PRESENTED BY

Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn.

It’s almost February (where has January gone?) and that means Valentine’s Day. Whether you love it or just tolerate it, Valentine’s Day is coming—so let’s get ahead of it! Don’t wait until the last minute to get that special someone a gift. Take care of it now! You’ll be happy. Your significant other will be happy. And the establishments will be happy. 🙂 

In todays issue:

• ❤️ Valentine’s Day Primer

• 🚲️ RAGBRAI Route Reveal

• 🥩 Simon’s gets some love

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

This Valentine’s Day, skip the big-box stores and make it personal with gifts from Des Moines’ amazing local businesses. Whether you’re shopping for a partner, a friend, or even yourself (because self-love matters, too!), these ideas will show your love while supporting the heart of our community.

Sweet Treats 🍫 

• Chocolaterie Stam: Nothing says “I love you” like handcrafted truffles and rich chocolate assortments. Their Valentine’s gift boxes are a local classic.

• Beaverdale Confections: Try something fun like their caramel-dipped apples, chocolate-covered pretzels, or Valentine’s-themed popcorn.

Fresh Flowers 💐 

• Boesen the Florist: Classic red roses or a modern arrangement? Boesen’s has you covered with beautiful bouquets and delivery options.

• Wildflower DSM: Known for their fresh, unique arrangements, they’ll help you create something unforgettable.

• Pro Tip: Ask about locally-sourced or sustainable options for an extra thoughtful touch!

Jewelry & Keepsakes 💎 

• Owen Jewelry Design: Specializing in custom-designed jewelry, Owen Jewelry Design offers unique, handcrafted pieces that make for truly one-of-a-kind gifts.

• give. gifts with intention: This boutique offers a variety of gifts, including jewelry and keepsakes, all chosen with meaningful and intentional gifting in mind.

• Porch Light: A curated selection of vintage and handmade items, including unique jewelry pieces and home décor, perfect for those who appreciate nostalgic and artisanal treasures.

Pampering & Self-Care 💅 

• Eden (East Village): Browse luxurious skincare products, candles, and self-care bundles perfect for Valentine’s gifting.

• East Village Spa: Consider a gift card for a massage or spa treatment—the ultimate pampering experience.

• Coachlight Clinic & Spa: Located in West Des Moines, Coachlight offers facials, body treatments, and spa packages designed for relaxation. Their Himalayan salt sauna provides a unique and therapeutic experience, making it a perfect Valentine’s gift.

Creative DIY Gifts 🎁 

• Art Terrarium: Build your own terrarium or pick out a low-maintenance plant for the plant lover in your life.

• Glazed Expressions: A do-it-yourself art studio where you can paint pottery, make candles, or create a unique, handcrafted gift for your loved one.

Shopping locally is more than just finding a great gift—it’s about supporting the people and businesses who make Des Moines special. Show your love this Valentine’s Day, one thoughtful purchase at a time!

Trivia Corner:

PRESENTED BY: Kitchen Refresh by KnoPros

Kitchen Refresh by KnoPros offers a swift and cost-effective kitchen transformation without the hassle of demolition. Serving the Des Moines area, they specialize in updating existing cabinets, achieving a fresh look in just 3 to 5 days. Their process is designed to be less intrusive and more affordable than traditional remodels, making it an attractive option for homeowners seeking a kitchen update.

Visit Kitchenrefreshiowa.com today!

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

RAGBRAI Route

RAGBRAI 2025 will be held from July 19-26 and everyone can now start planning as the stops have been announced. This years race will consist of 406 miles and have less than 10,500 feet of climb, which makes it the second shortest-distance and the sixth-least hilly RAGBRAI on record.

👉️ Route Info

BMX Track

A new indoor BMX track and skatepark could be coming to Des Moines, with Merle Hay Mall and Southridge Mall emerging as top site contenders. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is leading the effort, aiming to create a premier facility for year-round BMX and skateboarding. The project would provide a much-needed indoor space for riders, host competitions, and boost local economic activity. Fundraising and planning are in progress as the vision takes shape.

👉️ Full Story

Simon’s

I’ve received many votes for Simon’s as readers’ favorite restaurant in the metro—and I couldn’t agree more. It also happens to be one of my favorites! Now, Simon’s has been nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award in the "Outstanding Hospitality" category, a well-deserved recognition for the warmth and service Simon provides. You can find the full list of nominees below. Let’s celebrate this local treasure!

👉️ Check it out

Around Town 🏙️📈

Sleep in Heavenly Peace 🛏️ 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is a remarkable nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that "No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!" The Des Moines chapter has been instrumental in this mission, providing beds to children in need throughout our community.

About SHP Des Moines: SHP connects children who are sleeping on couches, air mattresses, or the floor with beds handmade by volunteers. Recently, the Des Moines chapter delivered its 1,900th bed to a metro child in need, marking a significant milestone in their efforts.

How You Can Help:

• Donate: Financial contributions help purchase materials for building beds. You can donate directly through their website.

• Volunteer: Join a bed-building event or assist with deliveries. Upcoming events are listed on their website.

• Spread the Word: Follow and share their mission on social media to raise awareness.

Get Involved: To learn more, donate, or sign up to volunteer, visit the SHP Des Moines chapter's website. Together, we can ensure that every child in our community has a safe and comfortable place to sleep.

WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

2025 BRR Bike Ride to Rippey
The beloved winter bike ride is back. The ride is held regardless of weather, although its looking pretty good for now. Check in at the great Hotel Pattee.
📍Perry | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛️ 9
➡️ Tickets

The Snow Ball
Celebrate the magic of winter at this family friendly dance. Parent & child will glide and twirl on a frosty dance floor.
📍Science Center of Iowa | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛️ 6:30
➡️ Tickets

A Night at the Circus: Fatal Fairy Tales
Venture beyond the veil of the ordinary and into a world where fairytales take a thrillingly sinister turn.
📍Civic Center Stoner Theater | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛️ 7:30
➡️ Tickets

2025 Royal International Miss Upper Midwest Pageant
Contestants from Iowa, Nebraska, and Wisconsin will compete for a spot in the Finals In Orlando.
📍Grand View Viking Theatre | Map
📆 Saturday | 🕛️ 2:30
➡️ Info Here

February Flea Market
Antiques, collectables, home decor and more. This monthly event has it all. New merchandise and vendors added each month.
📍4H Building - Iowa State Fairgrounds | Map
📆 Sat/Sun | 🕛️ 9-4

Groundhog Day Grand Opening Party
Polk County Paula will be making her prediction at 7:55 and the doors open at 8 for this 21st annual event.
📍High Life Lounge | Map
📆 Sunday | 🕛️ 8AM

World Cancer Day Hike
Above + Beyond Cancer is hosting this event to honor life, remember those we love, and rekindle meaning and purpose.
📍Principal Park | Map
📆 Sunday | 🕛️ 10

WEATHER 🌞🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🟢 No change foreseen

Thursday

High 53 🌡️ Low 35 | 🌥️ | 💧 24%

Friday

High 48 🌡️ Low 27 | 🌧️ | 💧 68%

Saturday

High 46 🌡️ Low 32 | 🌤️ | 💧 7%

Sunday

High 56 🌡️ Low 23 | 🌤️ | 💧 6%

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

Kenny Feidler w/ Kellen Smith | 7 | xBk Live
Aaron Watson | 8 | Wooly’s
Johhny Novacaine | 9 | Yacht Club

Friday

Randy Burk & the Prisoners | 6 | Middlebrook Mercantile
The Drama Kings | 7 | Kelly’s Little Nipper
Corbett Reeves | 7 | The Ducktail Lounge
Ella Langley w/ Carter Faith | 7:30 | Val Air Ballroom
Marbin | 8 | xBk Live
Dogtown Rhythm Band | 9 | Greenwood Lounge
Casey Peasley | 9 | Jack’s Place

Saturday

Good Company | 6 | Pal Joey’s
Dig Deep w/ Soft Dog |6:30 | Lefty’s Live Music
Casey Peasley | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Paul Cauthen | 7:30 | Val Air Ballroom
Haunted Gauntlet | 8 | xBk Live
Project TDS | 8 | Back Roads Lounge
GRIND | 8 | Kenny’s Garage
Floyd: Pink Floyd Tribute | 8:30 | Wooly’s

Sunday

The Chuggaluggers | 1 & 3 | Des Moines Botanical Center
The Soul Searchers | 2 | Middlebrook Mercantile
Bryan Schumacker / Tanner Taylor Duo | 5 | Louie’s Wine Dive

SPORTS 🏈🏅

College Basketball 🏀 

College basketball season is underway. We’ll have more as our local teams get into conference play closer to the new year, but here’s a quick update on each program.

• Drake Men 🐶 @ Southern Illinois | 📆 2/1 | 🕛️ 1 | Record: 19-2 (9-2)

• Drake Women 🐶 VS UNI | 📆 2/1 | 🕛️ 2 | Record: 12-8 (6-3)

• Iowa Men 🦅 VS Purdue | 📆 2/4 | 🕛️ 6 | Record: 13-8 (4-6)

• Iowa Women 🦅 VS USC | 📆 2/2 | 🕛️ 12:30 | Record: 14-7 (4-6)

• #3 Iowa State Men 🌪️ VS Kansas State | 📆 2/1 | 🕛️ 1 | Record: 17-3 (7-2)

• Iowa State Women 🌪️ @ Kansas State | 📆 1/30 | 🕛️ 7:30 | Record: 15-7 (6-3)

• UNI Men 🐆 VS Bradley | 📆 2/2 | 🕛️ 3 | Record: 13-9 (7-4)

• UNI Women 🐆 @ Drake | 📆 2/1 | 🕛️ 2 | Record: 10-10 (5-4)

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs | 17-19-2 (7th place - Western Conference)

• @ Waterloo Black Hawks | 📆 1/31 | 🕛️ 7:05

• VS Waterloo Black Hawks | 📆 2/1 | 🕛️ 6

Iowa Wild | 14-23-2 (6th place - Central Division)

• VS Springfield Thunderbirds | 📆 1/31 | 🕛️ 7 🎖️ Military Appreciation Night

• VS Springfield Thunderbirds | 📆 2/1 | 🕛️ 6 🏃‍♀️ Women in Sports Night

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves | 2-10 (15th place - Western Conference)

• @ Maine Celtics | 📆 1/31 | 🕛️ 6

• @ Memphis Hustle | 📆 1/3 | 🕛️ 12

THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

I would love your feedback! You can respond directly to this email with any comments, recommendations, or ideas.

P.S. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn, please contact me at [email protected] or respond directly to this email.