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Des Moines and Waukee Haunted Houses 2017

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With the arrival of pumpkin season many of us are preparing for Halloween, which is a time to see adorable kiddos running around dressed up as Ninjago figures or a whole swarm of Elsa look-a-likes. Halloween for some is also the time to scare yourself silly with horror movies and haunted houses!

For those scream-seekers out there, we’ve compiled a list of the top haunted houses in the Des Moines area for you to visit!

Waukee Haunted House

Centennial Park Enclosed Shelter

Open: Oct. 27 & 28

Hours: 7:00-10:00 P.M.

Sponsored by the Waukee Park Board, this haunted house is an annual tradition! Come for a scare if you are brave enough!

Linn’s Haunted House

3805 6th Ave, Des Moines IA 50313

Open: Sept. 29-30, Oct. 6-7, Oct. 13-14, Oct. 20-31

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7-10 P.M. / Fri & Sat 7-Midnight

Linn’s Haunted House is the oldest haunted house in town, which has been voted on for the top haunted houses in Des Moines!

Slaughterhouse

97 Indiana Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314

Open: Oct. 6-7, Oct. 13-15, Oct. 19-22 and Oct. 26-29

Hours: Fri/Sat: 7:00 P.M.-Midnight. Other nights: 7:00-11:00 P.M.

Slaughterhouse is a movie-style haunted house. The building was originally a real-life pig slaughter house adding to the horror!

Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park

4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50317

Open: Oct. 6-7, Oct. 13-14, Oct. 19-22, Oct. 26-29 and 31st

Hours: 6:45 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. Fri./Sat.; 8:30 P.M. Thurs./Sun.

Know as the Midwest’s largest and most elaborate Halloween Theme Park, with three haunted houses, two haunted walks, zombie paintball shoot bus ride and more!

So tell us, which haunted house had you screaming?

Perfect Tailgating Recipes With A Twist

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Iowa-Tailgating-Waukee

You’ve been waiting a whole year for this season to be here… Football season! This time of year brings crisp weather, pumpkin spice everything and TAILGATING! We’ve compiled a list of classic tailgating recipes with a twist to kick your next tailgate up a notch!

Italian Pinwheels

From {Mother Thyme}

This new take on a tortilla roll-up is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Bloody Mary

From {Country Living}

No early morning tailgate (or afternoon tailgate for that matter) is complete without a savory Bloody Mary on the menu!

Chili and Cornbread In A Jar

From {Nest Of Posies}

Football + Fall = Chili. This unique way to serve chili is genius for tailgating!

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatballs

From {An Affair From The Heart}

A must-try hybrid between a meatball and a cheeseburger, make this finger food perfect for a pre-game appetizer!

Cookie Dough Pretzel Bites

From {Sally’s Baking Addiction}

Cookie dough AND pretzels in one bite?! Yes please!

Hawaiian Ham & Swiss Sliders

From {Kings Hawaiian}

You will redefined “slider” with this recipe!

Buffalo Chicken Celery Boats

From {Delish}

No more ants on a log. These crispy celery treats are perfect for those warm games!

Pancake Dippers

From {Lady Behind The Curtain}

Not just any pancake, this pancake is a) dunk-able and b) filled with bacon. You’re welcome!

Touchdown Taco Cups

From {Southern Made Simple}

Tacos in a cup. Not sure we can ever eat tacos the same way again!

 Macaroni and Cheese Bites

From {Old House To New Home}

Reinventing this good ol’ comfort food and making it finger food friendly is brilliant!

So, is anyone hungry yet? What are your tailgating staples?

Tech Giant Apple Inc. Is Coming To Waukee

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We’re (Apple) here today because across Iowa; businesses, schools, developers, and government are coming together to build a new home for innovation in America’s heartland.
– Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc.

Apple is building a 1.4 billion data center right here in Waukee. State and local leaders approved $208 million in tax incentives for Apple Inc. to build two data storage centers in Waukee. This is being called the biggest economic development deal in the history of the state.

