Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines, IA – December 2013

Our favorites:
See: Iowa State Capitol (It’s the only five-domed capitol in the country – with a central dome modeled after the Invalides in Paris. We opted for the self-guided tour, although longer guided tours are available free of charge. Note: the Library is not to be missed)
See: Des Moines Art Center (expansive permanent collection of modern art in addition to touring exhibitions – currently Ghanaian artist El Anatsui’s large format art installations)
Do: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (domed conservatory – new outdoor gardens will open in Summer 2014)
Drink: Exile Brewing Company (recently opened brewery in the downtown area)
Drink: El Bait Shop (a beer drinker’s paradise – 100 beers on tap and over 120 in bottles!)