5 and a half tips for visiting caucus tourists
Tip #1: Book accommodations early ... like yesterday.
In the days leading up to the Feb. 1 caucuses, hotels in downtown Des Moines will burn a hole in your wallet. Some standard rooms were priced over $900, with many downtown hotels now flashing “No Vacancy” neon. Some of them are housing the entire staffs of big-name media outlets. If you’re a last-minute planner looking for some place to sleep, don’t fret. There are multiple listings on Airbnb available in Des Moines and surrounding suburbs. A debate simmers in Des Moines and many of its suburbs over whether the short-term rental service violates local zoning rules, but many homeowners rent out rooms or their entire property anyway.
Tip #2: Plan your travel carefully, and be afraid of commitment.
In case you aren’t familiar with Iowa weather, just expect one thing in advance: Don’t expect anything.
Caucus season is snow season, and the likelihood that a storm could blow through at any moment is high. The forecast for Monday, Feb 1 (caucus day, people), holds a 60 percent chance of snow, with temperatures right around freezing. That could change, but, very frequently here, snow and ice cause travel delays and event cancellations, even for the candidates themselves.
It's cold here. Like really, really cold here. Bring winter-appropriate weather gear. You think I'm kidding? Iowa Hawkeyes reporter Alex Giaimo can probably convince you.
Make sure to be keeping an eye out for all flights to and from Des Moines in the days before and after caucus night, especially everyone from Washington, D.C., who is awaiting #snowmaggedon2k16. Don't get your heart set on your travel plans, and pack plenty of extra underwear.
Tip #3: Look for candidates and VIPS at popular coffee shops and restaurants.
Coffee is the golden elixir, fueling politicians, journalists and caucus participants alike. Des Moines has several great coffee shops and cafes to check out for your morning fix. As a bonus, you never know which famous person you’ll will run into..
Hillary Clinton, for example, swung by Scenic Route Bakery, 350 E. Locust St., last week.
Most days, Java Joe’s Coffee, 620 Cherry St., is a cozy spot to grab a cuppa. However, some days Republican candidate and businessman Donald Trump is there to film an episode of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” WHO-TV reporter Roger Riley caught a behind-the-scenes picture of the scene.
801 Chophouse at 200 E. Grand Ave. is a legacy for hosting big names during caucus season. So well-known that the New York Times even published a seating chart diagram for where politicians and media heavyweights sat during the 2004 caucuses.
Seriously. It’s really well-known.
Jonathan Martin, the national political correspondent for the Times, wrote all about Iowa’s food and 15 restaurants from all over the state. If you’re traveling out of the capital of Des Moines, check out a list of his favorites. Coming for caucus weekend and have 48 hours in Des Moines? Register dining reporter Susan Stapleton wrote out an itinerary for you. Thanks, Susan.
Tip #3.5: Or just go to any Pizza Ranch in the state. You’ve got good odds of finding a candidate.
Tip #4: Learn some proper "I-oh-wah" pronunciation.
This comes courtesy of Iowa Public Radio's "Pronouncing Iowa Place Names: An Audio Guide" by Barney Sherman.
- Let’s just get this out of the way now: It's pronounced like "eye-oh-wah." Three syllables. Not "eye-wa."
- Des Moines: duh – moin. I know you think you're supposed to pronounce the "s" at the end of both words but you don’t. Trust me.
- Chillicothe: chill-uh-KAW-thee.
- Keosauqua: kee-uh -SAH- kwuh.
- Madrid: MAA-drid. Fooled ya. Not Ma-DRID. MAA-drid. We're not in Spain.
- Nevada: neh-VAY-duh. Got you again, didn't I?
- Sigourney: SIH-gurney
- Ocheyedan: oh-CHEE-din
- Last by not least, an Italian fluke. Milan: MY –laan.
Some other Midwestern essentials:
- It's "pop." Not soda or cola.
- If you're driving in the car with an Iowan, don't be alarmed if they slap the roof and yell "padiddle." It means you passed a car with a headlight burned out.
Tip #5: Learn how to navigate the skywalk.
Des Moines’ 4-mile-long system has been a welcome attribute to the city since 1969.
The skywalks often host special events while shielding Iowans from our quintessential and unpredictable winter weather (throwback to tip #2) and hiding some great restaurants and stores. However, for a DSM newbie, you will get lost. Lucky for you, Polk County released an app in December to help you navigate.