Downtown Ames is about to get a whole lot sweeter with Heart of Ames, an event celebrating love, community, and all things local from February 1-15! Explore a variety of exciting activities, special offers, and heartwarming experiences, all hosted by your favorite downtown businesses. Ready to plan your perfect date or find the ideal gift? Here’s everything you need to know to experience the magic of Heart of Ames!
Plan the perfect date night
Sip your way through a rotating lineup of beers brewed on site at Torrent Brewing Company. Pair your drinks with their crave-worthy flatbread pizzas—crispy, snack-sized, and topped with fresh ingredients you and your date will both enjoy.
Stroll through a thoughtfully curated selection of gourmet cheeses and artisanal meats at Savor on Main and create the perfect cozy spread for a Valentine’s date night at home. From rich, creamy cheeses to expertly sliced charcuterie, each option is made for sharing, savoring, and pairing with a favorite wine or cocktail.
Bring your valentine and get to know each other on a whole new level. The Pour Bar at Oak Lane Candle Co. is a socially interactive retail experience bringing people together to explore and create through the power of scent.
Prepping for date night? Stop by Valor & Violet for a relaxing shampoo and masterful blowout! Feel like your best you for a special night out with your partner.
Experiences for the season of love
Find delicious eats and kid crafts at Great Harvest Bakery and Café! While you browse the cinnamon and silk rolls, let the kids get creative with a cookie decorating kit.
Bring the kids to The Shops at Clark & Main to create a free Valentine’s Day card at the card-making station! While you browse Valentine’s décor, gifts, and more, the kids can get creative and craft something special.
Build your own Valentine’s-themed plant terrarium at Life Distilled during Heart of Ames! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create a beautiful living arrangement while learning the basics of terrarium design and care.
Explore the exhibits, learn about Ames history, and enjoy quality time spent with your loved ones at the Ames History Museum with a two-for-one deal, admission for two people at the price of one general admission ticket!
Get crafty at Octagon Center for the Arts and let your creativity shine! Design and create your own Valentine masterpieces, including handmade cards, heartfelt messages, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes for the special people in your life. This is the perfect opportunity to spread love, express yourself, and make something meaningful.
Shop for your loved ones
Discover the Be Mine, Furever Event at Treats on a Leash! Pup Cups will be available for in-store visitors. Find the best toys and treats to keep your furry friend feeling loved this Valentine’s Day.
Shop for the perfect Valentine’s outfit at b.e. good! Whether you’re going out with your partner or staying in for a cozy Galentine’s day, this charming boutique has all the latest trending styles.
Swing by Chocolaterie Stam and try some of their special valentine chocolates. Purchase delicious gifts for your loved ones during the season of love!
You won’t want to miss the Valentine’s Boozy Book Fair with Dog-Eared Books at Prairie Moon Winery! Enjoy live music, food, crafts, books, and delicious drinks. It’s the perfect way to bond with your partner, friends, or family while purchasing your favorite reads!
Celebrate Galentine’s Day
Take the girls to Prairie Rose Needleworks and stitch a little love into your winter wardrobe! Hand-embroider a soft, cozy beanie that is perfect for gifting, sharing, or keeping all for yourself.
Wine down with your favorite gal pals at Della Viti! Enjoy a cozy evening filled with wine, cocktails, and delicious charcuterie boards, perfect for a relaxed and memorable Valentine’s celebration.
Experience a Galentine’s Day restaurant pop-up at The Recipe and celebrate friendship in style! Any night out with your girlfriends is fun, but this special Valentine’s-inspired experience makes it truly unforgettable.
And more!
Don’t stop there! Heart of Ames has an abundance of activities and specials to celebrate your loved ones this Valentine’s Day.
- Feel the love at Piece & Freedom Bakery with their heart shaped cookies!
- Indulge in a daytime date at Marmalade Moon with house-made ice cream, seasonal drinks, and gifts for your loved ones.
- Get all dressed up for date night at Moorman Clothiers by shopping brands like Lululemon, Tommy Bahama, and more!
- Browse The Loft Resale & Duck Worth Wearing for parent and child coordinating outfits for a mini photoshoot.
- RAYGUN has an assortment of styles for any person, fur-baby, or child in your life.
- Tres Teal is offering a gift card special for you and your loved ones.
- You could win a Cookbook with Cooks Emporium’s Heart of Ames giveaway!
- Photosynthesis is the perfect place to print your memories and make them forever with lasting prints.
- Try a personal, private training in couples deep stretching and relaxation guided by Dr. Thomas, D.C. at TRIAD Chiropractic!
