flip through the cubbyholes stocked with wonderful old metal diner signs, and check out the selection of jewelry at the sales counter.
24. BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (515) 221-9171
Address: 4550 University Ave.
25. BEAVERDALE BOOKS
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (515) 279-5400
Address: 2629 Beaver Ave.
Insider Pick:
Description: An intimate little bookshop in a strip shopping center at the heart of Beaverdale. Covers all the usual genres in fiction and nonfiction, with popular authors and best sellers alongside some undiscovered gems. There’s also a section devoted to Iowa authors, where you can pick up works by Bill Bryson and other native scribes, as well as some nice coffee table and picture books on the state. The shop hosts the occasional reading and is a popular gathering spot for local book lovers.
26. THE BOOK STORE
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (515) 288-7267
Address: 606 Locust St.
Description: A classic, hole-in-the-wall independent bookstore, in business since 1961 and located in a storefront in the Equitable Building downtown. The store has a good mix of fiction and nonfiction, with strong cookbook and travel sections, among other genres. The owner is a book aficionado who can help you find what you need or make recommendations. Occasionally hosts readings. Closed Sunday.
27. PLAIN TALK BOOKS & COFFEE
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (515) 283-1230
Address: 602 E. Grand Ave.
Description: This cozy little room on the edge of the East Village stocks a wide variety of books, including titles on Des Moines and Iowa and novels by local authors. The selection is somewhat limited, but you’re sure to find something that interests you, plus there are comfy chairs where you can sit and read and snacks for sale. The staff is friendly and helpful.
28. ANCIENT WAYS
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (515) 274-9034
Address: 3029 Ingersoll Ave.
Description: New-age books and items are available at this modern-day corner store on a busy stretch of Ingersoll Avenue. Tomes on Eastern thought, mysticism, holistic health, and other spiritual disciplines can be found on the shelves, as can crystals, incense, oils, and other paraphernalia. There are also classes offered on a wide variety of topics, including astrology and shamanic healing, as well as tarot card readings. The staff can advise you if you’re looking for a book or item in a particular field that you aren’t able to find.
29. FAIR WORLD GALLERY
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (515) 277-7550
Description: A funky little shop with an assortment of items from around the world, as well as by local artisans. There are some beautiful wood and metal folk art pieces from Africa and Latin America, and a nice selection of colorful dresses, scarves, and other clothing. A small jewelry counter has glittering bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Also a good spot to pick up some interesting soaps or lotions, as well as some world music CDs in a wide range of genres.
City: Des Moines, IA
Category: Shopping
Address: 414 E. 6th St.