Sam's Guidebook to the Heart of Ames

Sam
Sam's Guidebook to the Heart of Ames

The Heart of Ames: Places to Experience and Shop

If you are someone who likes to experience the heart of a city, especially one you've never been to before, you must check out these unique-to-Ames places. From historical ISU venues in Campus Towne, to the grassroot businesses in Down Town Main St, to the modern villas and parks in SomerSet, these places are what keeps the heart of Ames beating. Support these local businesses while you're here and keep it alive!
Jack Trice Stadium! Home of the Little Cyclones located on 1732 S. 4th St.
9 locals recommend
Jack Trice Stadium
1732 S 4th St
9 locals recommend
Jack Trice Stadium! Home of the Little Cyclones located on 1732 S. 4th St.
Botanical Garden located on 1407 University Blvd. Reiman is a great place to go for small or big crowds and espcially family. Enjoy seeing all the nature and the creativity of the citizens of Ames on display. Reiman often holds weekly especially surrounding holidays like Halloween and Christmas (light shows, Christmas tree shows, and jack-o'-lantern shows). Check out their website for more information.
38 locals recommend
Reiman Gardens
1407 University Blvd
38 locals recommend
Botanical Garden located on 1407 University Blvd. Reiman is a great place to go for small or big crowds and espcially family. Enjoy seeing all the nature and the creativity of the citizens of Ames on display. Reiman often holds weekly especially surrounding holidays like Halloween and Christmas (light shows, Christmas tree shows, and jack-o'-lantern shows). Check out their website for more information.
Huge bowling alley located in west Ames on 1320 Dickinson Ave. Grab a beer and some pizza while you bowl or after a game of laser tag in the arcade!
9 locals recommend
Perfect Games
1320 Dickinson Ave
9 locals recommend
Huge bowling alley located in west Ames on 1320 Dickinson Ave. Grab a beer and some pizza while you bowl or after a game of laser tag in the arcade!
Another local movie theatre located inside the North Grand Mall on 2801 Grand Ave about 5 miles from The Garden Home. Enjoy reclining seats and adult beverages!
North Grand Cinema - Ames Independent Luxury Theatre
2801 Grand Ave
Another local movie theatre located inside the North Grand Mall on 2801 Grand Ave about 5 miles from The Garden Home. Enjoy reclining seats and adult beverages!
Ames's local movie theatre located on 1317 Buckeye Ave only 1.6 miles from The Garden Home. Enjot reclining seats and an arcade!
Cinemark Movies 12
1317 Buckeye Ave
Ames's local movie theatre located on 1317 Buckeye Ave only 1.6 miles from The Garden Home. Enjot reclining seats and an arcade!
Sam's favorite place to shop! Most of the furnishings for the Garden Home (and her own home 😝) came from this amazing nonprofit local thrift store. Pro tip: check to see what color tag is on sale and get an even better deal! Overflow Furniture and More is located on 125 Kitty Hawk dr. less than a mile from The Garden Home and it is their second location.
Overflow Thrift Store Furniture & More
125 Kitty Hawk Drive
Sam's favorite place to shop! Most of the furnishings for the Garden Home (and her own home 😝) came from this amazing nonprofit local thrift store. Pro tip: check to see what color tag is on sale and get an even better deal! Overflow Furniture and More is located on 125 Kitty Hawk dr. less than a mile from The Garden Home and it is their second location.
Overflow ThriftStore is a local nonprofit thrift store that gives to many other local organizations that provide for people in need. They also support organizations globally as well. It is located on 202 S. Duff and it is their first location. This store sells clothing, linens, library and media, toys and baby supplies! Pro tip: look for Iowa State gear here!
