What an absolutely wonderful place with amazing people. A Okay has fantastic items with great style…read moreand character. Not only is the store a real gem, but Steve also organized and managed a very large and eclectic estate sale on our behalf. His work ethic, honesty, transparency, and genuine kindness was so incredibly special and important to us. I loved visiting the store because I saw so many interesting things there that you don't find anywhere else, there's a bit of magic to it. I can't recommend Steve and "A Okay Antiques" enough, both are sure to brighten your day!

The worst thrift store ever. The prices were 10x their fair price, and they charge you to take…read morepictures without any warning, which is illegal. Don't waste your time.

West End Architectural Salvage was one of the most unique stops we made in Des Moines. Even if…read moreyou're not shopping for home décor, it's worth walking through just to see everything inside! The building is filled with architectural salvage, vintage furniture, antiques, reclaimed materials, artwork, and one-of-a-kind finds you won't see anywhere else. Grab a coffee or a drink at their bar before you walk around! Every room has something different, so it's easy to spend more time browsing than you planned. Whether you're decorating your home, hunting for vintage treasures, or just looking for something unique to do indoors, I'd definitely recommend adding West End Architectural Salvage to your Des Moines itinerary!

This is an incredibly unique place and is well worth the stop. We were traveling from out of town…read moreand decided to pop in, and were so impressed. Floors and floors or quality antiques and interesting finds. Everything was thoughtfully placed and well kept - I didn't even see any dust on them. Employees were super sweet and they will ship the items for you! Coffee is good too, and there's ample space to sit and relax.

The Raccoon Forks Trading Company is kind of hidden away from the main East Village establishments…read more I only found it because I had parked at the nearby (and free) Capital lot and wandered by it on my way down to Fontenelle Supply Company and Raygun. There's also a restaurant next door (and connected inside) called Railroad Bill's Diner, which will have to wait for my next visit. I enjoy antique stores, especially the ones that have some curation and don't make me feel like I'm drinking out of a fire hose when looking around. This store is nicely laid out, easy to navigate, and features various individually owned (?) and themed bays (like books or tools). I also appreciated that I was pretty much on my own, unless I needed to ask for help or advice. So what did I buy? Let's just say that Gayle has already asked about it, rolled her eyes, and restated that we didn't need any more "junk" in the house. These places never reveal their true breadth in one visit, so I will be back the next time I'm in town. When you decide to come, please also note the historical building and its freight company heritage.

Absolutely worst antique store we have been in! Rudest most pathetic staff. If you have stuff up…read morehigh and want to sell it you should have a plan on how to get it down to show people. Male employee was upset he had to get up when he was on his break. Sorry you had to get off your ass get better help

I'm here at least once a month to shop home decor, jewelry, and sometimes clothes! I wish they…read morecarried more plus size options, but have noticed in the last year or so that there are more plus size options available in store!! The owner and staff are incredibly kind and have given me home decor tips multiple times! They are also so talented, I need them to come decorate my house! Everything I've purchased has lasted, is great quality, and trendy.

Cute local store inside of a house!…read more I've been in here several times, during different times of the year, and it never disappoints! Some things are vintage and one-of-a-kind, and somethings are boutique finds with multiples in store. The clothes and jewelry are my favorite. Everything is on trend and really cute, while also being good quality. Somewhat pricey, but you get what you pay for, plus it's a local store! The holiday/seasonal decorations are always great and a variety of knick knacks to get you in the spirit. Perfect place to find a gift for someone... or let's be real...yourself.

We had no idea this shop existed basically in our backyard... Heck... I'm not even sure I'd ever…read moreheard of Prole. Lol The location is immaculately clean compared to other similar places. If you don't like to dig in the rusty and dusty this is a place you will enjoy. I know my gf did. It's laid out nice with furniture and a lot of shelves and cabinets for smalls. There's tons to look at...! We had a really nice visit with the current owner...and the previous one too. This spot will definitely be part of our regular rotation from here on out...!

