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 […]
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 […]
Local Brew Crawl

You’ve heard of a bar crawl. Meet the bar crawl’s sophisticated older sibling. A brew crawl. Spend a day trying all of these locally brewed sips, including fresh-brewed tea and coffee, delectable wine, and craft beer, all right here in Ames. Morning Cup of Joe Good morning! Start the brew crawl with a delicious, seasonally […]