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 February 1-18! ✨

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, galentines, food and kids to help guide your way through the Heart of Ames celebrating those you love and care for.

Join us to feel the heartbeat of Downtown Ames as you create unforgettable moments together in the heart of the Ames.

Heart of Ames Experiences

Date Night:

February 1-18 – Take a class at the Co-op! February offerings include “Vini d’Amore: Valentine’s Day Wines” with Bronwyn and “Tofu Two Ways” with Kim! (www.wheatsfield.coop/classes/) – Wheatsfield Co-Op

February 1-18 – Stop by Ames Silversmithing with your loved one to shop for a one of a kind piece of jewelry sure to elicit a smile! We will even have a beautiful selection of pieces half-off for our annual dollar days sale! Make it a date and enjoy this shopping experience together. After taking in all that glitters, be sure to take a stroll down Main Street where you can enjoy coffee, chocolates, fine wine and delicious dinners. The best part is it’s all right here in the heart of Ames! – Ames Silversmithing

February 1-18 – stop at Chocolaterie Stam before or after that special dinner and enjoy our Fine European Chocolates, hand-crafted Italian gelato, or one of our special coffees. We proudly offer the highest quality of delights, treating every patron and employee as an extension of our family. – Chocolaterie Stam

February 1-18 – Start with a facial at Heroic Hair, then grab some ice cream from Marmalade Moon to enjoy while shopping at the amazing shops in Downtown Ames! – Heroic Hair & Marmalade Moon

February 1-18 – Go on a blind date with a book! Browse our display of books looking for the perfect reader. Featured books are wrapped to hide their titles and covers, and each has a short profile listing its qualities to help you choose what to check out. – Ames Public Library

February 1-18 – Take your love to Little Woods for a cup of tea and a sweet treat. Share a scone, explore the world of tea together with a tea flight or enjoy a rich, milky chai latte at one of the cafe tables near the window. Its the perfect place to relax together downtown. – Little Woods Herbs and Teas

February 1-18 – Come in and enjoy locally made beers and pizza with your valentine! – Torrent Brewing Company

February 10 – Saturday, bring in your loved one or special friends, enjoy some great chocolate. gelato or a coffee drink while listening to Hall of Fame jazz man Ken Jolls playing the Stam baby grand piano from 12 pm – 4 pm – Chocolaterie Stam

February 12 – Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate tasting – sign up required – Della Viti

February 13-14 – Order ahead for our fantastic hand-dipped, pure Belgian chocolate covered strawberries. We also offer delivery! Order by calling 515-232-0656. – Chocolaterie Stam

February 12-17 –  Bottle of Wine & chocolate plate special only $20 – Della Viti

Experiences:

February 1-18 – Pick a heart and leave a kind message. You will grab one of our pre-cut hearts, leave a message and tape it to our window. If someone sees something that resonates with them they are encouraged to take the heart with them. – Ames British Foods

February 1-18 – Attend a Dog-Eared Books book club – (dogearedbooksames.com/book-clubs) – Dog-Eared Books

February 1-18 – Attend a Cocktails and Conversations author event at Dog-Eared Books – (dogearedbooksames.com/author-series-cocktails-convos) – Dog-Eared Books

February 1-18 – $60 custom facial with a free custom Valentine’s gift – Heroic Hair

February 1-18 – Perfume Blending Class designed by Aromatherapist and Owner Jenny Pollard. Sign up for workshops or purchase gift cards at our shop on Main Street or online at www.life-distilled.com. – Life Distilled

February 1-18 – Visit Cupid’s Wishing Well at Lindsey Loo’s. Throw some cash in and make a wish for this new year! All donations will go to Food At First. The good folks at Food at First just may have the biggest Heart Of Ames, by feeding a daily meal to anyone struggling with hunger and food insecurity, no questions asked. That’s what love of community looks like! – Lindsey Loo’s

February 1-18 – Go treasure hunting at Lindsey Loo’s, 3 floors packed with retro, antique, and vintage with prices you’ll swoon over. Then head a couple doors down to Sweet Caroline’s for dinner and drinks. – Lindsey Loo’s

