Looking for the perfect way to celebrate love and friendship this season? Plan a romantic date night or a fun girls’ night and discover unique experiences in Ames that will melt hearts and create lasting memories.
Food is the way to the heart
They say the way to a person’s heart is through food, so why not plan an entire evening showing your partner how much you love them? Nestled in downtown, The Recipe offers hands-on cooking classes catering to all experience levels. Learn a new dish or brush up on a classic favorite.
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a heart shaped pizza from Great Plains Sauce and Dough Co. Request a heart shaped pizza for any occasion and share the love – quite literally. Or sweeten up your date with irresistible chocolates from Chocolaterie Stam as the grand finale.
For the girls
Girls just want to have fun, and there is no better place to spend a night with the girls than at Della Viti. “Wine down” the night with a glass of wine and your group of gals. Choose from over 40 wines in the self-serve wine system to curate your own wine-tasting experience!
Treat yourself and your girls to a relaxing experience at Pro Nails & Spa, where you can unwind with luxurious mani-pedis and other spa services. It’s the perfect girls’ night out to pamper each other and enjoy some quality time together!
Paint the night away at Board and Brush, creating one-of-a-kind pieces while spending time with your besties. Or spend Galentines Day with an evening at Dog-Eared Book’s Boozy Bookfair at Prairie Moon Winery (Feb. 13 from 6-9 p.m.)
On the big screen
Kick back, relax, and enjoy the show at North Grand Cinema. A night on the big screen is perfect for any film lover in your life. Don’t forget to snag a sweet treat afterwards at Cookies etc. in North Grand Mall. Just one bite of their made-from-scratch cookies will have you coming back for seconds.
A weekend away
You won’t need to travel far and wide for a relaxing weekend away. Get cozy at Sunny Heights, a charming bed and breakfast in northeast Ames. The enchanting farm overlooks picturesque views, providing the perfect environment to have a peaceful escape.
Or check into the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center near Iowa State University’s campus. With a full-service bar and restaurant, they are fully equipped to give you a well-deserved staycation.
For the love of art
Ames’ vibrant art scene provides the perfect backdrop for a heartwarming and memorable date. Spend hours immersed in any of Iowa State University Museums, like the Brunnier Art Museum at Iowa State Center. Be sure to check open hours before heading to campus.
Unleash your inner artist at The Workspace in the Memorial Union with drop in crafts and paint your own pottery. Throughout the week, The Workspace hosts a variety of classes in pottery throwing, woodshop, and even stained-glass. There truly is something for everyone.
Heart of Ames
Celebrate love in the heart of Ames from February 1-16 with a curated experience from Downtown businesses, offering unique date ideas, gifts, food, and fun for everyone. Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, a Galentines celebration, or a family outing, Downtown Ames is the perfect destination for creating unforgettable memories.
Written by Reese Scherder, Marketing Intern
