Ames According to Your Mood

Feeling social

• Grab coffee on Main Street.
• Catch a live show at Stephens.
• Play pickleball at Emma McCarthy Lee.
• Browse local shops downtown.

Feeling stressed

• Take a walk at Ada Hayden.
• Reset at Reiman Gardens.
• Find a quiet corner in Parks Library.
• Do a puzzle in a calm café.

Feeling adventurous

• Bike the Squaw Creek Trail.
• Rent a kayak or paddleboard.
• Explore the ISU campus.
• Geocache around Ames.

Feeling nostalgic

• Visit the Farm House Museum.
• Walk through Campanile at sunset.
• Flip through old yearbooks at Parks Library.
• Check out Cy's Locker Room.

Feeling active

• Hit the sand volleyball courts at College Creek.
• Play a round of disc golf.
• Try an ISU rec class.
• Climb at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center.

Feeling cozy

• Find a window seat with coffee and a book.
• Watch a movie at The Campus Theater.
• Shop for candles or books.
• Homework + hot cocoa.

Feeling creative

• Visit the Brunnier Art Museum.
• Stroll the Octagon Center for the Arts.
• Join a pottery or art class.
• People-watch and sketch downtown.

Feeling spontaneous

• Say yes to a local event.
• Check out the Thursday Night Farmer's Market.
• Catch a last-minute live music show.
• Try something you've never done before.

Feeling hungry

• Great Plains Sauce & Dough Co.
• La Fondita.
• Hickory Park.
• Cafe Diem.
• Sweet Swirls Rolled Ice Cream.

Feeling productive

• Get stuff done at The Hub.
• Use CyRide to cross off your list.
• Reward yourself with a treat.
• Plan tomorrow over coffee.

Always a good idea

• Sunset at Ada Hayden.
• Ice cream from Sweet Swirls.
• A walk around campus.
• Supporting local businesses.
• Saying hi to someone new.

Mood booster tip: Ames is full of small things that make big days better. Notice them. Enjoy them. They add up.

Remember: it's okay to have an “off” day. Take a breath, be kind to yourself, and come back to what makes you feel like you.