They have plenty of goods and have a good variety of different antiques. If you come here you will…read moremost likely buy some cool items. I honestly think this could be the next best shop to buy from.

I really love antique stores, so much mystery and I love hunting for a good find, I can't find…read moreanywhere else! I have been in here once before, and the store is jam packed full of stuff. Both times I was here I noticed buckets catching water through the roof. So the building is a little in shambles, but the stuff in it.... rules! I drive buy this building every day bringing my kid to school, so I noticed this sweet mid century modern lamp in the window that would match my "Fake" mid century modern couches.. So I had to go and check it out.. Mind you when I saw the price tag, 600 bucks.. and the sweet owner told me it was from the early 60's and made in Italy I understood that this lamp does not belong next to my two fake mid century modern couches that were purchased for under the price of that lamp! But hey I kept shopping and found tons of other treasures that I would love to have but also couldn't afford.. But you got to look everywhere here! I did end up finding a really cool Minnesota Twins button from the 1960's that I will give to my dad for Christmas.. and hey it was only 5 bucks! I wish I could buy that 600 dollar lamp, and the very sweet owner could fix his roof.. The store is also only open on weekends or by appointment.. So go check it out.. There is bound to be a treasure in there for you! Or if you want to buy me a 600 dollar Christmas Present I will take that orange lamp in the window..

The BEST antique store in Iowa! The MOST interesting treasures. Coolest taste. A real gold mine of…read moreart objects, fascinating artifacts and extremely hip accents for the home. I am a frequent customer because every time I come in there is something new I haven't seen before. I'm always amazed no one else has bought it yet when I set my eyes on something that catches my attention. The prices are incredibly modest. Just as fun as finding cool artifacts and treasures is chatting away with the two owners. They are really knowledgeable and fun people with exceptional taste. Their eye for antiques is refreshingly artistic. I HIGHLY recommend this neighborhood gem. MUST SEE!

Cottage by the Creek is now available Valley West Mall at the 35th street I-235 exit at the…read moresouthwest entrance. This is still a fabulous shop even though it is no longer in a cottage by the creek... my go-to place to buy home accents, wedding gifts, holiday ornaments, and gifts for girls and women. The owner is filled with creative ideas.

In a charming neighborhood, you will find Cottage by the Creek, in Des Moines, Iowa…read more It is a quaint cottage surrounded by a flower-filled yard and trees. When you open the door, you meet a perfectly delightful and friendly shop owner. There is a wonderful variety of merchandise that would please a diverse array of shoppers....jewelry, clothing, kitchen items, large assortment of beautiful French tablecloths, home decor and much more. I bought two great necklaces made from Tagua seeds from Ecuador. I just love them and have received many compliments when I wear them. They are so attractive and unique. I also purchased a gorgeous rectangular French tablecloth in blues and yellows and some cute kitchen towels. In my shopping I also acquired a stylish top with a lacy edge and a fishnet type top to go with it. The shopkeeper also has many artistic wind chimes for your patio. Mine has a metallic dragonfly and colorful beads. If you can't make it to her shop, she also has a stall at the awesome Des Moines Farmers Market every Saturday for 6 months of the year. That's another thing that you should definitely experience! What a great little shop, full of such interesting things! Wish it was in my city!

GO THERE! ITS AWESOME I'm not great with vintage shops…read morebecause I lack the patience to peruse, but this store was the perfect size to hold my attention without getting bored. It's a great collection of a lot of legit vintage things - and not "vintage" from the 90's, although that's still been 30 years ago; I mean vintage of what baby boomers used to wear in their youth. I wear a size 10 pant and medium shirt and didn't find anything that I liked that would fit me, but I didn't look at every single piece of clothing to know if that's a reflection of the collection as a whole. Great spot that I really enjoyed and a great spot when enjoying the neighborhood.