20. History and Noodles at Arashi Ramen
A rich, hot, and delicious bowl of ramen is fantastic on a cold day, and cold noodles are perfectly refreshing on a hot day. No matter the weather, Arashi Ramen has you covered with incredible eats
But this place is about far more than just the incredible food inside. Just outside of the restaurant is a bench that you could easily mistake as just a simple place to sit. But if you read the plaque on the bench, you'll see that the bench is dedicated to the memories of Tamayo and Matsutake Mikami, who worked on a farm on the land that is now the Parkway Village shopping center that houses Arashi Ramen. During World War Two, while the family was interned by the American government, four of the Mikami's ten children volunteered to serve their country in spite of the injustices their family faced. The poles behind the bench are engraved to resemble stalks of the sweet corn the Mikami family was known for growing. This microadventure is about more than just an amazing bite to eat - it's about preserving local history.
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19. Toast the Breathtaking Sunset at the Quarterdeck
Watch the sun slip behind the Olympic Mountains and paint the sky in vibrant hues while sipping wine, craft beer, or an espresso at the Quarterdeck at Des Moines Marina.
18. Stop and Smell the Flowers at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
Nothing says spring like the rhododendrons in bloom around town, and there's no place better to take in these beautiful flowers than at the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden.
17. Classic Fusion at Bob’s Burgers
Not to be confused with the cartoon of the same name, Bob's Burgers and Teriyaki is a local favorite - and for good reason!
16. Blossom and Bloom at Zenith Holland Nursery
The flora at Zenith Holland Nursery has been a Des Moines staple for more than 115 years, growing gorgeous greenery for homes throughout the Puget Sound region.