I work near Jordan Creek and there are some pretty good resturants there. PK Changs, Biaggias (SP?), Joes Crab Shack, A Buffalo Wild Wings is opening soon, and off Course if they like Cheesecake there is the Cheesecake FActory. Downtown near the Park (Court Ave) there is Spagetti Works, Buzzard Billys Flying Carp Cafe (very fun cajun type place), Court Ave Brewery. The absolute best steak house is just west of town in Booneville, its called Rubes, its a grill your own place but it is fantastic! The mall is ok, but the other places like Adventureland, Living history Farms, WAterworks park, and the other things that were mentioned pretty much cover what there is to do. If you are here during Fair time, that is always worth a look, There is also the national balloon classic just south of Des Moines in Indianola, but im not sure when it is.