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By
Jeff Balk
The Jewel of the Midwest, Des Moines, Iowa is located in the middle of the heartland. An exciting place to visit, the metro area functions as the political and cultural capital of Iowa. In the heart of the city you can find
the Iowa State Capital, the Iowa Historical Building, a beautifully restored Court Avenue and Fourth Street and many historical hotels.
Downtown offers the most diverse dining in the city from upscale dining to great deli sandwiches.
The Civic Center (221 Walnut Street, 515-243-0766) entertains downtown with Broadway shows, and
the Des Moines Symphony (221 Walnut Street, 515-243-1140) offers up your favorite concerts. Yes, even Boy George and Culture Club will be in Des Moines later in October. Downtown has a complete sky-walk
system connecting you to a variety of unique shops vending clothing, cards, jewelry, art, and more.
And just minutes away from the downtown area is The Loop, or the "Fruit Loop" as many refer to it. The Loop is the place for those not quite old enough to enjoy the bar life-- all clubs are 21 and over--
but wanting to get out and hang out. It is also serves as the after bar hang- out for clubbers. With a mixed crowd, it is not rare to find 100 or more people there after the bars close. With no curfew and coolers of beer allowed, it
is not unusual for the parties to continue until sunrise.
Bars
With four bars within a few blocks of each other, the gay scene in Des Moines is easy for the traveler. The Blazing Saddle (416 East 5th Ave, 515-246-1299) is the city's oldest and continuously
running same-owner club, now in its 18th year. Des Moines' only Levi/leather club is a great hangout for everyone. The Blazing Saddle is also the home of Mr., Miss, and Ms. Blazing Saddles, Mr. Iowa Leather, Miss Nobody,
Miss Silver Queen (for the old girls) and the Mr. Gay Iowa official pageants. With happy hour Monday thru Friday from 2-8pm, there is always an early crowd. A Sunday $5 beer bust, for charity, happens weekly from 2-7pm.
And the Saddle is the place where you can always count on that cocksucker shot for just a buck. For a place always full of men, this is your best bet. Check them out on the web -- word has
it they will be expanding soon!
Just around the corner is Dally's Pub and Emporium (430 E. Locust, 515-243-9760). A highlight of their week is their karaoke night which draws a mixed crowd. Dally's is primarily a women's bar.
Faces (416 E Walnut, 515-280-5463) is just another block away and offers a great neighborhood bar atmosphere. Recently remodeled, Faces is a nice mid-afternoon and evening quiet getaway. Opening
at 9am, seven days a week, Faces features the longest running happy hour from 9am to 9pm every day and has a great outdoor patio. Monday nights are now Drag Karaoke nights, Tuesdays are Women's Nights, Thursdays
are Men's Nights, and Fridays and Saturdays feature dancing in the lower level. Drag shows are featured at least twice a month.
The Garden (112 SE 4th Street, 515-243-3965) is recognized as one of the Midwest's best dance clubs. With four bars, a dance floor, show bar, and patio, the Garden offers a plethora of fun. Their
"dancer cages" often feature out of town strippers and porn stars. This is the club to go if you are looking for those nearby Drake University boys. For more information visit them their website.
Accommodations
Nestled in the woods about 20 miles outside of Des Moines sits 100 acres of gay land. The Racoon River Resort (2678 324th Lane 515-996-2829) is just blocks off the main highway and well secluded. A nicely kept log cabin houses several private and semi-private rooms for guests. A hot tub, heated by logs, sits in the
back yard right along a lovely creek. Many deer and other animals can be seen passing by the tents and RV's parked at the resort.
For those wanting a bed and breakfast in a city setting, the Kingman House (2920 Kingman Blvd, 515-279-7312) is the place for you. Located minutes from the bars, the Kingman House offers comfort
and convenience.
Shopping
There are several adult book shops and arcades in town; both
The Gallery (1114 Walnut 515-244-2916) and
Bachelor's Library (2020 West Euclid 515-266-7992) offer a wide variety of novelties,
adult videos, CD-roms and DVDs along with leather and lingerie apparel, magazines, and books. And don't forget the adult video arcades located in both of these shops.
Chow
Chat Noir Café (664 18th Street 515-244-1353) is located just minutes away from the clubs and offers sandwiches and fine dining in an elegant setting. Reservations are not required, but suggested.
Java Joe's (214 4th Street 515-288-5282) is the young and alternative's crowd hangout before The Loop or the clubs. With live entertainment on the weekends, great coffee and sandwiches, Java Joe's in
a good start to a night of clubbing.
| Author Profile: Jeff Balk |
|
Jeff Balk is publisher of EXP, a gay/les/bi/trans bar and
entertainment magazine serving
Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. Jeff
hails from St. Louis, Missouri, where
he lives when not travelling for The
Guide.
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| Email: |
expmag@aol.com |
| Website: |
www.expmagazine.com |
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