Experience · Ames
Ames Art & Dinner Date Night
Start your evening with a relaxing glass of wine or craft beer before heading to Stephens Auditorium for a memorable show. Conclude your date with a refined dining experience featuring locally sourced American cuisine.
A 4-hour Ames evening plan for couples — Della Viti, Stephens Auditorium, Aunt Maude's.
- Duration
- 4 hrs
- Cost
- $100–$250
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Walking
- Moderate walking · Total 2.2-mile driving route
- Best time
- 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1Della Viti(45 min)→
- 2Stephens Auditorium(2 hrs)→
- 3Aunt Maude's(1 hr 15 min)
Why this plan works
The 3 stops cover about 2.2 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Ames instead of crossing town between them. Stephens Auditorium is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Aunt Maude's — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, and solo who want a planned Ames outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Start your evening with a relaxing glass of wine or craft beer before heading to Stephens Auditorium for a memorable show. Conclude your date with a refined dining experience featuring locally sourced American cuisine.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 145 minDella Viti
Nightlife
What to do — Choose from a curated selection of wines or local craft beers to set a pleasant tone for the night.
1.2 mi · 6 min drive
Then A short drive or ride will bring you to Stephens Auditorium.
22 hrsStephens AuditoriumArts & Culture
Large, multilevel theater at Iowa State University featuring concerts, plays & other events.
What to do — Attend a captivating concert, play, or other live event at this impressive venue on the Iowa State University campus.
Scout Side QuestBefore the curtain rises, each make one hyper-specific prediction about tonight’s performance.
1 mi · 20 min walk or 5 min drive
Then A short drive will take you to Aunt Maude's for dinner.
3Optional 1h 15mAunt Maude'sFood & Drink
Genteel setting for locally sourced, modern American cuisine paired with wines from a sizable list.
What to do — Savor locally sourced, modern American cuisine in a genteel and intimate setting, perfect for post-show conversation.
Scout Side QuestGive the evening so far a snappy one-sentence review, as if you're theater critics on a deadline.
Scout Stories
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The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Ames itinerary for couples?
- Yes. It's built for couples, friends, and solo and runs about 4 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Della Viti.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 4 hrs door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Ames itinerary cost?
- Roughly $100–$250 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Not entirely. The stops cover about 2.2 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
Keep exploring
More ways to spend time in Ames
Different moods, same city.
OutdoorsAmesAmes Evening Garden Stroll & PizzaSpend a peaceful evening wandering through Reiman Gardens, enjoying the seasonal displays and outdoor art. Afterward, grab an affordable and satisfying pizza dinner, and top off the night with a leisurely browse through a local bookstore.
- Duration
- 3h 15m
- Cost
- $20–$50
- Ideal for
- Friends · Couples