Summer break is winding down, but there’s still time to sneak in one more getaway, right here in Ames! From delicious bites at beloved local restaurants to exciting, family-friendly activities, you’ll wrap up the season feeling like you truly made the most of it.
A perfect place to stay
You’ll need a place to rest your feet in between all the excitement, and Ames has plenty of fantastic options to choose from. From charming Airbnbs to high-quality, locally owned hotels, wherever you stay is sure to feel like a home away from home. The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center and Spark by Hilton are great places to start — or browse the best stays in Ames to find your perfect fit.
Find the fun
Spend part of your day exploring the history of Ames at the Ames History Museum! Wander through exhibits that take you from prairie to present, and learn about the people, businesses, and innovations that made Ames the crossroads of culture, education, and transportation it is today.
Looking to bring out your competitive side? Take the family to Inside Golf & Games, where axe throwing, batting cages, golf simulators, and duck pin bowling mean there’s no shortage of fun for everyone. Or head over to Time Out, where the adults can grab a drink while everyone enjoys the arcade games and pinball machines.
Enjoy some downtime exploring the beautiful, expansive Reiman Gardens! This award-winning, 17-acre public botanical garden, complete with a tropical indoor conservatory and an indoor butterfly wing, offers a serene spot to slow down and enjoy time with family.
While you’re there, stop by the Big & Small exhibit, open through Sept. 30, where guests can explore towering blooms, oversized botanicals, and tiny details brought to life in unexpected ways. And don’t forget to say “hi” to Elwood (the world’s largest concrete gnome) for us!
Grab some grub
Hickory Park is one of the most iconic and delicious restaurants in town, and an Ames tradition through and through. They serve mouth-watering barbecue in generous portions, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the expansive ice cream menu is not to be missed, packed with unique and decadent flavors to cap off your meal.
Enjoy a fine-dining experience at Aunt Maude’s, a true community staple where a warm, inviting atmosphere sets the stage for a delicious meal. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or settling in for a hearty dinner, every dish is crafted with care, making it a spot you’ll want to return to again and again.
Find a patio at a local brewery or winery to unwind with a cold drink in hand and live music to keep you company. Head downtown to Torrent Brewing Company in Ames, where a rotating lineup of house-made beers pairs perfectly with an evening outdoors, or check out Alluvial Brewing Company, which always has live music playing to set the mood. For a more scenic option, Prairie Moon Winery hosts its Sunday Music Series all summer long, where you can settle in with a glass of wine and a wood-fired pizza at the vineyard while live tunes play in the background. Wherever you land, the formula is the same: good drinks, good music, good company.
Shop ‘til you drop
Browse amazing work from local artists at the Octagon Shop! With over 175 artists and many one-of-a-kind items, you’re sure to find the perfect piece to decorate your space.
Find unique home goods, stationery, sustainable products, and more at the Shops at Clark and Main! Home to two distinct shops, Z.W. Mercantile and Nook & Nest, this is the perfect all-in-one stop to shop local and find something special for everyone on your list.
Take home a piece of Ames with you at Ames 1864! You’ll find shirts, blankets, postcards, and more to help you remember your time here, plus visitor information to make sure your stay is packed full of the best parts of our community.
And so much more!
Ames is full of exciting things to do, unique shopping, and delicious local flavors. Discover more of what Ames has to offer by exploring our website and events calendar!
