Heart of Ames

Love is in the air in the heart of Ames!

Indulge in all that Downtown Ames has to offer as our Downtown businesses present a curated celebration of love and connection Feb. 1-16!

Our mission? To showcase Downtown Ames as the ultimate date-night destination to celebrate those you love! Our Downtown businesses have curated a list of ideas for experiences, gifts, Galentine’s Day, food, and kids’ activities to help guide your way through the heart of Ames. Find more information and links here.

Date Night

Feb. 1-16 – Is there a better place for Valentine’s DATE NIGHT?! Bottle of wine and Stam Chocolates for $25 – Della Viti

Feb. 1-16 – Lunch date plus BOGO mimosas and small espresso drinks – Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

Feb. 1-16 – The Pour Bar is a socially interactive retail experience bringing people together to explore and create through ​the power of scent. Bring in your valentine (or galentine) and get to know each other on a whole new level! – Oak Lane Candle Co.

Feb. 1-16 – Enjoy a night in…locked in. Challenge yourselves to escape the room before time runs out! Work together to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and create unforgettable memories. It’s the perfect mix of fun, excitement, and teamwork for a night to remember! – No Escape Iowa

Feb. 1-16 – BEFORE your date night… get a relaxing shampoo and masterful blowout. Features relaxing head massage and shampoo, blowout, and heat-styled finish to be feeling your absolutely best for your date night with your special someone, kiddos, or girl friends. – Valor & Violet

Experiences

Feb. 1-16 – Bring the kiddos down to create a free Valentine’s Day card at our card station! We will also have fresh cotton candy while you shop on Saturdays. Receive a free wax seal when you purchase a Valentine’s Day Card from us! – The Shops at Clark & Main

Feb 1-16 – Beginner Cross Stitch Class – Prairie Rose Needleworks

Feb. 1, 8 & 15 – Join us for Olivelle sampling on Saturdays in February! – Cooks’ Emporium

Feb. 7 – Wine & Chocolate Night with Nick & Stams – The Recipe

Feb. 8 – Drop in between 2-4 pm. Make beautiful Valentine art, cards, and messages for your special people. All supplies provided. Register online for $5 or pay when you come. Children under 10 must bring a paying adult partner. – Octagon Center for the Arts

Feb. 12 – “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Trivia. Free trivia and drink specials! – Della Viti

Feb. 12 – Korean BBQ Chef’s Table – The Recipe

Feb. 13 – Join us for our Valentine’s Day Boozy Book Fair at Prairie Moon Winery from 6 – 9 p.m.! We’ll certainly be celebrating all things romance, but don’t worry – we’ll have a broad selection of other genres as well. In addition to books, books, and more books, the boozy book fair will feature live music from the local band Coffee Shop Romance, crepes available for purchase, raffles, and wine from Prairie Moon Winery and beer available on tap from Alluvial Brewing. – Dog-Eared Books

Feb. 14 – French Chef’s Table – The Recipe

Gifts

Feb. 1-16  – Sip and Shop for date night outfits! – Moorman Clothiers

Feb. 1-16 – Personalized cookie Valentine or cinnamon rolls for the whole family – Great Harvest Bakery and Café

Feb. 1-16 – Show your love of Ames and of that special person with an ISU print from Bethany Schultz! – Octagon Gallery Shop

Feb. 1-16 – Shop for gifts (chocolates, heart items etc.) for your Valentine! – Worldly Goods

Feb. 1-16 – Keeping their hands busy and minds calm with the gift of stitching. The kit comes with all materials needed, so they can enjoy a new crafty hobby! – Prairie Rose Needleworks

Food & Beverage

Feb. 1-16 – Lunch date plus BOGO mimosas and small espresso drinks – Potter’s Shoppe & Eatery

Feb. 1-16 – Heart-shaped Charcuterie and treats for 2 – pick one up for a special date-night snack! – Savor on Main

Galentine’s

Feb. 1-16 – Our handcrafted loaf of bread is perfect for Galentine’s gifting. Chock full of creamy white chocolate and tart dried cherries, enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee and chat the afternoon away! – Great Harvest Bakery and Café

Feb. 1-16 – Make a pair of tassel earrings for yourself or a special person in your life using one of our pink ombre options! Friends are encouraged to come together! – Prairie Rose Needleworks

Experiences for Kids

Feb. 9 – Kids’ Cards & Cookie Decorating class! – The Recipe

Feb. 1-16 – Kids’ Valentine Cookie Decorating Kit: Four heart-shaped cookies with two frosting colors and set of sprinkles for an afternoon of fun! – Great Harvest Bakery and Café