Overflow Thrift Store
202 S Duff Ave
Overflow ThriftStore is a local nonprofit thrift store that gives to many other local organizations that provide for people in need. They also support organizations globally as well. It is located on 202 S. Duff and it is their first location. This store sells clothing, linens, library and media, toys and baby supplies! Pro tip: look for Iowa State gear here!
Great consignment shop in located in downtown Ames 233 Main St. If you forgot your game day attire stop, in at this shop!
The Loft
233 Main St
Great consignment shop in located in downtown Ames 233 Main St. If you forgot your game day attire stop, in at this shop!
"The Octagon Center for the Arts is a non-profit community art center in the heart of downtown Ames, Iowa. A cornerstone of the cultural scene in Ames since 1966, the Octagon serves more than 30,000 people each year through art classes and outreach, rotating exhibits, a retail gallery shop, and the annual Octagon Art Festival" Located on 426 Douglas.
9 locals recommend
Octagon Center For the Arts
427 Douglas Ave
9 locals recommend
"The Octagon Center for the Arts is a non-profit community art center in the heart of downtown Ames, Iowa. A cornerstone of the cultural scene in Ames since 1966, the Octagon serves more than 30,000 people each year through art classes and outreach, rotating exhibits, a retail gallery shop, and the annual Octagon Art Festival" Located on 426 Douglas.
Dog•Eared books is a fairly new book store located in downtown Ames on 203 Main St. Find a new book as well as other locally made trinkets and treats such as candles and baked goods all while listening to a jazz band in their loft. Don't forget to grab a cup of coffee on your way out!
Dog·Eared Books
203 Main Street
Dog•Eared books is a fairly new book store located in downtown Ames on 203 Main St. Find a new book as well as other locally made trinkets and treats such as candles and baked goods all while listening to a jazz band in their loft. Don't forget to grab a cup of coffee on your way out!
After driving all this way to Ames I KNOW you got bugs on the windshield and fries on the floor. Gross. Before you head out, ya gotta let Varsity Car Wash clean up that mess. Experience hands on customer service from on sight employees, resulting in a trustably clean, simple, and quick wash. No chunky metal tire hook ups- just a smooth ride all the way through! Don't forget to use the free vacuums! West location on 3705 Lincoln Way, South Location on 1016 South Duff (only 1.9 miles from The Garden Home).
Varsity Carwash
3705 Lincoln Way
After driving all this way to Ames I KNOW you got bugs on the windshield and fries on the floor. Gross. Before you head out, ya gotta let Varsity Car Wash clean up that mess. Experience hands on customer service from on sight employees, resulting in a trustably clean, simple, and quick wash. No chunky metal tire hook ups- just a smooth ride all the way through! Don't forget to use the free vacuums! West location on 3705 Lincoln Way, South Location on 1016 South Duff (only 1.9 miles from The Garden Home).
If you're a book nerd, you must go to the Ames Library. It is beautiful and fun and has great ammenities, especially for kids. Located on 515 Douglas.
Ames Public Library
515 Douglas Ave
If you're a book nerd, you must go to the Ames Library. It is beautiful and fun and has great ammenities, especially for kids. Located on 515 Douglas.
Support ISU in the best getup by shopping at Cy's locker room!
CY's Locker Room
Support ISU in the best getup by shopping at Cy's locker room!

