Stopped in today with my youngest daughter. We are in town for my youngest daughter's softball…read moretournament so we stopped in Scheels to buy some pool toys. There was a huge selection and she enjoyed the purchase with her friends later on. We also stopped at the candy shop for some candy by the pound. Staff was courteous efficient.

We spent an entire afternoon exploring Jordan Creek Town Center and it's easy to see why it's a…read morego-to destination. The layout is modern, clean, and inviting with plenty of natural light, walkways by water features, and a comfortable mix of anchor stores and specialty shops. Parking was plentiful (though busy on peak days) and signage made getting in and out manageable. The mall features over 110 popular retailers including Apple, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, Sephora, lululemon, and more. We popped into Apple to check out the latest devices, browsed through Anthropologie for a few gift ideas, and also stopped by H&M for casual wear. The variety here means there's something for everyone in the family. The food options were solid too. The food court has familiar favorites; for a more upscale break, restaurants with patios overlooking the lake offer a more relaxing atmosphere. The staff everywhere we encountered them was courteous and helpful, especially in stores where we asked questions. The mall is well maintained, restrooms are clean, and common areas feel well cared for. We appreciated the amenities like stroller or wheelchair rental, device charging stations (outside Apple), and multiple restroom throughout. One thing to be mindful of: some mallgoers report that kiosk vendors by walkways can be overly enthusiastic--if you're not in the mood to be approached, it helps to keep moving. Overall, Jordan Creek Town Center offers a top-tier mall experience in the Des Moines area. Great mix of stores, nice ambiance, and strong amenities make it worth the visit.

The Merle Hay Mall looked a little depressing. Keep in mind, I am a California resident visiting…read moreIowa for some time. I also happened to visit on Veterans Day. On this day, this was such a depressing mall. There was barely any people for miles (exaggeration). Although there were some employee, the mall almost looked abandoned. They have all the classic essential stores that I love to go though, like Ross, Old Navy, and more that I can't remember because it didnt stand out enough....

It is filthy beyond words. It looks as if it has not been cleaned for years…read more I've seen nearly abandoned malls that were immaculate compared to Merle Hay mall. I even called the mall office to complain. A robot voice giving no information and then disconnected. If you are looking to get COVID or worse from this clearly neglected mall, with also no apparent security of any kind, please visit. If not, BEWARE and STAY AWAY!

This is one restaurant in a little food court of local restaurants. The space is nice and open with…read moreplenty of different seating options. There are about 7 different restaurant options with a wide range including teriyaki, chicken sandwiches, Mediterranean, burgers, pho, etc. I chose teriyaki bros. I got the "lunch special" which was the chicken teriyaki, veggies, fried rice, and a fountain drink for $12.99. The chicken and veggies are cooked fresh for each order and they give you a very sizable portion for the price. The workers were all very friendly and you can order and get your food very quickly. This is a great little food court for people who want good food at fair prices, or groups that are craving different types of food.

Teriyaki Boys is a great lunchtime spot. They are very consistent and provide large portions which…read moremakes it a good cake. The vegetables are very fresh. This is carryout counter service so there is limited space for customer service, but those taking the orders are typically affable.

This is a pretty good little mom and pop place if you work downtown and are getting some Chinese…read moretakeout cravings for lunch. It's a little hard to find- it's on the second floor of a large shopping building, tucked away in an oddly angled corner. I ordered the orange chicken which was a little bit spicy. The chicken did not have much breading, and was soft but well cooked. There were some chopped carrots and onion mixed in. The restaurant does not have fried rice as a side option. The white rice was fine. The Rangoon were not as crispy as I prefer, but the filling is really delicious- creamy and sweet. The dumplings have small balls of meat filling. They tasted pretty good but the inside falls out easily. Overall everything was pretty good- I will probably go back as I am interested in their japchae!

Update: this is my favorite place to eat downtown during work hours. They will be closed for…read moreremodeling until May or June 2024 though. I get the spicy orange chicken. Comes with two cream cheese Rangoons and their entree portions are huge.

This is basically a building for mall walkers. If you're going to mall walking, I would suggest a…read morewarm coat and gloves. no rent equals no money to pay for heat. I think there are about 7 stores still open. not sure how they are still making it. It's a very sad situation.

This used to be one of my favorite malls...and it still is to a certain extent. I keep crossing my…read morefingers and praying for a revival. With Younkers and Von Maur exiting the only anchor store left is JCPenney. And JCPenney isn't what it used to be... Every now and then Valley West Mall lands a gem like Blaze Pizza and recently European Taste that sticks, but for the most part it seems to be a dying environment. I don't feel the drive-in or carnivals are a good idea. It seems to bring problems to the area that those of us who live in the Clive West Des Moines area don't need. Personally I feel it's more trouble than it's worth. Some businesses may benefit from the people it brings to the West side. Valley West Mall doesn't have the quality of a food court that Merle Hay Mall does... Though foodie traffic would probably go a long way in bringing this mall back. While I now spend more time and money shopping at Jordan Creek and the Outlets in Altoona...I continue to shop at Valley West Mall when I can. I'm rooting for a comeback!

Eating at the Costco is the American dream. In a world filled with inflation it is fighting the…read moregood fight to keep CPD(calories per dollar) high. It is hard to beat the value of this fine American establishment. Is the food the best you're gonna have? Or even fresh and healthy? Not really, but it places its emphasis on being good enough and giving your pockets a deal filled with liberty that our forefathers sacrificed their lives for. I've been chicken bake curious for a while now and figured after my summer run induced anabolic window I would calorie up and try it. Gosh I'm so glad I did. It is a layer of garlicky, flaky goodness on the outside and a mixture of Alfredo-esq sauce on the inside with chicken and bacon. Decent flavor and calories for 4 bucks. I felt awful afterward but I'm not used to this kinda food and it was so worth opening up my temple of a body to the Costco greatness at least once.