Heart of Ames

A downtown Ames celebration

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. 1-18.

Our mission? To showcase Downtown Ames as the ultimate date-night destination and beyond! Our Downtown businesses are curating a list of experiences, gifts, galentines celebrations, food, and kids’ activities to help guide your way through the Heart of Ames, celebrating those you love and care for. Here are just a few suggestions:

Girls Night Out: Bring your girlfriends (and a bottle of wine, if you want!) and have a Girls Night Out at Oak Lane Candles on Thursday, Feb. 1. Your $49.95 ticket includes one pour bar experience, 15% off candles, $5 gift certificate to We the Dreamerz, 1 mini bottle of champagne, and sweets. Limited tickets available.

Romance packages: Enjoy wine and chocolate specials during Valentine’s week at Della Viti.

• Feb. 12: Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate tasting (sign up here)
• Feb. 12-17: Bottle of wine and chocolate plate for only $25. No signup required. Available all week.

Valentine activities for kids: Frost and decorate your own Valentine cookie. Four heart-shaped cookies with two frosting colors and sprinkles for $6 at Great Harvest Bakery and Cafe. Or create your own free DIY valentine card with card stock, rubber stamps, and envelopes at Nook & Nest Feb. 4-10 while supplies last.

Speed friending: Free event at Ames Public Library, Saturday, Feb. 3 from 2-4:30 p.m. One-on-one conversations, games, and time to hang out. Everyone 18 or older is welcome.

Custom facial: $60 custom facial with free Valentine gift at Heroic Hair.

Gifts: No matter who you’re shopping for, Downtown Ames has the perfect gift! Consider:

• A heart pillow from American Country Home
• T-shirts from RAYGUN
• Books from Ames Public Library’s Literary Grounds Bookstore or Dog-eared Books
• A one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry from Ames Silversmithing
• Custom-blended perfume from Life Distilled
• A wine glass and bath salt set from Marmalade Moon
• Kitchenware from Cooks’ Emporium
• A gift card from No Escape Iowa
• Original jewelry, handmade cards, and ceramic vases created by local artists at the Octagon Shop
• Natural perfumes from We The Dreamerz

Food gifts: Consider a 10-inch personalized cookie Valentine or mini brioche hearts from Great Harvest, chocolate from Chocolaterie Stam, or a heart-shaped pizza from Great Plains Sauce & Dough.

Date night idea: Go treasure hunting at Lindsey Loo’s, three floors packed with retro, antique, and vintage with prices you’ll swoon over. Then head down to Sweet Caroline’s for dinner and drinks.

Galentine’s Day

• Create essential-oil-infused beaded bracelets at Life Distilled
• Exchange Pura Vida bracelets with your BFF at Marmalade Moon
• Paint a canvas at Cornbred Feb. 12-17
• Galantine’s Paint & Sip event at Sweet Caroline’s Feb. 12

More ideas:

• Grab some ice cream with your sweetie from Marmalade Moon. Flavors include “The Perfect Date” and “Raspberry Zin.”
• Go on a blind date with a book at Ames Public Library
• Take your love to Little Woods Herbs & Teas for a cup of tea and a sweet treat
• Take a “Vini d’Amore: Valentine’s Day Wines” class at Wheatsfield Co-op
• Enjoy awesome beer and pizza at Torrent Brewing Company
• Experience an olive oil and vinegar tasting table at Cooks’ Emporium
• Attend a book club or cocktails & conversations author event at Dog-Eared Books
• Stretch together at TRIAD Chiropractic
• Make an air plant terrarium at Life Distilled
• Make valentines or felted vessels at Octagon Center for the Arts
• Attend a henna party at Worldly Goods on Feb. 10
• Get a specialty dessert with a dinner purchase of $25 at Cornbred Feb. 1-18

Find links, details, and even MORE ideas at this Heart of Ames page.