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Memorable things to do in Ames, Iowa! 🌽
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Lore H profile picture
Lore H
Ames has the best of both worlds: rowdy game day college town and chill local coffee shop crawl! When we visit family, we always hit these go-to spots (bonus for the gluten free/ gluten friendly destinations)! Make memories in this fun midwest city t...
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good eats
 
local coffee & gift shops
 
entertainment
 
iconic spots

good eats

if you’re not filling up on breakfast burritos, chocolate drizzled pancakes, or barbecued pork, what are you up to?
 
Lore H profile picture
local spot for some nice hot coffee and DELICIOUS breakfast sandwiches with quality ingredients! We picked up food here before driving out of town and it was filling and so flavorful. Excited to go again!
Great Harvest Bakery and Café, 502 Burnett Ave, Ames, IA 50010
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Lore H profile picture
these pancakes fed the whole family on a cold winter day and did not disappoint! my family loves the fun flavors with all the chocolate and whipped cream toppings. they also have delicious breakfast tacos for fellow gluten sensitive friends. convenie...
Flip'N Jacks Pancake House & Eatery, 1520 S Dayton Pl, Ames, IA 50010
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Lore H profile picture
get a big table for the whole family and get ready to eat some finger licking good BBQ! They have an epic ice cream menu too, so save room for some cinnamon ice cream or an apple pie Sunday!!
Hickory Park
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local coffee & gift shops

books, coffee, & matcha galore! plus some cool stickers, tshirts, & gluten friendly desserts
 
Lore H profile picture
spacious local bookstore that gifts free bookmarks upon purchase and has a rad preloved books section towards the back of the shop!
Dog-Eared Books
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Lore H profile picture
fun local store with a whole bunch of tshirts, postcards, buttons, and posters with clever sayings on them. Show your Iowa pride whether you’re a local or visitor!
Raygun, Ames, Iowa
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Lore H profile picture
this is a super cozy spot that’s known for their breakfast burritos! inviting and tasty
Burgie's Coffee | South Ames, 110 Airport Rd, Ames, IA 50010
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Lore H profile picture
cute local coffee shop on Main Street that’s great for grabbing a bite and hanging out! gluten free brownie was SO good. PRO TIP- matcha drinks can come out a bit on the sweeter side, so ask for less sweetness if you prefer
Cafe Diem, 229 Main St, Ames, IA 50010
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Lore H profile picture
a friendly and welcoming spot in Nevada, not too far from Ames! The gluten free pumpkin bread was so so good. Awesome coffee and tea drinks too. Cozy vibe inside that makes you feel right at home
Renn's Café, 1001 6th St, Nevada, IA 50201
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Lore H profile picture
hole in the wall coffee shop near the corner of the Main Street with great drinks and an awesome vinyl collection. feels intimate & vibey for a slower change of pace
Vinyl Cafe, 303 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010
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entertainment

head to an Iowa state game, the gardens, or the thrift store for some fun times! 🎪
 
Lore H profile picture
nice thrift store to check out while in Ames if you’re looking to find some new clothing or furniture inspiration! central location close to main street
The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center, 620 Lincoln Way Ste B, Ames, IA 50010
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Lore H profile picture
Beautiful gardens near Iowa State with butterflies and a giant gnome you can go take photos in front of! I think they do fun events with lights for Halloween and Christmas time too.
Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
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Lore H profile picture
An Iowa state game might be one of the most easily iconic attractions in Ames! PRO TIP: Even if timing doesn’t align to see a game, it’s still worth driving over to the stadium to check out the gardens and the Jack Trice memorial and see it from the ...
Jack Trice Stadium, 1732 Jack Trice Wy, Ames, IA 50011
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Lore H profile picture
relaxing public library in a town not too far from Ames! Great spot if you need to get some work done while visiting family or friends. We loved the selection of books in Spanish of all genres they had here. Plus a great graphic novel selection
Nevada Public Library, 631 K Ave, Nevada, IA 50201
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Lore H profile picture
if you like retro vibes and arcade games, this is a great place to check out! Makes you feel nostalgic to check out all the different games and machines they have. PRO TIP- bring singles to get coins to play
Time Out, 120 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010
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iconic spots

don’t miss these photo ready destinations in Ames! for the scrapbook! 📸
 
Lore H profile picture
relaxing spot to sit and hang out on campus. peaceful and gorgeous with the greenery surrounding it. I’ve heard good things about the summer concert series too
Stanton Memorial Carillon, 2235 Union Dr, Ames, IA 50013
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Lore H profile picture
he is adorable and he is iconic! great photo op to keep memories from your trip
World's Largest Concrete Gnome, 1407 S University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011
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