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AMES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUSponsored by the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau

Let's Go on a Road Trip

hoose your travel companions wisely, grab some snacks, pack your camera and get ready for an adventure through Story County. You won’t be saying “Are we there yet?” with this Saturday road trip.

Photo Courtesy of Lucky Star Market

Start your morning at the Ames Farmers’ Market on Main Street. It’s the season for fresh produce, flowers, homemade bakery items, fresh brewed coffee, hand squeezed lemonade, mini donuts, honey, meats, cheese, hand crafted items and more. Stroll through the market and inhale the smells from local food vendors, groove to live entertainment, have a good time with free children’s activities and delight in the splendor of downtown Ames.

Just a 15-minute drive from Ames, Hickory Grove Park is the largest park in the county with an abundance of outdoor activities such as camping, lodge rentals, boating, canoeing and kayaking, picnicking, an archery range, playground, swimming, trails, fishing, and hunting. Bring your own water sports equipment to use on the 98-acre lake, or rent a pedal boat or canoe if you don’t have your own.

Lucky Star Market is a pop-up seasonal market full of artists, designers, crafters and vintage collectors ready to show off their wares. Located outdoors in the ISU Research Park, Lucky Star Market is a rare and wonderful shopping destination where customers can interact with and buy directly from their source. You are guaranteed to leave feeling lucky on May 13!

A 17-acre botanical destination in the middle of Ames? You got it! Reiman Gardens has year-round beauty, but is especially picturesque this time of year. The outdoor gardens are in full bloom, the tropical indoor conservatory is alive with displays around the theme of “Water,” and the new Washed Ashore™ exhibit is ready for your viewing pleasure. The Washed Ashore™ exhibit features 10, larger-than-life sea creature sculptures made from trash collected from beaches highlighting the importance of clean water.

When it’s time to turn in for the night, it’s comforting to have plenty of options to choose from. Whatever your preferences and price range, we have the accommodations you are looking for. . King or queen beds, jacuzzi tubs, suites, bed and breakfasts; find the perfect place to stay at www.ThinkAmes.com. Get road trip ready and STAY, DO, EAT, and SHOP in Ames.

Reiman Gardens, photo courtesy of Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo Courtesy of Main Street Farmers' Market