Sightseeing: Parks and Trails

Ames has more to offer than the bright flashing lights of the stadiums! There are more sites to see than meets the eye. If you're a nature lover and you need to get your fix check out this guidebook I've made full of the best scenic locations just for you!
Located on the very North end of Ames on 5205 Grand Ave, Ada Hayden is by far the most scenic lake and park the city has to offer! Have a picnic on the dock, fish a little, walk your dog, grill out under the gazebo, kayak, ice fish, sled, frisbee, roller blade, propose to your lover (that's what Kyle and Sam did!😋)-do it all at this park! Most importantly- make some memories with your favorite people here!
26 locals recommend
Ada Hayden Heritage Park
5205 Grand Ave
26 locals recommend
Located on the very North end of Ames on 5205 Grand Ave, Ada Hayden is by far the most scenic lake and park the city has to offer! Have a picnic on the dock, fish a little, walk your dog, grill out under the gazebo, kayak, ice fish, sled, frisbee, roller blade, propose to your lover (that's what Kyle and Sam did!😋)-do it all at this park! Most importantly- make some memories with your favorite people here!
Inis Grove has the best playgrounds in the city including miracle park! This park is designed especially for handicapped children though all are welcome. Inis Grove has many hidden trails that walk along a creek bank in a heavily wooded forest full of solitude. Can't forget to mention there is a great sand volleyball pit, a large tennis court, and open field for soccer or frisbee players.
Inis Grove Park
2500 Duff Ave
Inis Grove has the best playgrounds in the city including miracle park! This park is designed especially for handicapped children though all are welcome. Inis Grove has many hidden trails that walk along a creek bank in a heavily wooded forest full of solitude. Can't forget to mention there is a great sand volleyball pit, a large tennis court, and open field for soccer or frisbee players.
Bandshell park is a good option for a casual stroll or a small concert OR a magic show OR even a movie! Its shell shaped stage lights up at night creating a magical ambiance. This music pavillion is historic to Ames. Located on Duff Ave and 6th St, 125 E 5th St.
Bandshell Park
125 E 5th St
Bandshell park is a good option for a casual stroll or a small concert OR a magic show OR even a movie! Its shell shaped stage lights up at night creating a magical ambiance. This music pavillion is historic to Ames. Located on Duff Ave and 6th St, 125 E 5th St.
Sam thinks that this is by far the cutest park in the entire city of Ames. Teagarden Park is tiny, humble and oh, so cute. A tiny playground, a little free library and a picnic table. Located on 3501 Emerald Dr, just a block away from The Garden Home. Sam walks here with one her besties regularly.
Teagarden Park
3501 Emerald Drive
Sam thinks that this is by far the cutest park in the entire city of Ames. Teagarden Park is tiny, humble and oh, so cute. A tiny playground, a little free library and a picnic table. Located on 3501 Emerald Dr, just a block away from The Garden Home. Sam walks here with one her besties regularly.
Country Gables is located on 500 Crystal St. and is only a mile away from The Garden Home! This park has a small basketball court, a playground, swing set, water fountain, and some short backwood trails. The surrounding neighborhoods are clean and nice to walk around as well.
Country Gables Park
500 Crystal Street
Country Gables is located on 500 Crystal St. and is only a mile away from The Garden Home! This park has a small basketball court, a playground, swing set, water fountain, and some short backwood trails. The surrounding neighborhoods are clean and nice to walk around as well.
Ledges State Park is a must for nature lovers and campers. Experience winding, up and down trails, cliffs, valleys and bridges. This park is actually not in Ames but close enough that it is still worth mentioning! Location is 1515 P Ave Madrid IA about 17 miles/20 minutes from The Garden Home.
31 locals recommend
Ledges State Park
1515 P Ave
31 locals recommend
Ledges State Park is a must for nature lovers and campers. Experience winding, up and down trails, cliffs, valleys and bridges. This park is actually not in Ames but close enough that it is still worth mentioning! Location is 1515 P Ave Madrid IA about 17 miles/20 minutes from The Garden Home.
The High Trestle Trail in Madrid is also noteworthy even if it's not in Ames. The trail has a many points as it covers the entire Des Moines river. Closest location to the garden in Home is 317 South Avenue Madrid IA 50156 (type high trestle trail parking lot) and is 25 minutes from The Garden Home. This trail is popular among bike riders!
16 locals recommend
High Trestle Trail Bridge
2335 Qf Ln
16 locals recommend
The High Trestle Trail in Madrid is also noteworthy even if it's not in Ames. The trail has a many points as it covers the entire Des Moines river. Closest location to the garden in Home is 317 South Avenue Madrid IA 50156 (type high trestle trail parking lot) and is 25 minutes from The Garden Home. This trail is popular among bike riders!