February 1-18 – Indulge in a scoop of our House-made Ice-Cream, we have twelve flavours to choose from including flavours added especially for ‘Heart of Ames’ days: The Perfect Date ~ Creamy Ice Cream with the delicate sweet flavours of Juicy Dates. Raspberry Zin ~ Our Dairy Free Sorbet includes Raspberries and all the fruitiness of a Pink Zinfandel (without the Alcohol)  – Marmalade Moon

February 1-18 – ‘Laugh together’ ~ at Marmalade Moon we have nearly 100 hysterical Drink Coasters, take the time to read and buy a few of your favourites.  – Marmalade Moon

February 1-18 – Escape from reality and immerse yourself into one of our family friendly escape rooms.  – No Escape Iowa

February 1-18 – Doing at Pour Bar at Oak Lane Candle Co. allows you to customize and pour your very own candle! (www.oaklanecandleco.com/the-pour-bar.html#/) – Oak Lane Candle Co.

February 1-18 – Limber Love!: 45 min of private evaluation & rehabilitative stretching from Dr. Thomas- learn how to help each other engage in deeper stretching and supportive connection! (www.triadchirowellness.com/)- TRIAD Chiropractic

February 3 – Speed Friending Free Event (www.amespubliclibrary.org/event/speed-friending-49203) – Ames Public Library 

February 8-18 – Make a lovely air plant terrarium. Add cool crystals, hearts and easy to care for air plants for a fun arrangement for anywhere in your home or a unique gift. Details at www.life-distilled.com/events – Life Distilled

February 10 – Experience our Olive Oil & Vinegar Tasting Table – Cooks’ Emporium

February 10 – Valentine Makers’ Table (octagon-center-for-the-arts-octagon-shop.square.site/product/valentine-making/12061?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=23) – Octagon Center for the Arts

February 10 – Henna party at Worldly Goods on Saturday, February 10th from 1 to 3 pm at the rate of $5 per hand. Visitors can also shop for gifts (chocolates, heart items etc.) for their Valentine.  – Worldly Goods

February 13 – Come make a FREE Valentine cookie withdrawal by using the drive-up window at First National Bank located at 405 5^th Street. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open to the public. It’s not necessary to be a FNB customer. – First National Bank

February 17-24 – Felted Vessels, Ages 14+ (octagon-center-for-the-arts-octagon-shop.square.site/product/wet-felting-vessels-bags/13517?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=23) – Octagon Center for the Arts

Gifts:

American Country Home Store – (www.americancountryhomestore.com/products/home-decor-and-gifts/throw-pillows-2246/for-your-sweetheart/love-is-all-you-need-pillow)

American Country Home Store – (www.americancountryhomestore.com/products/home-decor-and-gifts/throw-pillows-2246/for-your-sweetheart/heart-pillow)

Ames Public Library & RAYGUN – RAYGUN Shirts for Library Lovers (www.rayguncustom.com/collections/ames-public-library-friends-foundation)

Ames Public Library – Gently-Used Books and More from Literary Grounds Bookstore (www.amespubliclibrary.org/get-involved/book-store-sales)

Cooks’ Emporium – Bundt Cake Pans – (www.cooksemporiumames.com/s/search?q=bundt)

Cooks’ Emporium – Mason Cash Bowls – (www.cooksemporiumames.com/shop/mason-cash/9?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=category_order&sort_order=asc)

Dog-Eared Books – Dog-Eared Merch! – (store.dogearedbooksames.com/merch)

Dog-Eared Books – Book Subscription – (dogearedbooksames.com/subscriptions/)

Great Harvest Bakery and Café – 10-inch Personalized Cookie Valentine (ames.greatharvestbread.com/offers)

Life Distilled – Perfume blended in house at Life Distilled not only smells and looks beautiful but is all natural allowing you to wear a perfume without any of the toxic chemicals that can hinder your health. Using the highest quality essential oils we blend six different scents for a diverse selection – (www.life-distilled.com/shop/bath-body/9)

Marmalade Moon – Our Wine Glass and Bath Salt set is the perfect gift, complete it with a bottle of Wine from Della Viti!

