Accommodations
Where to Stay
We have blocked out 20 rooms at the Country Inn & Suites and 10 rooms at the Super 8 for your convenience. The specifics for each are listed below. The rooms need to be booked by April 17th. Cancellations are accepted until May 17th.
Country Inn & Suites
Room type: 10 rooms with 2 queen-sized beds; 10 rooms with 1 king-sized beds
Cost: around $154/night
To book a room: Call Country Inn and Suites at 641-620-1111. Mention the 'Murray-Gooi' party.
6 minute drive from the venue
Room type: 10 rooms with 2 queen-sized beds
Cost: around $79/night
To book a room: Call Super 8 at 877-361-2508. Mention the confirmation #33379688.
5 minute drive from the venue
Places to Eat
We've listed a few of our favorite spots to eat in both Pella and Des Moines.
In Pella
Jaarsma Bakery - Warning, you'll probably drool all over yourself as soon as you walk into this dream of a bakery.
Smokey Row Coffee - Comfort food, ice cream, great veggie options, and an ideal place for one's caffeine fix.
Windmill Cafe - They have a great breakfast menu and cozy atmosphere.
Kaldera Restaurant & Lounge - Their menu is really diverse so there's sure to be something for everyone.
In Des Moines
Exile Brewing Company - Truffle fries, truffle fries, truffle fries!!! The craft beer--and really the whole menu--is great.
Zombie Burger - Reading the zombie-themed menu is an experience in and of itself. They've got some crazy novelty burgers (including veggie) and delicious milkshakes.
Fong's Pizza - Chinese takeout and pizza all in one. It sounds weird, but it's oh-so-good.
Cafe Fuzion - This is one of our favorite restaurants in Des Moines. It is reasonably priced and everything is so good!
Things to do
If you're looking for more things to do while you're in town, we've got some suggestions.
In Pella
Lake Red Rock - Only a few minutes from the Cheesemaker's Inn, this lake offers beautiful views, hiking trails, campgrounds, and more.
The Windmills - Pella was settled by a Dutch community, and as such, there are windmills galore throughout the town. Take a stroll and you're sure to see a handful of them.
Vermeer Mill & Historical Village - Step back in time and visit this historical village, including the boyhood home of Wyatt Earp. Also on site is the largest active mill in North America.
In Des Moines
Tour the Iowa State Capitol - DSM's state capitol is a beautiful sight. You can take a tour of the interior, and the library is a must-see.
Pappajohn Sculpture Park - Spend some time viewing the many sculptures in this park, located in downtown DSM.
DSM Downtown Farmers' Market - This huge farmers' market consists of 300+ vendors. It's always a good time to walk around, not to mention all the free samples
Gray's Lake - Enjoy a day outdoors by the lake. Rent a paddle boat, go fishing, bike around the lake--there's plenty to do here.
East Village - This historic district east of the river is a great place to window shop or grab a bite to eat. Some favorites places here are Gong Fu Tea, Raygun, and Up Down, an arcade bar.