Coffee & Tea

Coffee is a must if you're an avid traveler (or if you're not🤷🏻‍♀️ 🥸). Maybe you're an avid reader like me and sometimes you just need a change of scene and a little bit more sugar in your coffee. I've made a list of the best coffee and tea shops here in town for all you traveling coffee lovers.☕️
Burgies is loved by the community of Ames and known for their wholesome environment, friendly service and delicious coffee. Sam and Kyle's favorite drink is a hot breve: hazlenut flavoring for Sam, caramel for Kyle. Try the Cuban sandwhich if you're out for lunch! South location is less than a mile away from the garden home on 111 Airport Rd.
6 locals recommend
Burgie's Coffee & Tea Co.
110 Airport Rd
6 locals recommend
Burgies is loved by the community of Ames and known for their wholesome environment, friendly service and delicious coffee. Sam and Kyle's favorite drink is a hot breve: hazlenut flavoring for Sam, caramel for Kyle. Try the Cuban sandwhich if you're out for lunch! South location is less than a mile away from the garden home on 111 Airport Rd.
New North location for Burgies Coffee on 3701 Stange Rd!
Burgie's Coffee | North Ames
New North location for Burgies Coffee on 3701 Stange Rd!
Cafe Diem is a cozy coffee house located in downtown Ames 229 Main St. Free wifi and local art on display. Their chai latte is one of the bests. This was Sam's favorite place to do homework when she was a student.
12 locals recommend
Cafe Diem
229 Main St
12 locals recommend
Cafe Diem is a cozy coffee house located in downtown Ames 229 Main St. Free wifi and local art on display. Their chai latte is one of the bests. This was Sam's favorite place to do homework when she was a student.
The Vinyl Café is a one of kind coffee shop located at 303 Kellogg Ave in downtown Ames. Shop for coffee and vinyl records!
Vinyl Cafe
303 Kellogg Ave
The Vinyl Café is a one of kind coffee shop located at 303 Kellogg Ave in downtown Ames. Shop for coffee and vinyl records!
Located on 136 Main St, Little Woods offers a quaint and woodsy environment with every tea imaginable!
Little Woods: Herbs and Teas
Located on 136 Main St, Little Woods offers a quaint and woodsy environment with every tea imaginable!
Cafe Milo is located in West Ames on 4800 Mortensen rd. A spunky café with great specialty drinks. Sam recommends the Caramel Corn.
Cafe Milo
4800 Mortensen Rd
Cafe Milo is located in West Ames on 4800 Mortensen rd. A spunky café with great specialty drinks. Sam recommends the Caramel Corn.
Daytime Diner is a fairly new coffee bar and restaurant here in west Ames located on 127 Dotson Dr. This diner radiates sunny and warm vibes with a plant at every corner. If you're an early morning riser this is a great option!
Daytime Diner
127 Dotson Drive
Daytime Diner is a fairly new coffee bar and restaurant here in west Ames located on 127 Dotson Dr. This diner radiates sunny and warm vibes with a plant at every corner. If you're an early morning riser this is a great option!
Located on 303 Welch Ave in Campus Towne, Stomping Ground provides coffee, tea, and great food (especially breakfast!) Large open windows and patio area make it great for larger groups. Sam recommends a crepe!
6 locals recommend
Stomping Grounds Cafe
303 Welch Ave
6 locals recommend
Located on 303 Welch Ave in Campus Towne, Stomping Ground provides coffee, tea, and great food (especially breakfast!) Large open windows and patio area make it great for larger groups. Sam recommends a crepe!