According to Apple CEO, Tim Cook, Apple has pledged up to $100 million to Waukee, which will be paid out over decades and go towards the development of street and sidewalk projects, amenities such as libraries and parks.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said, “At Apple, we admire what you guys have accomplished, and we want to be a part of it. Data centers like this new facility are critical to Apple’s operations, and they make up the backbone of America’s innovation in infrastructure. Every day, they make it possible for Apple users to send tens of billions of messages, to save more than a billion photos and to place 10 billion FaceTime video calls.”

Having a tech giant such as Apple in the Greater Des Moines area, puts Iowa on the tech industry map and will open opportunities and growth for the city and state.

For more information visit: KCCI Des Moines 8, Des Moines Register

Iowa State Fair Bucket List

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iowa-state-fair

Summertime in Iowa is synonymous with the Iowa State Fair! As excitement builds for the upcoming Fair, we asked fellow Waukee-residents what’s on their Iowa State Fair Bucket List.

Here is the Ultimate Crowd-Sourced Iowa State Fair Bucket List:

  1. Take a ride on the Sky Glider.
  2. Visit Little Hands on the Farm with the kids, where they can become farmers.
  3. Check out local artistic talent at the Fine Art and Photography contest entries.
  4. Visit the Horse Barn and catch a horse show.
  5. Take a spin on the Giant Slide.
  6. See the World-Famous Butter Cow.
  7. Grab a brew at the craft beer tent.
  8. See the giant bull up-close and in person.
  9. Get a thrill and ride the grav-a-tron.
  10. Eat something on a stick such as cheese, a pork chop, peanut butter and jelly, pickle, tater tot, you name it, it’s likely on a stick!
  11. Check out the Tractor and Truck Pull.
  12. Listen to Iowa-based band, The Nadas jam out on stage.

What’s your favorite attraction, show or food item at the Iowa State Fair?

Guide To Splash Pads, Spray Grounds and Fountains

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Summer is officially here and the temps are rising! If you are looking for a fun way to cool-off or need a way for the kids to burn-off energy, check out one of the MANY local splash pads, spray grounds or fountains found right here in the Waukee / West Des Moines area!

Splash Pads

Urbandale Aquatic Playground
7201 Aurora Avenue
Open from May 30 to August 9th
Hours: Daily from 1 to 4 p.m.; Evenings Monday through Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Ashby Park Splash Pad
3200 38th Street
Open from May 27 to August 22
Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Spray Grounds

West Des Moines

American Legion Park
301 Vine Street
Opens Memorial Day to Labor Day
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Raccoon River Park
2500 Grand Avenue
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Des Moines

Good Park
1103 17th Street
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Greenwood Park
4500 Grand Avenue
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Woodlawn Park
3126 Twana Drive
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Fountains

Evelyn K. Davis Park
1400 Forest Avenue
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Sargent Park 
3530 E Douglas Avenue
Open May through September
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Where is your favorite local spot to splash and cool-off?

Guide To Parks and Playgrounds In Waukee

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If you are looking for a great way to enjoy the weather and get the kids out of the house to burn energy, then take advantage of the fantastic parks and playgrounds in the Waukee-community.

Centennial Park

1255 Warrior Lane
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Basketball Court
  • Benches
  • Disc Golf Course
  • Enclosed Shelter
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Restrooms

Fox Creek Park

522 NE Westgate Drive
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Tennis Court
  • Pickle-Ball Court
  • Basketball Court
  • Shelter
  • Splash Pad
  • Open Greenspaces
  • Play Pods
  • Little Free Library™

Grant Park

605 SE Driftwood Lane
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Restrooms
  • Benches
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Soccer Field
  • Basketball Court

Ridge Pointe Park

655 SE Legacy Pointe Blvd.
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities: 

  • Benches
  • Charcoal Grill
  • Open Field
  • Pavillion (available to rent)
  • Picnic tables
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Volleyball
  • Little Free Library™

