Written By: Josie Lickteig, Marketing Intern, Ames Chamber of Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________ Moving to a new place may be scary. The unfamiliar faces and places, and the beginning of a new chapter are certainly a lot to handle. If you are considering moving to Ames or you have just moved here, this guide will be perfect for you. By building your community, getting involved, and exploring Ames, your new life will build a promising future. Often, when you first move to a new place, it can seem really big while you feel very small. However, by building your community and getting connected with others, you can make your community feel closer and your presence feel larger. In Ames, there are many opportunities for you to get connected with others. Volunteer opportunities are available across multiple organizations in Ames! The Fourth of July Parade, Reiman Gardens, Ames Public Library, Raising Readers, the Ames Farmers’ Market, the Volunteer Center of Story County, and many other organizations are accepting volunteers and offering you the chance to support your new community. Another way to feel like a true member of your community is by joining clubs for hobbies that you already enjoy. If there isn’t a club for your like-long favorite hobbies, this is also a perfect time to try something new and expand your horizons! There are many clubs that involve outdoor activities and take advantage of nature, while others utilize indoor activities. With the wide variety of clubs for people of different interests, you are certain to find people that you connect with. There is one more extremely important step to familiarizing yourself with Ames: exploring the city! Spend a day in each area of Ames. In Downtown Ames, discover the Farmers’ Market and enjoy the history of Ames along with shopping and eating experiences. In Campustown, try a new restaurant and explore Iowa State University. Up in North Ames, check out the North Grand Mall and catch some fresh air at Ada Hayden. Lastly, see West Ames and further uncover the attractions that this city has to offer. After building your community, getting involved, and exploring Ames, you will be on the right track to feeling at-home. Have confidence that you chose a wonderful town to call your home!
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Written By: Josie Lickteig, Marketing Intern, Ames Chamber of Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________ Have you ever had your family’s summer plans cancelled at the last minute by an unexpected storm? Having your plans cancelled may leave you bored and confused for your upcoming day - the weather can be our worst enemy sometimes. However, with this list of the best activities to do in Ames on a rainy day, your family’s day will be saved. 1. Reiman Gardens Reiman Gardens will give you the feeling of enjoying nature while still being protected from the weather! There are many indoor activities that will provide your kids with great experience and learning opportunities, including the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing, where you can emerge into a tropical butterfly sanctuary. Additionally, the Hughes Conservatory contains many tropical plants and seasonal displays that will completely encapsulate you in nature’s beauty. These are just two of the many indoor attractions that Reiman Garden offers. 2. Perfect Games Perfect Games is the place to go for a day full of fun, food, and family! Perfect Games offers a wide range of attractions that is sure to keep your family full of high-energy. Their weather-safe activities include bowling, laser tag, and a video arcade, as well as a full-service restaurant and a sports bar. Family memories are sure to be made at Perfect Games! 3. North Grand Mall North Grand Mall is another great location for a rainy day. Their broad spectrum of stores is sure to keep you and your family busy! From gift stores, to electronics, to apparel, and beauty, you will get all of your shopping done successfully. After your day of shopping and exploring the mall, you can head over to the North Grand Cinema and relax and eat popcorn while watching a film. 4. Iowa State University Memorial Union The last rainy day activity is located within the Memorial Union on Iowa State’s campus. There are many chances for your family to get creative and learn. For all of your arts and crafts endeavors, check out the Workspace, where you can attend events such as walk-in crafts, pottery, art and dance classes, and more! When rainy weather hits, your plans for a fun day do not need to be let down. Thankfully, our wonderful town provides us with these great rainy-day activities to keep you and your family entertained! The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market is in its 11th season this year and continues to be a community favorite from May to October.
Over time, the Market has evolved into so much more than a traditional Farmers’ Market. Year over year we see the Market grow with more vendors, more activities and more visitors from all over central Iowa. Vendors are sold out by 10am, parents wait in long lines with their kids for the petting zoos and balloon animals, and folks of all ages stop to soak up the live music. The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market is truly an experience, one designed for all community members to enjoy and feel welcome. “Your market has truly been a special spot for us over the years and last week we reflected on this as we drove home,” said long-time Market musicians, Brad & Kate. “What stands out to us about playing at the Ames Market is the beautiful display of diversity. When we play at a winery or a wedding there is typically a more narrow demographic that attends. During the market, we get the opportunity to play for all ages, as well as people with a wide array of political views, different nationalities and races, perhaps a variety of spiritual traditions, and likely a diversity of financial situations. It's not uncommon for us to have a heartfelt moment or teary-eyed interaction with a new fan. Seeing people with differences enjoy the togetherness of a morning with live music is at the core of our passion. It's a treat for us to experience this in Ames. Thank you!" Next Saturday morning, grab your friends and family and head down to the 300 & 400 blocks of Main Street to experience the Market for yourselves. We promise you won’t be disappointed! |
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March 2022
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