Food, Bars, and Breweries

It's hard to choose where to satify your taste buds between the many different food and drink venues here in Ames. I have thus, eliminated some decision making (and googling) by recording the best options in this guide book. Each listing is local, unique and has great reviews! Ames is filled with diverse people who offer diverse food ranging from American to Asian, Mediterranean to Mexican, European and more. Close out that search browser and flip through my guidebook to pick your next culinary experience.
A favorite spot for Sam & Kyle after a long day of work. This British Pub is only a 15 minute walk and 2 minute drive from the Garden home located on 3100 South Duff. Sam recommends the "Baklava" Sugarwood dark lager beer and Kyle recommends any sour IPA. For food we suggest the Shepherd's Pie and Bangers and Mash.
The Mucky Duck Pub
3100 S Duff Ave
A favorite spot for Sam & Kyle after a long day of work. This British Pub is only a 15 minute walk and 2 minute drive from the Garden home located on 3100 South Duff. Sam recommends the "Baklava" Sugarwood dark lager beer and Kyle recommends any sour IPA. For food we suggest the Shepherd's Pie and Bangers and Mash.
Local Irish food and pub located on 320 S 16th St about 1.5 miles from The Garden Home. A fun, atmospheric restaurant that lights up on game days and especially Irish holidays☘️🍻Sam likes to go for soda bread and a beer!
Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill
320 S 16th St
Local Irish food and pub located on 320 S 16th St about 1.5 miles from The Garden Home. A fun, atmospheric restaurant that lights up on game days and especially Irish holidays☘️🍻Sam likes to go for soda bread and a beer!
Wasabi offers a modern lounge atmosphere and specializes in ramen and sushi. Located on 926 S. 16th St about a 1.5 miles from the Garden Home. Their sea food is top tier!
Wasabi Ames
926 S 16th St
Wasabi offers a modern lounge atmosphere and specializes in ramen and sushi. Located on 926 S. 16th St about a 1.5 miles from the Garden Home. Their sea food is top tier!
A well-known Mexican food truck located on 624 East Lincoln Way. If you happen to be out and about (especially if you're downtown), walk on over to Rico's and get yourself a nice cool Jarrito and a giant taco!
Rico's Tacos
624 E Lincoln Way
A well-known Mexican food truck located on 624 East Lincoln Way. If you happen to be out and about (especially if you're downtown), walk on over to Rico's and get yourself a nice cool Jarrito and a giant taco!
New Mediterranean restaurant located on 1310 S. Duff Ave. Taza Fresh offers a large buffet of unique Middle Eastern dishes!
Taza Fresh
1310 South Duff Avenue
New Mediterranean restaurant located on 1310 S. Duff Ave. Taza Fresh offers a large buffet of unique Middle Eastern dishes!
The Great Harvest Bakery has the freshest baked goods that quite literally melt in your mouth. Breakfast food, sandwhiches, and dessert. Mm. My mouth is watering. Smiley and friendly service make it even better! Take your kids here and they might get free fruit snacks 👀Located close to downtown Ames on 502 Burnette Ave.
Great Harvest Bakery and Café
502 Burnett Ave
The Great Harvest Bakery has the freshest baked goods that quite literally melt in your mouth. Breakfast food, sandwhiches, and dessert. Mm. My mouth is watering. Smiley and friendly service make it even better! Take your kids here and they might get free fruit snacks 👀Located close to downtown Ames on 502 Burnette Ave.
Located just North of Down Town on 504 Burnett, Torrent is a lighthearted and casual place to chill and watch the game, play board games, or even read a book or get some work done. The ✨coffee shop of breweries✨is the vibe. Sam reccomends the PB&J lager.
8 locals recommend
Torrent Brewing Company
504 Burnett Ave
8 locals recommend
Located just North of Down Town on 504 Burnett, Torrent is a lighthearted and casual place to chill and watch the game, play board games, or even read a book or get some work done. The ✨coffee shop of breweries✨is the vibe. Sam reccomends the PB&J lager.
Restaurant and Bar located on 134 Main St. downtown Ames! Great atmosphere and great for game watchers.
Whiskey River Ames
134 Main St
Restaurant and Bar located on 134 Main St. downtown Ames! Great atmosphere and great for game watchers.
