The “Heart of Ames” is not only a nickname for downtown streets but also an annual celebration of small businesses.
The City of Ames is currently hosting the “Heart of Ames” event to promote local businesses and events from Feb. 1 to 15.
There are many shops and restaurants down Main Street and nearby that have shared Valentine’s Day date ideas, such as Della Viti, PhotoSynthesis, Valor & Violet, Duck Worth Wearing, The Loft and many more.
If you want to explore Downtown Ames for Valentine’s Day but not in the traditional fashion, there are plenty of stores and restaurants with “Galentine’s,” kid-friendly and even pet-friendly events.
Dog-Eared Books, a bookstore on Main Street, will host a book fair at Prairie Moon Winery from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday for “Heart of Ames.”
“It’s basically like a school book fair, but for adults,” Nayeli, a manager at Dog-Eared Books, said. “It’s just a fun time for people to come, walk around, get a drink, mingle, buy some books and buy some stickers.”
Prairie Moon Winery will be providing drinks for the book fair and there will also be live music for anyone looking to enjoy a show.
Another business holding events to participate in “Heart of Ames” this month is Life Distilled. Life Distilled is located on Main Street and sells all-natural health and wellness products.
Life Distilled will be hosting multiple events throughout February for your Valentine or “Galentine.” Some of these events include a craft night, perfume blending, bracelet-making, plant terrariums and a sound bath.
“At Life Distilled, Valentine’s Day is less about a single day and more about creating space for connection, creativity and care,” owner Jenny Pollard said. “As part of Heart of Ames, we’re leaning into what we do best: offering experiences that bring people downtown and give them a reason to linger.”
More information about the events at Life Distilled can be found here.
These are only a couple of the ways that Downtown Ames is coming together to give people a Valentine’s Day to remember. A list of “Heart of Ames” events can be found here.
