How to Support Local During 515 Day in DSM

Greater Des Moines (DSM) will celebrate the third annual 515 Day on Wednesday, May 15, and it’s a great excuse to get out, enjoy the spring weather and visit local businesses. This event, created by the Greater Des Moines Partnership to celebrate all things DSM, will show the business community we care, so visit local restaurants, shops, attractions and cultural spots around the region! No matter what city or county you live in in the DSM region, there are small businesses with services, events and items that will help you invest your dollars locally.

Celebrate with Us

Supporting local businesses is always top of mind at The Partnership, whether its through creating local buying guides or by encouraging small business support through quality of life placemaking projects like the Johnston Gateway District and Legacy Plaza in Newton. Placemaking projects are one of the organization’s strategic priorities, and by supporting them, you’re helping grow DSM. On 515 Day, invest in these local spots:

• Meet with friends and family for lunch. No matter where you are in DSM, from the suburbs and towns to the six neighborhoods of Downtown DSM, including the Historic East Village and Western Gateway, there are plenty of new restaurants to become acquainted with or long-time favorites to revisit. Might we suggest a few? Americana, Beans & Beignets Coffee & Café, Blue Shark Ale House, Cajun Belle, Coco & Nini’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge, Drake Diner, Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio, Los Altos, Marco’s Pizza, Polk City Pub,  Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Smash Park or The U Bar & Grill
• Plan a tour of spring/summer attractions. Flowers are beginning to bloom and there are plenty of local places that have them on display in DSM. Why not support local institutions while also celebrating how these businesses help to beautify the region? Here are a few to consider:  Gray’s Lake, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Iowa State Capitol, Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens, Salisbury House & Gardens, World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, Water Works Park and Brenton Arboretum (Note: Wild Lights Festival at Blank Park Zoo is currently underway with beautiful displays at sunset.)
• Download the Iowa by Trail app from the Central Iowa Trail Association and take advantage of the spring weather by strolling through more than 800 miles of connected walking, biking and running trails in the area. Take photos of you and your loved ones in your favorite spots on the trail to encourage others to take your path! Stop in at local bike shops — try Iowa Bike Co. in Pella or Rasmussen Bike Shop of Altoona — to purchase a bike trailer or exercise apparel.
• Shop ‘til you drop. Start at the Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona and make your way through the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM to Valley Junction, Jordan Creek Town Center or West Glen Town Center in West Des Moines to Ankeny’s The District at Prairie Trail or Uptown Ankeny area. There are plenty of local shops and many other businesses to support along the way and across the region. Take it from us that these businesses are worth stopping into: adorn, Bellflower Florist & Gifts, Blissful Craft Shop, Color Store Inc., Happy DSM, Lotta Pop – Brandmeyer Popcorn Company, Massage Heights, Nock On Custom Archery, Pageturners Bookstore, Prysm Jewelry & Piercing or Theisen’s Home, Farm and Auto Shop
• Spring is a great time to refresh your look. Get in shape at a local gym or stop in for a new haircut, pamper your nails or treat yourself with a spa appointment. Here are a few places we suggest: Anani Salon and Spa, Anytime Fitness, Premier Nail Bar, The Nail Lab, The Social Hair & Co., Trixie’s Salon & Spa
• Hit up local breweries, wineries and distilleries for your own tasting. Jasper Winery near the Gray’s Lake Area in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), Summerset Winery in Indianola and The Cellar Winery in Cambridge are just a few around the region that offer local wine varieties, while Confluence Brewing in Des Moines and 515 Brewing Company in Clive offer taprooms with handcrafted Iowa beers.
• Finally, art around DSM is an opportunity for learning and appreciation. Try these artsy and eclectic spots: Ankeny Art Center, Des Moines Art Center, Grinnell College Museum of Art or Winterset Art Center

When you’re out and about on 515 Day this year, don’t forget to share your stops on social media. Wherever you choose to shop, dine or explore in DSM, highlight your purchases by posting them to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter — and don’t forget to include the hashtag #515Day with your post! Local business owners will love seeing that you’re happy with your experience, and they will appreciate feeling the love during this year’s 515 Day celebration!

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.