I savored the serenity of the drive up to Ames through the Iowa farming towns. The fields were full of ripened crops. The country scenery was enhanced by Michael Buble crooning through my car speakers, and a travel mug filled with clove-enriched coffee.
My pace slowed as traffic tightened when I entered the city limits of Des Moines. I have come to realize I am not a city girl and probably never have been, even though I spent the majority of my life in San Diego. How good it felt to break free of the glutted Des Moines traffic and to be, once again, sailing through the pasturelands.
When I arrived at the Best Western in Ames, I was greeted by their hostess, Krisitina. As I began the check-in process, I asked her for recommendations for sites to visit. I barely google a town before I start out on my trips. I prefer to get the personal insights of the people who live there. Krisitina’s first response was — Stam. I made a quick note of it. Krisitina broke off to chat with the General Manager of the hotel, William. Then she finished checking me in and handed me my key. I went down the hall, and upon entering the room, I realized they had generously upgraded me to an expansive suite. I was so grateful to them for such a beautiful surprise!
As soon as I unloaded my travel gear, I set off for Stam’s. I pulled onto a historic district and was elated to find Stam housed in a Victorian building. History is my fascination.
Inside, I found a chocolaterie and coffee shop. Ambiance is important to me as it enhances the experience, and even the taste of the food and drinks. The atmosphere of Stam qualifies for my “best” list. I curled up on a comfy chair by the fireplace and enjoyed each sip of their dark chocolate latte.
I was given a sampling of their chocolates. The flavor is superior to anything I had previously tasted. So I queried the staff. They told me the Stam family were chocolatiers in the Netherlands back to the early 1800’s. When they immigrated here, they brought their family recipes with them. If they have been making chocolates for 200 years, I would say they have it down pat. I returned twice a day the entire time I was in the region. I even bought an ice chest full of their goodies to take home with me. Thankfully, they provide shopping online too.
I stocked up on their cocoa bombs for the coming Fall season, and their dark chocolate baking chips, which I ended up eating by handfuls, rather than baking with them. They are that good!
I drove on to the Discover Ames office and got the good advice of the staff on more sites to visit. I always stop at a Visitor Center, as the people who work there are not only locals, but are well-acquainted with what their town offers. If a town doesn’t have a visitor center, I stop at the Chamber of Commerce. Google has the bullet points on any destination, but the townspeople know their town better than anyone on earth. There is nothing like talking to them, in person, and culling their insights.
I drove onto the campus of Iowa State University, which is home to the Reiman Gardens. The first stop inside is the Butterfly enclosure, which houses 800 butterflies, of 50 different species.
I then strolled along paths through each varying section. You will meander by a plethora of floral plants, glass butterfly sculptures, and artistic statues.
This one, in particular, was intriguing to me. Her name is Garden Sprite. She seems to have a story to tell…..
I ended my exploring to nourish at Wasabi. Japanese is my first cuisine of choice.
Their avocado salad and protein roll were exceptionally flavor-filled.
On my last day in town, I browsed through the many boutiques.
Lindsey Loo’s has an enormous selection of unusual and delightful gift items. I had fun looking at everything.
The next shop I encountered on my walk through town was Dog-Eared Books.
They provide love-to-read volumes, and plenty of nooks to settle in.
How helpful it is to have a shelf with the current editions recommended by the national book clubs. The empty spaces reveal how quickly they sell out. And the children must adore their own space in the tiny book house.
Oak Lane Candle Co. makes their own “clean” candles”. And you can even make your own candle at the Pour Bar, using your scent preferences. Stacy, the owner, uses her business to assist local adoptive services and to help women emerging from trafficking (Wings of Refuge). I love everything about this shop and what it does.
It was hard to leave Ames, but I was continuing up north to see what I could discover in Mason City and Clear Lake, Iowa (see the blog here). I hope you put Ames on your must-visit list!