Do It Like A Local, A Weekend Guide to Ames, Iowa

Ames is the home of Iowa State University whose campus has been ranked in the 25 most beautiful. As comes with college towns, you'll find much to do, from plays and concerts to a wide variety of restaurants. While a stroll around the campus is a "must" on a fine day, Reiman Gardens is where many come to enjoy tropical greenery during Iowa's cold winters.

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Hickory Park Restaurant Co
Hickory Park is easily Ames' most popular restaurant. The cavernous building will seat 450 people at a time and serves approximately 15,000 meals per week (more if the Cyclones are playing)! Reservations are not accepted and expect to wait if you arrive during regular meal hours or before/ after a game. Servings are large, so consid... More >
Hickory Park is easily Ames' most popular restaurant. The cavernous building will seat 450 people at a time and serves approximately 15,000 meals per week (more if the Cyclones are playing)! Reservations are not accepted and expect to wait if you arrive during regular meal hours or before/ after a game. Servings are large, so consider sharing- otherwise you won't have room for the fabulous desserts!
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Reiman Gardens
Wonderful for families, Reiman Gardens has activities all year long. With 14 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, there is always something new to see. Reiman Gardens is also home to Elwood, the World's Largest Concrete Garden Gnome. The most peaceful place in the entire building is the Butterfly Wing. Sit quietly and they will lan... More >
Wonderful for families, Reiman Gardens has activities all year long. With 14 acres of indoor and outdoor gardens, there is always something new to see. Reiman Gardens is also home to Elwood, the World's Largest Concrete Garden Gnome. The most peaceful place in the entire building is the Butterfly Wing. Sit quietly and they will land on you.
Consistently the highest rated hotel in Ames for its clean rooms and friendly staff, the Days Inn is close to the Main Street Cultural District and many restaurants.
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Treasures On Main
The Main Street Cultural District has certainly changes since my college days. Now it is a beautiful are made for a leisurely stroll and shopping. Enjoy the Ames Farmers Market, The Cupcake Emporium and Great Stuff (an incredible consignment shop). Sit and relax on a bench or in the wonderful park in the "middle" of the street.
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Iowa State University
The grounds of Iowa State University are incredibly beautiful, welcoming students and visitors to wander the paths or relax on the grass. If you're into architecture you'll love the Campanile, the University Offices, Beardshear Hall, Curtiss Hall and Alumni Hall. If science is your thing you might be interested to know that George Wa... More >
The grounds of Iowa State University are incredibly beautiful, welcoming students and visitors to wander the paths or relax on the grass. If you're into architecture you'll love the Campanile, the University Offices, Beardshear Hall, Curtiss Hall and Alumni Hall. If science is your thing you might be interested to know that George Washington Carver was a student here and that the first electronic digital computer was invented in the physics hall between 1939 and 1942.
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Lucullans Restaraunt
Great for a date night or a family meal. Try the Crock Pizza- it's fabulous- or the Lemon Chicken. This is part of the Main Street Cultural District, but is such an Ames institution, it deserves it's own mention. If you are planning an intimate dinner I highly recommend making reservations.
Great for a date night or a family meal.
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Days Inn Ames
Consistently the highest rated hotel in Ames for its clean rooms and friendly staff, the Days Inn is close to the Main Street Cultural District and many restaurants. Complimentary breakfast and wifi add to the already great value.  More
Consistently the highest rated hotel in Ames for its clean rooms and friendly staff, the Days Inn is close to the Main Street Cultural District and many restaurants. Complimentary breakfast and wifi add to the already great value.
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About the Author

Jody L Halsted
Jody L Halsted
Jody Halsted has been blogging since 2004, when she became a stay at home mom to her eldest daughter. As frequent travelers, Jody and her husband heard "You can't travel after you have a baby." When internet searches for family traveling turned up results for Walt Disney World and similar vacation spots, Jody began sharing her family travel how-to's in her first travel blog, Have Kid Will Travel. In 2010 Jody launched FamilyRambling®, a website designed to inspire family travel, provide tips to make it easier and share first hand trip reports. New for 2011 Jody is sharing her love of family travel in Ireland by launching Ireland With Kids, a website designed to promote family travel in the Emerald Isle. Jody also writes for various online and print publications. Jody is active in social media, sharing her knowledge via Facebook and Twitter as well as bringing together social media experts for her own I_Blog Conference. To follow Jody's travels be sure to visit the Family Rambling Facebook page (facebook.com/familyrambling). For more about Jody visit JodyHalsted.com.
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