The best sports bar and burger joint in Ames in our humble opinions! Our favorites are the Honey Garlic Chicken Sandwhich, Guacamole Burger, and Totchos🤤 A hot spot for game watching!
8 locals recommend
Brick City Grill
2640 Stange Rd
8 locals recommend
The best sports bar and burger joint in Ames in our humble opinions! Our favorites are the Honey Garlic Chicken Sandwhich, Guacamole Burger, and Totchos🤤 A hot spot for game watching!
Wallaby's is another great place to watch the game located in Somerset area on 2733 Stange Rd. Sophisticated and casual at the same time, Wallaby's offers great food and drinks either inside or outside on the terrace under the twinkle lights. Might I recommend the grilled cheese sandwhich? Basic and fancy all at once.
Wallaby's Bar and Grille
2733 Stange Rd
Wallaby's is another great place to watch the game located in Somerset area on 2733 Stange Rd. Sophisticated and casual at the same time, Wallaby's offers great food and drinks either inside or outside on the terrace under the twinkle lights. Might I recommend the grilled cheese sandwhich? Basic and fancy all at once.
Ames's most popular Mexican Restaurant. North location 2727 Stange rd and South location 2120 Isaac Newton dr (closest to The Garden Home). Watch the game while sippin' on a Margarhita and snacking on tortilla chips and guac! (that's what Sam would do).
11 locals recommend
El Azteca
2727 Stange Rd
11 locals recommend
Ames's most popular Mexican Restaurant. North location 2727 Stange rd and South location 2120 Isaac Newton dr (closest to The Garden Home). Watch the game while sippin' on a Margarhita and snacking on tortilla chips and guac! (that's what Sam would do).
The Cafe is a well known and well loved staple restaurant of Ames located in the lager area of Somerset on 2616 Northridge Pkwy. The Cafe offers a casual scene with their coffe bar and booths and a sophisticated scene for lunch and dinner- not to mention their amazing desserts!
33 locals recommend
The Cafe
2616 Northridge Pkwy
33 locals recommend
The Cafe is a well known and well loved staple restaurant of Ames located in the lager area of Somerset on 2616 Northridge Pkwy. The Cafe offers a casual scene with their coffe bar and booths and a sophisticated scene for lunch and dinner- not to mention their amazing desserts!
Prairie Moon Winery, located on 3801 W. 190th St, is one of Sam and Kyle's favorite places to go in the summer time! From May to September listen to local bands play from 3 to 6 pm every Sunday while sippin' on wine under the shade trees. Take a walk down the vineyard or a seat in their wine cafe if you aren't into the music scene. We recommend filling up a growler with their signature sweet wine "Honey Moon". If you'd rather drink beer have no fear- there's a garden just next door I hear...🍺⤵️⤵️
6 locals recommend
Prairie Moon Winery
3801 W 190th St
6 locals recommend
Prairie Moon Winery, located on 3801 W. 190th St, is one of Sam and Kyle's favorite places to go in the summer time! From May to September listen to local bands play from 3 to 6 pm every Sunday while sippin' on wine under the shade trees. Take a walk down the vineyard or a seat in their wine cafe if you aren't into the music scene. We recommend filling up a growler with their signature sweet wine "Honey Moon". If you'd rather drink beer have no fear- there's a garden just next door I hear...🍺⤵️⤵️
Located on the very North end of Ames on 3715 West 190th, Alluvial provides fantastic home owned/brewed beer and a quiet place to chill and relax. Weekly or bi weekly events held in their stage room consisting mostly of local bands. Sam LOVES the Orange Lazarus Milkshake IPA. This is a crowd favorite and runs out quick! If you'd rather have wine, that's fine- there's a vineyard just next door- I heard it through the grapevine...🍷⤴️⤴️
10 locals recommend
Alluvial Brewing Company
3715 W 190th St
10 locals recommend
Located on the very North end of Ames on 3715 West 190th, Alluvial provides fantastic home owned/brewed beer and a quiet place to chill and relax. Weekly or bi weekly events held in their stage room consisting mostly of local bands. Sam LOVES the Orange Lazarus Milkshake IPA. This is a crowd favorite and runs out quick! If you'd rather have wine, that's fine- there's a vineyard just next door- I heard it through the grapevine...🍷⤴️⤴️
