Des Moines is a beautiful city with enough population to bring in major concerts, events, and restaurants, but small enough to feel like a large small town. I always enjoy going to Des Moines. One of the things I enjoy there is trying new (to me) restaurants.

If you’re like me, you love to discover unexpected little gems when you travel, especially ones that are underrated or somewhat unknown. When you find a place like that, it feels sort of like you have opened a surprise birthday gift and are delighted. That was the way I felt when I visited the ESSE Purse Museum and Store!

Hello my fellow, summer travelers! I just wanted to jump in and give you an update on Omaha-area and Midwest Summer activities this weekend.

I have to admit I was not prepared for the unbelievable beauty of the Exquisite Creatures exhibit. It was one of the best and most unique exhibits I have ever seen. The artist and naturalist, Christopher Marley, takes animals, fish, insects, and other creatures that have recently died and preserves them. While that itself is not so unusual, what he does with them is. He creates some of the most unique, gorgeous, and fascinating artwork I have ever encountered. REALLY.

One of the places I was really impressed with was Myriad Botanical Gardens. It was located downtown and all the spring flowers were blooming. There were tulips and daffodils blooming everywhere. The weather was perfect the day I went as well. Can you say GORGEOUS? I absolutely loved it! 🥰

If there were two things in this world that I love, they would have to be art and flowers. Good news! You can have both the same time at the Minneapolis Institute of Art this weekend. The event is called Art In Bloom and is an annual fundraiser for this wonderful art museum.

So much to tell you about this week! Take a look!

I am writing this post from one of my favorite independent, cozy bookstores. I am thinking about all I did during my recent, two-week road trip. It was truly amazing and I’ll start sharing it with you today by giving you an overview.

When I was in college I went to DC to visit a friend who was working as an intern. She was working during the day so I had five days to visit many of the museums. I remember visiting the National Gallery of Art and being both amazed and overwhelmed. But, that was the museum that prompted my curiosity about art and artists.

Check out my blog schedule for this week! 😎