515 Week Celebration May 15-19
Calling all those who live, work, and play in the 515 area code! Downtown Ames is hosting 515 Week, a weeklong celebration filled with different events happening each day of the week, including family night, a food truck showdown, history walk, and live music. There’s something fun for everyone! View this post on Instagram […]
5 places to shop like a Cyclone
We bleed cardinal and gold – and wear it, most of the time, too. Check out these shops to gear up in our two favorite colors. Dogtown University Fill your closet with all the essentials: cozy sweatshirts, tees and stocking caps from this campustown favorite. Grab Discover Ames merch there, too! View this post […]
Best places to take a mental health break in Ames
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to think about ways to take a mental health break. Take this opportunity to escape the frantic chaos, step back, breathe, and recharge in Ames. Here are some suggestions from Andrea Poteet-Bell, writer for Sunshine Behavioral Health: Furman Aquatic Center If you are looking […]
Spend National BBQ Month at these go-to joints
Barbecue: where savory meats meet sweet sauces. May is National Barbecue Month, and what better way to celebrate than by checking out Ames’ local BBQ spots? Whether you smother it all over your face or tuck it into a bun, Ames has the best spots to get your BBQ on.  Hickory Park’s popular collection […]
Celebrate Earth Day with the best views in Ames
April 22 is Earth Day, and what better way to celebrate than by admiring all of Earth’s beauty? Head to these dreamy spots to appreciate the best views of Earth that Ames provides. Ledges State Park Take a quick 20 minute drive west to visit Ledges State Park – the views are hard to beat. […]
Celebrate Spring at Reiman Gardens
The long-awaited return of spring is here! And Reiman Gardens has a month full of activities to celebrate. Spring Enchantment All month in April be on the lookout for fairy doors created by local artists hidden throughout the Gardens. The popular event, Mid-Iowa Woodcarvers Show is back again this year on April 22. New classes […]
How to spend a rainy day in Ames
Rainy days are on their way! Get ready for April showers with these indoor activities to spend the perfect rainy day in Ames. Curl up with a new book. Head to the Ames Public Library to find the perfect read, then curl up and dive in while the rain hits the window next to you. […]
Restaurants open for Easter Sunday in Ames
Looking to let someone else do the cooking for your Easter Sunday celebrations? Come hungry – these Ames restaurants will be open and ready to serve you! Café Beaudelaire Open 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM First-come, first-served seating 2504 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014 Flip ‘N Jacks Open 5:30 AM – 3:00 PM Call-ahead waitlist […]
Sweep away winter with spring cleaning
Spring cleaning is right around the corner! Before you start scrubbing, level up your cleaning game with new products from these local stores in Ames. Nook & Nest Take a trip downtown to Nook & Nest to shop their hand-picked selection of home goods. Spruce up your home decor with unique decorations, or browse their […]
Best Places to Watch the Cyclones
Watching the Cyclones with a crowd of fans is always more fun than at home, but when you can’t make it in person, here are some places around Ames for catching a game. Welch Ave Station Located in Campustown, Welch Ave Station is beloved by locals and students alike. This bar is filled with dart […]
