The East Village runs from the Des Moines River up to the State Capitol grounds and is the city's best district for unhurried wandering. Brick storefronts along East Grand and East Locust hold independent boutiques, vintage shops, and most of Des Moines' interesting restaurants. The neighbourhood is small — six or seven walkable blocks — but dense enough that an afternoon disappears easily.
Anchor your visit at Zombie Burger or Eatery A for food, Gong Fu Tea or Mars Cafe for a slower stop, and Raygun for the loud political T-shirts that have become an unofficial Iowa export. The capitol rises above the eastern edge of the district, which makes for a striking backdrop on a clear morning.