Amazing European style restaurant that offers food, beverages, and events like workshops for art, wine, and culinary classes. Experience all this 100ft above campus! Located on 119 Stanton Ave.
Clouds
Amazing European style restaurant that offers food, beverages, and events like workshops for art, wine, and culinary classes. Experience all this 100ft above campus! Located on 119 Stanton Ave.
"Cafe B" as the residents of Ames like to call it, is a Brazillian restaurant and bar located on 2504 Lincoln Way in Campus Towne. Known for not being limited to Brazillian food- in fact they serve anywhere from Mexican, Italian, Asian, and a lot more! Sam recommends their Long Island iced teas (they are the best) and chicken fettucine alfredo.
7 locals recommend
Cafe Beaudelaire
2504 Lincoln Way
7 locals recommend
"Cafe B" as the residents of Ames like to call it, is a Brazillian restaurant and bar located on 2504 Lincoln Way in Campus Towne. Known for not being limited to Brazillian food- in fact they serve anywhere from Mexican, Italian, Asian, and a lot more! Sam recommends their Long Island iced teas (they are the best) and chicken fettucine alfredo.
Very unique boba, tea, and food shop located in campus town area on 2814 West St. I would highly recommend the popcorn chicken with all the seasonings and any boba drink.
1+1 restaurant & tea
2814 West St
Very unique boba, tea, and food shop located in campus town area on 2814 West St. I would highly recommend the popcorn chicken with all the seasonings and any boba drink.
One of the best Asian Cuisines in Ames! Located on 223 Welch Ave. in Campus Town next to the Blue Owl Bar.
Taste Place
223 Welch Ave
One of the best Asian Cuisines in Ames! Located on 223 Welch Ave. in Campus Town next to the Blue Owl Bar.
Indian Palace is a great option for atmospheric, authentic Indian food. Mmm I can smell the naan just thinking about it! Located on 120 Hayward Ave in Campus Town area next to Dominos Pizza.
India Palace
120 Hayward Avenue
Indian Palace is a great option for atmospheric, authentic Indian food. Mmm I can smell the naan just thinking about it! Located on 120 Hayward Ave in Campus Town area next to Dominos Pizza.
Sam's favorite Campus Town bar located on 216 Stanton Ave! $1 dollar deep fried tacos every Tuesday. Sam reccomends the Scooby Doo shot.
Es Tas Bar & Grill
Sam's favorite Campus Town bar located on 216 Stanton Ave! $1 dollar deep fried tacos every Tuesday. Sam reccomends the Scooby Doo shot.
Welch Ave Station is a crowd favorite among the college students and pool players. 207 Welch Avenue- mind the pedestrians and prepare to street park!
Welch Ave. Station
Welch Ave Station is a crowd favorite among the college students and pool players. 207 Welch Avenue- mind the pedestrians and prepare to street park!
Irish pub in Campus Town on 109 Welch Ave. Kareoke, hot dogs, pizza and beer... the essentials!
Mickey's Irish Pub
109 Welch Ave
Irish pub in Campus Town on 109 Welch Ave. Kareoke, hot dogs, pizza and beer... the essentials!
Fun and lively ultra lounge and bar in Campus Towne located on 2401 Chamberlain St. Go here if you wanna dance!
AJ's Ultra Lounge — Ames
Fun and lively ultra lounge and bar in Campus Towne located on 2401 Chamberlain St. Go here if you wanna dance!
Fairly new restaurant in down town Ames located on 316 Main St only 2.3 miles from The Garden Home. Game lovers will move this venue with it's access to tvs and good barbecue cuisine. Sam reccomends the chicken pot pie though🤷🏻‍♀️👍🏼
Sweet Caroline's
Fairly new restaurant in down town Ames located on 316 Main St only 2.3 miles from The Garden Home. Game lovers will move this venue with it's access to tvs and good barbecue cuisine. Sam reccomends the chicken pot pie though🤷🏻‍♀️👍🏼
Cornbred is only a couple years old here in Ames and is already a crowd favorite amongst the barbecue lovin' residents. Located on 526 Main St only 2.5 miles from the Garden Home. Sam recommends well... the corn bread!
Cornbred Barbecue
526 Main St
Cornbred is only a couple years old here in Ames and is already a crowd favorite amongst the barbecue lovin' residents. Located on 526 Main St only 2.5 miles from the Garden Home. Sam recommends well... the corn bread!

