Historic East Village is a business and residential district in central Des Moines, Iowa, United States, located just east of downtown. It’s also near the Historic Court District, which is located west of the Des Moines River. In 2019, a section of the East Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places, making it a nationally recognized historic district. In 1854, the East Village was laid out. Several of the historic district’s 40 structures are linked to European immigrants, particularly Scandinavians and Eastern European Jews, who arrived in the city’s near east side in the 1870s and 1880s. The East Village is home to a number of state and municipal facilities. The Iowa State Capitol complex (which houses the Iowa Supreme Court), the State of Iowa Historical Museum, and the Des Moines Botanical Gardens are among these attractions. The Iowa State Capitol, with its golden dome and memorials dotting its lawns, is the focal point of the East Village neighborhood. At the State Historical Museum, antique weaponry and a pioneer wagon represent Iowa’s past. The Des Moines River features walking routes as well as an ice rink and the Simon Estes Amphitheater, which hosts musical performances. The East Village is Des Moines’ most lively and varied neighborhood, with some of Iowa’s best shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and commerce. Raygun, a clothing firm owned and run by “extremely attractive Midwesterners,” has called it “the greatest store in the universe.” A vibrant, independent environment has contributed to the neighborhood’s regeneration with cafés, diners, nostalgic amusement areas (think ’80s arcade games), and music venues, similar to Greenwich Village in New York City. The neighborhood is still making headlines around the country. The Historic East Village, which is walkable, cool, and full of character, provides a sensory experience for residents and visitors alike, with a diverse array of small stores and merchants. To mention a few of the current businesses, there are upmarket furniture stores, restaurants, art galleries, a tea house, hotels, and a bridal shop. The diverse combination of shopping options that make the Historic East Village a jewel of a neighborhood now includes the national home goods brand West Elm. The Historic East Village Holiday Promenade, which takes place every November, is a joyful celebration of holiday shopping, food and drink, fireworks, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more. Nightclubs and cocktail bars are part of a vibrant after-hours culture. The historic East Village has historic buildings, boutique shops, and award-winning restaurants. It has become one of the most fashionable areas in the city. Many young professionals have become attracted to the region as a result of its recent resurgence and transformation into a hip, walkable neighborhood. This contributes to the district’s energetic environment.

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