Experience · Des Moines
Sherman Hill Date Night: Art and Elegance
Begin your evening with a cozy coffee or a light bite in the charming Sherman Hill neighborhood before immersing yourselves in the arts at Hoyt Sherman Place. Conclude your date with a sophisticated dinner at a local favorite.
A 4-hour Sherman Hill evening plan for couples — Smokey Row Coffee, Hoyt Sherman Place, Big Grove Brewery & Taproom.
- Duration
- 4 hrs
- Cost
- $70–$150
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- Sherman Hill
- Walking
- Moderate walking · Total 0.6-mile driving route
- Best time
- 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends · Solo · Adults
The plan
The plan
- 1Smokey Row Coffee(45 min)→
- 2Hoyt Sherman Place(1 hr 30 min)→
- 3Big Grove Brewery & Taproom(1 hr 45 min)
Why this plan works
Every stop sits in Sherman Hill, so the whole plan happens inside one neighborhood. Big Grove Brewery & Taproom is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, solo, and adults who want a planned Des Moines outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Begin your evening with a cozy coffee or a light bite in the charming Sherman Hill neighborhood before immersing yourselves in the arts at Hoyt Sherman Place. Conclude your date with a sophisticated dinner at a local favorite.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 145 minSmokey Row Coffee
Food & Drink · Sherman Hill
Local cafe featuring fresh-roasted coffee, diner-style eats & ice cream in an industrial-chic space.
What to do — Order your favorite coffee or a baked good and find a cozy spot to chat. Enjoy the industrial-chic ambiance.
Scout Side QuestLook around and secretly pick the best seat in the room. Reveal your choices to see if your cozy instincts align.
0.4 mi · 8 min walk or 4 min drive
Then A short walk brings you to Hoyt Sherman Place for your evening's main event.
21h 30mHoyt Sherman PlaceArts & Culture · Sherman Hill
Art gallery & performance venue for dance, music, comedy & more in a grand 19th-century manor.
What to do — Check the schedule for an evening performance or explore the stunning architecture and art collection. Allow time to appreciate the elegant setting.
Scout Side QuestWander the space and each pick the artwork you'd secretly hang in your living room—and the one you'd banish forever.
0.2 mi · 4 min walk or 3 min drive
Then Head over to Big Grove Brewery & Taproom for a relaxed dinner and drinks.
3Optional 1h 45mBig Grove Brewery & TaproomFood & Drink · Sherman Hill
What to do — Order from their menu of American pub grub and choose from a selection of craft beers. Relax and discuss the evening's performance.
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Des Moines itinerary for couples?
- Yes. It's built for couples, friends, solo, and adults and runs about 4 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Smokey Row Coffee.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 4 hrs 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 0.6 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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