I attended a work event at the Nature Lodge today. The room we used was able to access a very large…read moregroup (over 50) comfortably. Large windows brought in plenty of natural light. There was a large rolling rack for coats by the door. The entrance was welcoming with large seasonal planter. Parking was convenient and seemed to manage our group. Forgot to take pictures but will add some next time I am there.

Iowa Distilling Company in Cumming has become one of our favorite stops when we ride our bicycles…read moredown from Ankeny. It is small, quaint, local, and always worth the stop for a libation or two. The handcrafted drinks are excellent, the prices are very reasonable, and it is hard to beat enjoying cocktails made with Iowa-made spirits. This trip I had the Revolver for $9, and Kim had the Porch Swing for $8, I believe. Both were great. The people working there are honestly fantastic. They are attentive, friendly, and somehow keep smiling even when the place is slammed and the occasional loud customer is barking at them. That takes skill, patience, and maybe a little magic. It is a great local business with a fun vibe, good drinks, fair prices, and staff who make the stop even better. We will absolutely keep coming back when we ride through Cumming, and in the meantime we will keep buying their products from local stores in Ankeny too. Great job, Iowa Distilling Company.

Whisky Club was a great experience!!!! What a fun time to gather, enjoy local food and local…read morespirits!!! The plethora of cocktail options was quite impressive, but if neat is your thing you won't be disappointed. The atmosphere is great, and designed to foster hours of entertainment., even accommodating to families. Now the staff...truly phenomenal, absolutely top notch!!!!! Make your way to Cumming, and check out the Iowa Distilling Company website for all the awesome organized events they've got planned.

I live in Arizona but I vacation in the Midwest and we've been going to Middlebrook Mercantile to…read moreenjoy the food and drinks and they have live music! Middlebrook is the site of Iowa's first Agrihood that allows for country living at its finest. These nice folks make a great Old Fashioned and their wines are excellent

Stopped in for a music event on a Sunday afternoon. Wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and charcuterie…read moreare all available. Nicely remodeled space and great service. Prices are very reasonable and there is a small retail space with wine and food items. Seating inside and outside. Very cool old school building and would definitely go back to enjoy a drink.

Spent the most beautiful Wednesday summer evening at Carper Winery. I had known about this place…read moreback when I was searching for a venue for my wedding but didn't know they had more offerings outside of weddings. Hello Wine Wednesday! The location and setting is more beautiful than I imagined and the building/venue is also really nice. Like I mentioned, I was there for their Wine Wednesday when they bring in live music to perform outside, overlooking the acreage and vines. Luckily the weather was a near perfect high 70s in June. Brad & Kate were the performers (they were very talented and made the night very enjoyable). While they have indoor tables and outdoor patio furniture on the side of the building, you will want to bring your own chair if you'd like to enjoy the performance. You are able to purchase alcohol and drinks from the bar inside - no outside beverages allowed. They also offer the option to buy wine by the bottle and take out to your chairs which was convenient! And.....drumroll.......They bring in food trucks! It really is a full evening of food, drinks, and music. I highly recommended bringing your favorite people! Looking at the schedule it looks like they offer Wine Wednesday with a different live performer almost every Wednesday in the summer. Don't miss out this perfect summer activity.

This place is so classy...it has beautiful views overseeing the Vineyard and a nice manicured pond,…read morealso the a building and surrounding grounds are breathtaking with county charm. This is by far the best place to take that special someone in your life. Guys you'll knock it out of the park!!!