No Escape Iowa – Purchase a gift card for that special date night – (www.noescapeiowa.com)

Octagon Center for the Arts – The Octagon Shop has several talented and clever jewelry artists from Iowa and the surrounding states. (octagon-center-for-the-arts-octagon-shop.square.site/shop/jewelry/3)

Octagon Center for the Arts – The Octagon Shop has beautiful handmade cards and of course beautiful ceramic vases created by local artists (octagon-center-for-the-arts-octagon-shop.square.site/shop/pottery-/2)

We The Dreamerz – We carry a line of natural perfumes that smell amazing! I think there is something romantic about having your own signature scent! We have 7 different scents to choose from, as well as a discovery set if you’d like to test them all out! These make a great gift for your Valentine – (www.wethedreamerz.com/collections/bath/products/botanical-perfume-discovery-collection-set)

Gifts or Experiences for the Kids:

February 1-18 – Taking preorders for chocolate dipped strawberries. – Chocolaterie Stam

February 1-18 – Decorate Cookie Valentines for $6. – Great Harvest Bakery and Café

February 1-18 – Valentine’s DIY Paint Kit – (www.life-distilled.com/product/valentines-diy-craft-paint-kit-4-hearts/3721?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=12) – Life Distilled

February 1-18 – Who doesn’t enjoy Ice Cream and Hot Chocolate? Combined we have created a delicious Hot Chocolate Float, top with Marshamallows for an additional treat! – Marmalade Moon

February 1-18 – Our TY products will be discounted 10% from February 1st until February 18th, this includes Puffs, Slippers, Purses and so much more. – Marmalade Moon

February 1 – 18 – We carry Children’s interactive and reading books from a women owned business and they donate a part of their proceeds to the early childhood learning to the kids in Africa. (https://www.worldlygoods.org/) – Worldly Goods

February 4-10 – Kiddo’s DIY Valentine’s Day Card Station – We will have a stationery station with card stock, rubber stamps and envelopes to create your own free card! While supplies last. – Nook & Nest

February 14 – Kids Valentine Card & Treat Bag. This FREE event is geared to preschool and early elementary children. Families are welcome. Open to the public. Just stop by the bank lobby at 405 5^th Street. Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or until supply lasts. – First National Bank

Food & Beverage:

February 1-18 – Specialty Dessert with any purchase of $25 or more. – Cornbred

February 1-18 – Mini brioche hearts make one big brioche heart! – Great Harvest Bakery and Café

February 1-18 – Spice things up with Chili Infused or Hot Honey from the Holton Homestead, Elkhart, IA. – Life Distilled

February 1-18 – Our European Brownies are a decadent and delicious accompanient to any of our Hot or Cold Beverages – Marmalade Moon

February 1-18 – Piece and Freedom are a locally owned Ukrainian Bakery whom we host at Marmalade Moon. Enjoy a selection of their offerings during the week or visit us on Saturday mornings and peruse their selection of Cakes, Savoury Items and Breads. – Marmalade Moon

February 9-10 – Members save 15% on Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate (5% off for non-members) – Wheatsfield Co-Op

February 12 – Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate tasting – sign up required – Della Viti

February 12-17 –  Bottle of Wine & chocolate plate special only $20 – Della Viti

February 13-14 – Please call 515-715-1066 for Valentines Reservations! We are currently accepting all party sizes Tuesday 2/13 and Wednesday 2/14 ONLY For a Valentine’s Day Exclusive Menu! (In addition to our regular menu) – Cornbred

Galentines:

February 1-18 – Our crystal beaded bracelets let you carry your favorite essential oil scent with you all day. A few beads allow you to add a few drops of essential oil and act as a passive diffuser. (www.life-distilled.com/product/fiddlestitched-gemstone-diffuser-bracelet/1569?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=7) – Life Distilled

February 1-18 – Our Pura Vida items are created for everyone to enjoy and share, choose a string or braided bracelet for yourself and your Galpal. – Marmalade Moon

February 12-17 – Hosted by local, Natasha Crowe. Walking guests step by step through a canvas painting. All supplies & one cocktail included. – Cornbred

February 12  – Galentines Paint & Sip – Complimentary glass of Champagne on a date night with your best Gals! – Sweet Caroline’s

TBD – Bring your best girlfriends and have a Girls Night Out! We will be pouring our own candles into an exclusive vessel with wine and beverages, chocolates, and permanent jewelry. – Oak Lane Candle Co. & We The Dreamerz

Presenting Sponsor

*Downtown Ames often takes photographs & video during our events for use on social media or our website. By attending, you agree that Downtown Ames may use any image of you that might appear in photographs or video taken at a Downtown Ames event.*