Although many of my loyal readers might assume that I am most attuned to all things European and over-the-top glamorous, I have a confession: I am smitten with Des Moines, Iowa.
Did I hear a thud?
Are you shocked, flummoxed, a tad perplexed?
Well, fellow bloggerati, the DSM is a fabulous city, and should you ever happen to be in the vicinity of the Iowa capital, do look it over. And, no, it’s not smack in the middle of a cornfield, and, yes, there is culture and non-chain dining.
A few of my favorites finds:
I am mad for the Des Moines Art Center, housed in a trio of glorious buildings designed by Eliel Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Richard Meier (yes, you read that right: Saarinen, Pei and Meier!). And the collections—from works by Joseph Cornell to Edward Hopper, Francis Bacon and Jasper Johns—are divine. And I love the sculpture-strewn grounds (Joseph Beuys, yum!). Finish off your visit with a glass of wine in the glorious restaurant.
Designed by renowned British architect David Chipperfield, the Des Moines Central Library (www.desmoineslibrary.com) offers a stunning, copper-hued exterior that sits but a short walk from the sprawling, impressive Pappajohn Sculpture Park and its 24 works of art from leading contemporary sculptors. Sol LeWitt, Tony Smith and Ugo Rondinone are only a few of the world-class artists represented in this terrific park smack in the center of downtown. It’s truly a stunner!
Do not miss Salisbury House, a 1920s-era, British-styled former home packed with rare books, sculptures and paintings (including the Apotheosis of the Rose by Joseph Stella).
Finally, head for the bustling East Village neighborhood just below the glittering capitol for terrific eats, including Alba, where chef Jason Simon turns out sublime fare such as scallops in a veal sauce with rich sweet potato gnocchi in a striking, contemporary setting.
Gush, gush and gush! And that’s rare coming from this jaded Jetsetter!
Des Moines—it’s definitely a city to watch!