Sweets, treats, and desserts tour of Ames

We all get a sweet tooth from time to time. The next time you find yourself craving a sweet treat, indulge in these best-of-Ames delights: Crumbl Cookies First, try the weekly rotating cookie flavors at Crumbl Cookies. Crumbl Cookies made its debut in Ames last fall, and has been a staple sweet treat since. Hickory […]
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 […]
Discover Ames via bicycle

Ames is a great bicycling community, welcoming casual riders and experienced pros alike – Several bike trails are near Ames and the surrounding areas, and the city has designated bike lanes just for riders. First, check out the City of Ames’s downloadable bicycle map for a summary of laws and tips, as well as path […]
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 […]
Patio season is upon us

The weather is heating up, and patio season is here. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to sip, eat, and sit outside in Ames. Start your day at Stomping Grounds with a latte in the early hours or close out the work week with a mojito at Bar La Tosca. Enjoy people-watching […]
Make the most of graduation day in Ames

Congrats, Class of 2023! Looking for something to do with family and friends on your graduation day? Try one of these unique ways to spend graduation day in Ames. Go out to eat with the whole family Hickory Park is the perfect place for a large family gathering. Hickory Park is located on Duff Ave, […]
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 […]