Southfork Park

Southbranch Drive
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Benches
  • Open Field
  • Open Shelter
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Water
  • Little Free Library™

Warrior Park

1050 4th St.
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Baseball/Softball Fields
  • Benches
  • Open Field
  • Playground

Windfield Park

114 Windfield Parkway
Waukee, Iowa 50263

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Daily

Amenities:

  • Baseball/Softball Backstop
  • Benches
  • Full Basketball Court
  • Interconnected Trails
  • Open Field
  • Parking
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Shelter House
  • Enclosed Restroom
  • Water

Have you been to any of these parks? Which is your favorite?

2017 Guide To Local Farmers Markets

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Check out this list of markets in the Des Moines / Waukee area. Many offer much more than just fresh produce, but entertainment, baked goods and flowers!

TUESDAYS

Beaverdale Farmers Market
When: Tuesdays, 4:00 – 7:30 p.m., June 6 – September 12
Where: 4100-4200 Urbandale Ave. (between Beaver Ave. & 42nd St.)
About: Features vendors, entertainment, hand-crafted items and prepared meals.

Johnston Farmers’ Market
When: Tuesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m., May – Oct. 6
Where: Johnston City Hall parking lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
About: 50+ vendors featuring produce, flowers, baked goods and crafts, along with music.

WEDNESDAYS

Waukee Farmers’ Market
When: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., June 1 – End of September
Where: Triangle Park on 6th Street and Ashworth Drive, Waukee
About: 27 weekly vendors and live music. There is also an assortment of dinner options including BBQ, Jamaican and Cajun food as well as burgers and hot dogs.
Grimes Farmers’ Market
When: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., May 17 – August 30
Where: Grimes Public Library (Waterworks Park at 200 N. James Street) Parking Lot Area along the north side
About: 15 vendors and music, plus fun for the kids including a magician and face painting. Also, Italian ice for dessert.

THURSDAYS

Valley Junction Farmers’ Market
When: Thursdays 4:00 – 8:30 p.m., May – September
Where: 5th Street, Valley Junction, West Des Moines
About: The second-largest market in the metro area with 100 vendors. Offerings range from fresh produce to hand-crafted items and prepared food to enjoy at the market.

SATURDAYS

Ankeny Farmers’ Market
When: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.- NOON, May 20 – September 30
Where: Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park, 715 W 1st Street in Uptown Ankeny
About: 35 vendors each week, music, a balloon artist, kids’ activities, and two or three options for breakfast or lunch.
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
Where: Court Avenue District, Des Moines
When: Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. – NOON, May 6 – October 28
About: The largest market in the metro-area, with 275 vendors providing an assortment of fresh produce, art, music and food vendors.

So tell us, what is your favorite part about Farmers Market season?

Where To Find Vintage and Antiques In Des Moines / Waukee

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Antique store owner

Antique store owner

If you have a deep love for all things vintage, then you are in luck, as there are some amazing shops right here in the Des Moines / Waukee area housing your next treasure!

Channel your inner American Picker or Chip and Joanna, while checking out the finds in one of these area businesses:

Funky Finds Vintage & Retro

Address: 515 18th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 777-0667
Finds: Mix of eclectic, funky and kitschy items from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

Address: 701 NE 50th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Phone: (515) 282-0082
Finds: More than 450 antique and collectible dealers under one roof, from furniture to vintage quilts.

The Picker Knows Antiques & Collectables

Address: 1208 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 255-3238
Finds: Mall full of vintage and antique treasures, from refurbished furniture to jewelry.

Reclaimed: a Junklady’s Philosophy

Address: 500 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 288-1580
Finds: Find primative and rural beginnings, architectural salvage, industrial objects and much more!

Hinge

Address: 317 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 777-2770
Finds: Perfect shop for gifts! Browse primitives, vintage industrial, one-of-a-kind salvaged furniture, apparel and more!

