Experience · Des Moines

Sherman Hill Arts & Drinks Date

Begin your date with cocktails and shared plates in a stylish setting before heading to the historic Hoyt Sherman Place for a captivating performance. Conclude the evening with a nightcap at a chic downtown lounge.

A 3.5-hour Des Moines evening plan for couples — Harbinger, Hoyt Sherman Place, Hello, Marjorie.

Duration: 3h 40m
Cost: $70–$150
Stops: 3 stops
Area: Sherman Hill + 1 more
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 1.5-mile driving route
Best time: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for: Couples · Solo

Start Plan

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The plan

1Harbinger(1 hr 10 min)→
2Hoyt Sherman Place(1 hr 30 min)→
3Hello, Marjorie(1 hr)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 1.5 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Des Moines instead of crossing town between them. Hoyt Sherman Place is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Hello, Marjorie — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples and solo who want a planned Des Moines outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1h 10m
Harbinger
Food & Drink
What to do — Share a few small plates and enjoy specialty cocktails or wine, soaking in the sophisticated ambiance before your show.
Scout Side Quest
Place your bets before the food arrives: which plate is going to disappear first?
0.9 mi · 18 min walk or 5 min drive
Then A short drive will take you to the historic Hoyt Sherman Place.
2
1h 30m
Hoyt Sherman Place
Arts & Culture · Sherman Hill
Art gallery & performance venue for dance, music, comedy & more in a grand 19th-century manor.
What to do — Immerse yourselves in a live performance, from music to theater, within the grand and historic setting of a 19th-century manor.
Scout Side Quest
Before the lights dim, look around the historic theater and point out your favorite architectural detail.
0.6 mi · 12 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Drive a few minutes downtown for a relaxing nightcap.
3
Optional 1 hr
Hello, Marjorie
Nightlife · Downtown Des Moines
Creative cocktails, craft beer & wine served in a chill space decorated like a '70s-era living room.
What to do — Optional nightcap for those who drink — skip it and the plan still works. Enjoy a final drink in the retro-chic atmosphere, discussing the performance and your evening.

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Des Moines itinerary for couples?: Yes. It's built for couples and solo and runs about 3 hr 40 min across 3 stops, starting at Harbinger.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 3 hr 40 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Des Moines itinerary cost?: Roughly $70–$150 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 1.5 miles of walking in total.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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