Planning a wedding is more than a financial investment--it's an emotional one, built on trust and…read moreclear communication. We chose Harpor's not just for its beautiful setting, but because of the specific assurances made directly to us by the owner, Chelsie, who also served as our assigned coordinator. Unfortunately, our experience did not reflect those expectations. We held our wedding at Harpor's on June 28, 2025, and purchased their premium coordination package anticipating consistent support, timely communication, and professional service throughout the planning process. However, we often had to follow up on messages, reschedule missed meetings, and take on many coordination responsibilities ourselves. Several services listed in our package such as custom venue layouts, detailed timelines, and a final confirmation meeting, were not provided. On the day of the wedding, multiple services were either mismanaged or not delivered. For example, our five-hour open bar was initially restricted, and some guests were charged for drinks during what we understood to be the prepaid period. We also paid for the venue's late-night pizza service, which was not served. When we inquired, we were told by Chelsie, "I didn't know you wanted that," though this add-on service was included in our proposal and signed agreement. Our families had to step in and help coordinate the event, including assistance in setting up tables and transporting florals from ceremony to reception, due to a lack of available staff support. After the wedding, we contacted the venue to request a partial refund for services we believe were not rendered. Our initial message went unanswered for over a week. After several follow-ups, we heard back from a different coordinator, Justice Parker, who acknowledged the issues and said they would follow up within 48 hours. That was a week ago, and we still haven't heard anything further. It has now been nearly a month since our wedding, and we are still seeking resolution for the services we believe were not delivered. We are continuing to pursue this matter privately, but wanted to share our experience so that other couples can make informed decisions.

The place looks nice but upon closer look... Arrived the day…read morebefore to find a dirty venue, not staffed, dirty house and lots of excuses. Trash was outside the front door from a wedding three days earlier. In fact the same trash was there after we left. Very disappointed for my daughter on what was to be her special day.

Great Wine! Good Food! Amazing friendly service! I try to stop passing thru Iowa every chance I get.read more

A beautiful setting with nice trees for lovely days outside. Plenty of friendly faces to help while…read moreyou're there. It would be good if they had more organization to help speed the process of sampling and ordering. There are many wine choices especially if you prefer sweeter varieties. Hopefully they get more dry and less sweet varieties.

Our daughter's wedding and reception was at Happy Apple Celebrations and we can't stop raving about…read morethe perfect weekend! The new owners, Ryan and Sara went above and beyond to provide a beautiful venue with so many amenities!! Many perks included with the rental of the venue,like lights, centerpieces, bar service, full kitchen, flexibility with vendor options, a nice bride's room and a spacious man cave for the guys! The grounds are lovely, too! Near the metro but out in the country with so much green space! Check it out!

This venue is absolutely beautiful, the outside area is gorgeous and perfect for weddings. The bar…read moreand bartenders are phenomenal and hold great conversation. Will recommend to others

Brand new Fairfield Inn and it's immaculate. Love the design, style and especially the level of…read morecomfort this hotel offers. The bed was super comfortable with plush pillows, The bathroom is large with an enormous shower. The water pressure could be a wee bit stronger but I got cleaned just fine. Staff is friendly and breakfast is available daily. There's ample seating for groups and an areas that appears to be a bar. If it is a bar, I don't think it's open just yet. There's a pool in the back of the hotel and a gym. The gym has a water dispenser which is cool. Treadmills have TV's attached and there are free weights for those of us who want to keep them guns polished. There's also plenty of room to do yoga or Pilates. There's a mini market for snacks and other amenities near the front desk entrance. Lots of parking and a very walkable neighborhood with a sports complex next door. Fareway grocer's is nearby along with a Kwik Start gas station that sells convenience store food and real groceries across the street. Oh yeah! Starbucks is across the street as well :)

From the owner: Fairfield Inn & Suites Norwalk Des Moines is located off I-35 near Gregg Young Sports Campus at…read moreFareway Fields, and just 2 miles from the Norwalk-McAninch Sports Complex. Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is approximately 5 miles away, while downtown Des Moines businesses, entertainment venues, Blank Park Zoo, and the Iowa State Fairgrounds are all within easy reach. Our modern guest rooms and suites feature plush bedding, Smart TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers designed for comfort and convenience. Guests enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, free on-site parking, a fitness center, outdoor pool, and the welcoming Lynn Leigh Lounge serving handcrafted cocktails, making it easy to relax and recharge after a day in Norwalk or Des Moines.