A Okay Antiques

Address: 124 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 255-2525
Finds: Browse vintage signs, pop machines, gas pumps, neon signs, turn-of-the-century furniture & lighting!

Porch Light

Address: 526 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 255-5900
Finds: Eclectic mix of rustic primative furniture, household accessories, including linens, candles and more!

Raccoon Forks Trading Company

Address: 621 Des Moines St #1, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 809-1715
Finds: Offers unique antiques, furniture and vintage items.

What is the BEST vintage treasure you have found?
Was it at any of the stores on our list?

 

Must-Try Spring Cleaning Hacks

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flower-scrub-with-bottle_GkASPPFu

It’s Spring cleaning season! For some, you’ve waited all year for the chance to dust your base boards and scrub every possible surface in your home.

For others, you’d rather rewind and relive January than grab a mop. No matter what camp you fall into, these Spring Cleaning hacks are a must-try!

Here are tips for cleaning some common areas in your house:

Lampshades

Do you own a dozen lint rollers but don’t actually have a dog (slowly raises hand)? Put those little gems to use on your lampshades. Roll it over you lampshades and pick-up that stubborn dust!

Bathroom Mirror

It’s always amazing how far toothpaste splatter can go on a mirror! Get rid of those smears with foam shaving cream. Just squirt on some foam and wipe down with a clean cloth!

Stainless Steel

Olive oil isn’t just for dipping bread! Use a small amount of a cloth and wipe over your stainless steal surfaces. It will remove any smears (a.k.a. fingerprints) and leave  sparkling finish!

Sponges

Give your sponges a second (or third or fourth) life in your microwave. Saturate your sponge with water and place in the microwave for at least one minute. This will kill any bacteria contained in the sponge.

Outdoor Patio

Use non bleach laundry detergent to clean your outdoor surfaces such as wood and concrete. Take a bucket of water and add powder or solution to the water and use a pressure washer to clean away dirt.

Garbage Disposal

Disposal after a while can start to stink… yuck! Use this simple trick to get rid of the odor. Chop lemon into small pieces and place in an ice mold. Top with vinegar and freeze. Place on into your disposal and run until dissolved.

Crown Moulding

Cleaning crown moulding can be tricky! An easy way to remove dust and cob webs is to secure a towl around a broom with a rubber band and get those hard to reach spots!

Toys

An easy way to wash the kids toys is to have them take a spin in the dishwasher! Make it a party and have the kids help! Simply place plastic toys in the dishwasher and run on a low cycle.

Water Rings

No matter how many coaster are laying around your house, water rings still manage to make an appearance. Easily remove them with a hair dryer. That’s right a hair dryer. Then be sure to wipe with a little oil for a pristine finish!

TV and Computer Screens

Have extra coffee filters laying around? Use them to gently wipe down TV and computer screens!

Do you have any tried-and-true cleaning hacks? Have you tried any on this list?

Guide To Flowers and Chocolates In Waukee

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Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you may want to start thinking about all things hearts, flowers, and of course chocolate!

Here are some of our favorite Waukee / West Des Moines florists and chocolatiers to show that special someone (or someones) in your life just how much you love them!

Flowers

HyVee Waukee
1005 E. Hickman Road
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 216-2761

Classic Floral Designs
450 6th Street
Waukee, IA 50263
(515) 987-1552

Boesen The Florist
3422 Beaver Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310
(800) 274-4761 (toll free)
(515) 244-ROSE

Avas Flowers
(877) 638-3303
** Same day delivery in Waukee

Edible Arrangements
2020 Grand Ave
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 222-9711

Chocolate

Stam Chocolate
Valley West Mall
1551 Valley West Drive, Suite 260
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
(515) 457-8464

The Chocolate Storybook
1000 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50265
(515) 226-9893

Echos Cookies
272 West Hickman Road
Wake, IA 50263
(515) 508-1273

What will you be getting your valentine this year?

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