Main Street might be an untapped resource for many ISU students. It’s not close to campus like Campustown and Welch Avenue, but it really isn’t too far either. 

Main Street not only has several businesses lining the sidewalks, but it’s historic and beautiful too.

Let’s say you’re going to spend a day on Main Street. How would you do it? 

Here are some suggestions on how to make the most out of a full day in Ames’ most historical area.

 

Morning

 

Start out your day by checking out one of the cafes on Main. There are plenty to choose from, including Cafe Diem and the Vinyl Cafe.

Cafe Diem opens each and every day at 7 a.m. for you early risers. Enjoy a cup of coffee, a latte or a mocha while sitting down in a booth or on a couch. You can also enjoy free high speed Wi-Fi while sipping on your cup of joe.

If you’re looking for something a bit edgier, just off of Main Street is the Vinyl Cafe. Although technically not on Main, it’s less than a block away and worth the quick walk from Main Street.

The Vinyl Cafe is also open most days at 7 a.m., besides Saturdays when it opens at 8 a.m. and Sundays, when it is not open.

Visiting the Vinyl Cafe will give you a completely unique experience unlike anything else you will get in Ames. 

While sipping on your favorite coffee or espresso drink, you can browse the extensive record selection and purchase whichever one catches your eye. Also unique to the Vinyl Cafe is the display of local art and jewelry.

Customers can find jewelry made by local designers, clocks made from real records, record players and handbags for sale just inside the cafe.

After enjoying your morning coffee, head on over to the Grove Cafe for a one-of-a-kind breakfast.

Grove Cafe, known for their delicious pancakes, has been voted the “Best Kept Local Secret” award for Story County by the Ames Tribune for three years — 2009, 2010 and 2011. 

It was also voted “Best Breakfast” by the Tribune in 2011 and received the Daily’s Student Choice Award for “The Best Place to get Breakfast”

in 2012.

Perhaps the Grove Cafe’s greatest claim to fame is its feature in Food Network Magazine in the July/August 2010 edition. It was voted best breakfast in the state of Iowa in Food Network Magazine’s article titled “50 States, 50 Breakfasts.”

Owner Larry Goodale is loved among customers. Customers really get the chance to meet and know Goodale as they get the opportunity to watch Goodale cook their food right in front of them.

You won’t find a customer who doesn’t recommend coming on in to the Grove Cafe, taking a seat and trying the famous — and delicious — pancakes.

 

Afternoon

 

Next up: lunch. Main Street in Ames has many different options for those of you trying to get a tasty lunch in.

Aunt Maude’s was established one Sunday morning in 1975. Over a few Bloody Mary drinks, the fictional “Aunt Maude” was created. She’s been an Ames favorite ever since.

Aunt Maude’s offers lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday.

Their website states they’re proud to use local products. “Using fresh and local foods provides us the opportunity to change our menus seasonally.”

If, instead, you’re looking for a little pizza, skip the chains and franchises and support a local pizza place. The Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company has been bringing quality homemade pizzas to Main Street since 1979.

At Great Plains Sauce & Dough, you can be sure your pizza is authentic. The pizza place makes sure to only use “quality” products, which to them means 100 percent real dairy cheese, fresh vegetables, real sausage, and fresh, homemade and hand-rolled dough.

Focusing instead of being the biggest and busiest, Great Plains Sauce & Dough focuses on being the best, and customers agree. 

So while you’re on Main Street and craving an authentic pizza for lunch, look no further than Great Plains Sauce & Dough Company.

After lunch, you may want dessert or a snack. Take a walk down Main Street to Ames’ very own Cupcake Emporium.

With more than 90 flavors to choose from, even a cupcake cynic can find something to tickle their taste buds. The Cupcake Emporium proudly features at least eight flavors a day, so for those of you who are way too indecisive to choose out of 90, try choosing one of the featured flavors, though you still might find it hard to choose.

Cupcakes are baked every morning, so you’re guaranteed a fresh cupcake no matter what time of day. 

And if you’re not much of a cupcake lover, don’t worry. The Cupcake Emporium sells cookies and ice cream, too.

If you’ve really got a sweet tooth and chocolate is your best friend, you might want to check out the Chocolaterie Stam.

A visit to this sweet shop might have you leaving with all kinds of sweets, including truffles, bonbons, chocolate bars, imported European sweets, licorice, cookies, wafers and more.

So no matter where your sweet tooth lies, Main Street has you covered for dessert.

 

Evening

 

As supper time approaches, Main Street has many options for a hungry student to find a delicious meal.

Great Plains Sauce & Dough proves not to be the only pizza place on Main Street.

Lucullan’s Italian Grill serves all kinds of authentic Italian food, including many college students’ favorite: pizza.

Lucullan’s, which received four stars from the Datebook Diner in The Des Moines Register, has a cute Italian atmosphere to go along with its great Italian food.

Walking in to Lucullan’s, a customer will find tables adorned with red and white checkered table clothes to make them feel as if they’re at a real Italian restaurant.

 Customers can also enjoy a scenic view of Ames’ beautiful and historic Main Street as they finish their meal.

Just down the street, Whiskey River offers customers a fun bar atmosphere with a menu filled with casual bar food to match. 

Customers can order an ice-cold beer to go with their homemade food — ranging from a spaghetti and meatball sandwich to a hot dog covered in macaroni and cheese and chili, to a delicious cheeseburger.

If you’re looking for something a little fancier, Olde Main Brewing Company and Restaurant is an Ames favorite for an excellent dinner. 

Olde Main has plenty of delicious dishes to choose from, including steak, smoked salmon and tasty sandwiches.

Because Olde Main brews its own beer, you’re getting an authentic taste right from the source. 

You can find a selection of Olde Main’s beers at several bars, restaurants and

retail stores throughout Ames and across Iowa, but what better place to sample Olde Main’s signature beer than right at the place it was made?

Enjoy a dinner in the atmospheric dining rooms or sit at the bar to enjoy great service and even better beer and food.

So whether you’re on Main Street for an early breakfast, a tasty lunch or a laid back dinner, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

Leave no stone unturned.