Treasures of the Around

 

Geographically speaking, what is considered to be around Des Moines? I suppose the answer depends on the amount of time it takes to travel and the time available to spend on activities after travel. Certainly what I consider to be an appropriate range varies depending on my schedule and if I am traveling by foot, on bicycle, via local bus, or in an airplane. If I am going out for a meal or for general entertainment, I probably would say places within half an hour travel time are around Des Moines. For events that are unique or otherwise worth some effort, I would say anywhere from an hour to two hours distance is around Des Moines.

I asked this question of myself as I sat down to write about some places in Pella and that were stops on an indirect route to Cedar Rapids recently. The communities are to the east of Des Moines at distances of approximately 130 miles for Cedar Rapids, 80 miles for New Sharon, and 43 miles for Pella. At these distances, they are around Des Moines only by private automobile, or similar mode of travel. (An intercity bus company serves Cedar Rapids, but it routes trips to and from Des Moines through Iowa City with a long delay built into the schedule.)

Pella is known for its Dutch heritage and receives economic benefit from its proximity to Lake Red Rock. It is close enough to Iowa’s capitol that even a person riding a bicycle could include the community as an around Des Moines option. Pella, like Lake Red Rock, is a modern construct of history. The lake resulted from a dam being built to keep the Des Moines River from flooding. The town was founded by Dutch immigrants, but many of the symbols of that heritage were added to draw tourists. Pella is best known for its Dutch bakeries and the Tulip Time Festival in early May. There is much more to see, to eat, and to buy, though.

As I passed through New Sharon a motorist behind me was not happy that I was driving the speed limit. Just after that car passed me I spied an interesting store and decided to stop. Crows Feet Antiques (116 S. Main Street / 641-637-2388) is a fun place to stop and to shop. There is glassware, furniture, household linens, and lots of other things, too. There is also a nice range of prices so those people who have more adventurous spirit than well-paying work can find something to help them smile or to fill that empty spot on their shelf or wall.

Here is my advice for those longer around Des Moines trips: Pace yourself. Drive with an eye towards gas conservation and against road rage. Keep your eyes open and you just might find a treasure chest.

Guest Author: M.R. Field is editor of Leading Voices: Iowa.