Most emailed items

1. Hollerween at Uncle Buck’s

Uncle Buck’s was the place to be during Halloween

2. Matisyahu in Des Moines

Matisyahu returned to Des Moines with his mix of Reggae, rock and hip hop

3. Lazer Rock Girl Pageant with Papa Roach

Hundreds turned out for the Lazer 103.3 Lazer Rock Girl contest at the Val Air Ballroom Wednesday

4. Des Moines Halloween 2009 downtown bars

See downtown's costumed bar crawlers

5. Top 100 restaurants in central Iowa

Vote for your 10 favorite local restaurants

6. Miss Kitty's Halloween 2009

See who at at Miss Kitty's for Halloween.

7. Fried chicken: More than just picnic food 2

By Jessica Knight - November 3, 2009

Fried chicken is as American as apple pie; here's where to get it

8. Friday night at People's Court 1

Metromix checked out all three floors of entertainment

9. West Glen Halloween 2009 5

Hundreds turned out in West Des Moines for the Mills Civic Monster Mash

10. Des Moines Social Club Halloween 2009

The Des Moines Social Club hosted costumes and bands for Halloween

11. Juice/Metromix staff Halloween costumes

Some of our own staffers get in the Halloween spirit

12. Olympic Flame Restaurant

Olympic Flame serves Greek and some American dishes to the East Village area. Popular dishes include gyros, lamb chops, and Greek salads. However, American favorites like hamburgers and Steak de Burgo are also available. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, with many couples enjoying a romantic...

13. Five best fast food choices in Des Moines

Datebook Diner picks the five best options for drive-through dining

14. Samurai Sushi & Hibachi

Fresh ingredients, impeccable presentation and an sleek atmosphere make this new sushi spot stand out. It was less boisterous than Taki on a Wednesday night (for now) and the chefs have the desire and talent to make your dish special.

15. Top 100 event photos from 2008

The best photos from the year's most popular event galleries

16. Skywalk restaurant guide

Where to nosh downtown without stepping outdoors

17. Dos Rios

With dozens of types of tequila and a rowdy-yet-classy atmosphere, Dos Rios is a good spot to share a pitcher of margaritas or enjoy a nice meal. Don't expect nacho cheese sauce we're talking guacamole made at the table and a high-end menu. Try to get a spot on the patio for some quality...

18. Holiday Open House

fantastic light display of over 150,000 bulbs. Stroll throughout the Valley Junction business district as merchants showcase their creativity with their holiday windows. The festivities continue through the evening as carolers stroll the street, Santa comes to visit and free horse & carriage rides...

19. Festival of Trees and Lights

Join us for the Festival of Trees and Lights. This event has a long, proud history that will continue to help children and families in central Iowa through the support of Child Life and the Center for Advocacy & Outreach. Where to buy tickets: DahlsTickets.com

20. Beaverdale's former Mandarin will reopen in Clive 4

The sushi boom continues as Mandarin also expands its menu

21. El Bait Shop

Take a hunting lodge, mix with a garage and a 1980s arcade and you'll have an idea of what El Bait Shop looks like. There is a mural of characters from "Where the Wild Things Are," a wall of professional wrestlers and some remnants of when the space housed Hairy Mary's. Oh yeah, there's also a...

22. Western Gateway Park

The Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines is an open green space downtown for relaxing and events. Among the events held here are the Des Moines Arts Festival and the 80/35 music festival.

23. Q&A: Nick Stahl of 'Dylan's Wake'

By Chris Gardner - October 7, 2009

The 'Terminator' alum talks about his recent work and play in Des Moines

24. Holly and Ivy Holiday Tour

Holly & Ivy Tour featuring Salisbury House & Gardens and Terrace Hill Friday December 4& Saturday December 5 | 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission $15. Children 12 and under, $6. Two of Des Moines' grandest mansions will be decked out in full holiday glory for the annual Holly & Ivy Tour, hosted...

25. Actress Amy Smart falls in love with Des Moines 5

By Chris Gardner - September 25, 2009

The 'Dylan's Wake' star loves the lack of paparazzi as she lingers at Centro