Carving time out of your day to spend time with your best friends is a must, and there is no better place to hang out than Ames! We’re here to help you find fun things to do, delicious things to eat, and new places to shop with your best friend by your side!
A morning at the market
There is no better way to spend time with your bestie than on a sunny Saturday at the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market! From live music to food trucks, there is so much to see and do in the heart of Ames. There are over 70 vendors each weekend that sell merchandise and food to the community. Peruse the shops on Main hand in hand with your best friend to find gifts that complement each other’s personalities.
Relax with a wine night
In need of a fun night out? Check out Della Viti for a cozy wine night with your close pals. Della Viti is Iowa’s first self-serve wine bar and offers 40 different wines in 10 wine stations. Try just a taste, half-glass, or a full pour! Take a peek at the retail selection and purchase your own bottle of wine to drink there or take home with you.
Lounge on the comfy couches or get close by sitting at the bar. Della Viti also has a wide range of table games for you and your friends to play while sipping on your drinks or dining on a charcuterie board! They also offer non-alcoholic drinks, beer, and cocktails.
Get creative
What’s better than shopping with your best friends? Visit Oak Lane Candle Co. to find the perfect scent for every season! Shop gifts, candle accessories, candles and wax melts, bath and body products, and so much more. Every month, Oak Lane Candle Co. also carries a candle of the month! There are a variety of scents and products to choose from.
If you’re looking for a more interactive retail experience, book a session at the pour bar with at least four of your closest friends! You can also request a custom candle order made by the store for birthdays, anniversaries, or just for fun!
Try to escape
Participating in an escape room is one of the best ways to bond with your besties! At No Escape Iowa, there are a variety of rooms to choose from, ranging in difficultly and theme. Search for clues around the room and find your way out! Before you begin, you can browse the Ames British Foods & Gifts shop that is filled with treats, Indian imports, and much more!
Dinner and drinks
Have a fabulous dinner at the best sports bar in Ames! At the only restaurant with a rooftop patio, enjoy a stunning view of Somerset while eating some of Wallaby’s signature dishes. Whether you’re going to root for the Cyclones over a few beers or catching up with your friends with a meal, the fun and inviting atmosphere is sure to make you feel at home!
Learn in the kitchen
Embark on a culinary journey with your friends at The Recipe in Downtown Ames. Visit the Recipe’s website to sign up for cooking classes from basic knife skills to handcrafted bagels; they have something for every skill level. We know you can’t wait to create fun, delicious memories with your lifelong friends in the kitchen!
Want a more intimate experience with your friends? Book a private event or party and learn alongside your loved ones!