Essentials and Transportation

This guide book has the nearest groceries, gas stations, government buildings and transportation stations listed for your convenience!
Hopefully this wont be a place for you to experience! But just in case, Mary Greeley Hospital is located on 1111 Duff Ave. (Burgies has a THIRD shop in the hospital!)
Mary Greeley Medical Center
1111 Duff Ave
Hopefully this wont be a place for you to experience! But just in case, Mary Greeley Hospital is located on 1111 Duff Ave. (Burgies has a THIRD shop in the hospital!)
Ames's Enterprise Car Rentals located on 1817 E. Lincoln Way 2.5 miles from The Garden Home.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
1817 E Lincoln Way
Ames's Enterprise Car Rentals located on 1817 E. Lincoln Way 2.5 miles from The Garden Home.
Ride the Cy Ride if driving isn't an option! Nearest bus stops from The Garden Home are on Emerald Dr (8 minute walk) or Opal Dr (12 minute walk). Enter "cyride" into your search browser to check out routes.
CyRide
601 N University Blvd
Ride the Cy Ride if driving isn't an option! Nearest bus stops from The Garden Home are on Emerald Dr (8 minute walk) or Opal Dr (12 minute walk). Enter "cyride" into your search browser to check out routes.
The nearest Kum & Go gas station and convenience store located on 3111 S. Duff Avenue only .5 miles from The Garden Home.
Kum & Go
The nearest Kum & Go gas station and convenience store located on 3111 S. Duff Avenue only .5 miles from The Garden Home.
The nearest Casey's gas station and convenience store located on 3020 S. Duff Ave only .5 miles from The Garden Home.
Casey's
The nearest Casey's gas station and convenience store located on 3020 S. Duff Ave only .5 miles from The Garden Home.
Target is located on 320 S. Duff Ave. only 2.1 miles from The Garden Home. Grab a Starbucks while you shop!
Target
Target is located on 320 S. Duff Ave. only 2.1 miles from The Garden Home. Grab a Starbucks while you shop!
The nearest Walmart Super Center is located on 534 S. Duff Ave. 1.8 miles from The Garden Home.
Walmart Supercenter
The nearest Walmart Super Center is located on 534 S. Duff Ave. 1.8 miles from The Garden Home.
Walmart Super Center located on 3105 Grand Ave. 4.5 miles from The Garden Home.
Walmart Supercenter
3105 Grand Ave
Walmart Super Center located on 3105 Grand Ave. 4.5 miles from The Garden Home.
Grocery Cooperative located on 413 Northwestern Ave 2.6 miles from The Garden Home. Organic groceries are the best!
8 locals recommend
Wheatsfield Cooperative
413 Northwestern Ave
8 locals recommend
Grocery Cooperative located on 413 Northwestern Ave 2.6 miles from The Garden Home. Organic groceries are the best!
Alternative grocery store if Walmart and Target aren't your thing. Located on 108 S. 5th Street 1.8 miles from The Garden Home.
ALDI
Alternative grocery store if Walmart and Target aren't your thing. Located on 108 S. 5th Street 1.8 miles from The Garden Home.
West Hyvee grocery located on 3800 Lincoln Way!
Hy-Vee Grocery Store
West Hyvee grocery located on 3800 Lincoln Way!
South Central Hyvee grocery located on 640 Lincoln Way and is 2.3 miles from The Garden Home. Grab a Starbucks and some Chinese or, "Hy Chi" as the residents of Ames like to say, before you leave!
Hy-Vee Grocery Store
South Central Hyvee grocery located on 640 Lincoln Way and is 2.3 miles from The Garden Home. Grab a Starbucks and some Chinese or, "Hy Chi" as the residents of Ames like to say, before you leave!
Fareway Meat Market located in West Ames on 3720 Lincoln Way. Shop here if you are needing the best of the best quality meat!
Fareway Meat Market
Fareway Meat Market located in West Ames on 3720 Lincoln Way. Shop here if you are needing the best of the best quality meat!
Central Fareway grocery located on 619 Burnett Ave and is 2.7 miles from The Garden Home.
9 locals recommend
Fareway Grocery
619 Burnett Ave
9 locals recommend
Central Fareway grocery located on 619 Burnett Ave and is 2.7 miles from The Garden Home.
North Fareway grocery located on 3619 Stange Rd.
Fareway Meat and Grocery
North Fareway grocery located on 3619 Stange Rd.
USPS of Ames IA located on 525 Kellogg Ave
USPS
525 Kellogg Ave
USPS of Ames IA located on 525 Kellogg Ave
UPS Customer Center located on 729 E Lincoln Way
UPS Customer Center
UPS Customer Center located on 729 E Lincoln Way
UPS package drop off store located on 809 Wheeler St.
The UPS Store
UPS package drop off store located on 809 Wheeler St.

Sports and Activities

Here is a list of outdoor and indoor places in Ames to exercise and play⚽️🏀🏈⚾️🏐🎾🏓🎳🏸🏒🏏⛷⛸🚴🏻‍♀️🏋🏻‍♀️ For all you endorphin junkies!
Located on 3700 University Blvd just past the roundabout is the largest fitness center in Ames- only 1.7 miles from the Garden Home!
Ames Fitness Center - South
Located on 3700 University Blvd just past the roundabout is the largest fitness center in Ames- only 1.7 miles from the Garden Home!
Ames Golf and Country Club located on 5752 George Washington Carver.
Ames Golf & Country Club
Ames Golf and Country Club located on 5752 George Washington Carver.
Veenker Golf and Country Club located on 2916 Veenker Dr.
Veenker Memorial Golf Course
Veenker Golf and Country Club located on 2916 Veenker Dr.
Ames Municipal Golf course and club located on 401 E. 20th St!
Homewood Municipal Golf Course
Ames Municipal Golf course and club located on 401 E. 20th St!
Ice Skating at Ames Municipal Ice Arena located at 1507 Gateway Hills Park Dr.
Ames/ISU Ice Arena
Ice Skating at Ames Municipal Ice Arena located at 1507 Gateway Hills Park Dr.

Traveler advice

Getting around

Cy Ride Bus Transportation

Local bus transportation in Ames. Closest bus stop to The Garden Home is on Emerald Dr.