This Iowa State Fair-themed Airbnb sits blocks from the Fairgrounds and sleeps six
Jay Stahl
Nothing compared to Aly DeMoss' newest idea.
It was May 2022, and DeMoss wanted to develop an Iowa State Fair-themed Airbrb bungalow after the Minnesota native and her husband Mike purchased a house near the Fairgrounds.
"I moved here 10 years ago so kind of discovering Iowa and being an Iowan super took to me," DeMoss, 40, said.
The Blue Ribbon bungalow has a cherry red door and sits two blocks south of the Iowa State Fairgrounds near Gate 8. The two-bedroom, one bathroom home sleeps six people and runs for an average of $182 per night.
The rental features relics that pay homage to State Fair history, such as a real blue ribbon, vintage Iowa State Fair coffee mugs, colorful ribbon wallpaper and a vintage red fridge. Products featured in the home are locally sourced and some are made from salvaged materials. Artwork from Valley Junction-based company Bozz Prints decorates the walls.
Visitors are greeted with a welcome basket that includes Iowa State Fair bingo cards and pig-themed finger puppets. The pet friendly hosts gift folks with a pet basket upon their arrival. Pets are welcome to play in a fully fenced backyard.
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'We like to think that we're waving the fan flag of Iowa'
DeMoss' journey to fair-themed property owner began years earlier. Originally, she opened a shop called Finding Iowa in the Valley Junction neighborhood. When the storefront's lease wasn't renewed, DeMoss decided to pivot the store to an online format with a mobile shop in 2016.
A few years later, she chose to focus on bigger projects such as renovating vintage campers.
"I have no idea how to camp, but I really liked doing the work on it," she said.
From there, the founder bought a cabin in the woods and continued camper renovations until last year, when she bought the bungalow near the Fairgrounds with her husband. The property marks her first short-term rental.
"We like to think that we're waving the fan flag of Iowa and the State Fair in everything we have," DeMoss said.
The State Fair is the busiest time of year for themed rental, while a stay in the dead of winter is far cheaper for guests at the eastside Airbnb.
Travelers have come from near and far to stay at the property. DeMoss said guests have visited from Paris, France, and Australia, and there are people who just want to explore and enjoy Des Moines as a daytrip destination.
"It's interesting to see how many people want to come to Des Moines who aren't from here."
More:Karri Rose of Rose Farm opens Southern-inspired Airbnb rental on Norwalk acreage
Where to find it
Contact:airbnb.com
Jay Stahl is an entertainment reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow him on Instagram or reach out at jstahl@gannett.com.