The Octagon Center of the Arts has since moved down the block a few spots. I recently wandered into…read morethe shop and the adjacent gallery that was featuring a sign history of Ames. Great Stuff.

I really love this place! Cool art store/gallery/space to rent!…read more I have enjoyed concerts, classes, and art shows here! The rooms are beautiful and big enough for a nice crew to be in, but not huge enough to make things not feel intimate! The store is full of hand made, art stuff! Like Prints, one of a kind things, local art, jewelry, kitchen items, books, dvd's, cd's you name it! If it's art they probably have it! Perfect store for gift shopping for the unique someone who has everything...

I went to Ames Silversmithing for my watch clasp, my issue was solved in 10 minutes. I recommend if…read moreyou're looking for good service. Thank you guys!

Wow! Talk about great customer service and a wonderful and special experience! This summer, my…read morefiancé surprised me with a stop at Ames Silversmithing to pick out my engagement ring! He arranged with them to have a private viewing so we were the only ones there that was really special and kind of them to do. Kyle Youngberg made the experience so fun and exciting! He worked with us to create the ring of my dreams. I knew nothing about diamonds but my fiancé had done some research and could talk to Kyle in diamond terms. They then helped teach me about all the wonders of diamonds. We looked at different diamonds under the microscope and in the sunlight to pick the perfect one! I had to get my ring re-sized after the proposal and they were so helpful once again when we went in to drop it off and pick it up. It only took two days to get it back! We looked under the microscope again so we could see its beauty again and to see the special numbers engraved on the side so we can always make sure we have our diamond. Everyone is so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful here. Love this family owned business!

I've been a gun enthusiast since I was young, but I'm a first-time gun owner. I recently received…read moremy conceal carry license and was looking for a handgun. The guys behind the counter were very patient with me in my indecision because it was a very important decision to make since that firearm will protect me and my family. The indoor range was a great opportunity to try out several guns. They are very professional and very friendly. I 100% recommend this place.

This is my LGS and I always try to support local, but new guys is terrible and I won't be back.read more

Ames 1864 is located within the relatively new "Shops on Clark and Main", which used to house a…read moreHyVee pharmacy. It's on the far end of Downtown, and has not yet developed the foot traffic for people to stop and browse. Ames was founded in 1864, hence the name. This cute little shop contains several stationary and gift Items with that motif and similar. They also offer area maps (State, Lincoln Highway, etc.) as sort of a visitors center service. I came away with a very nice compressed paper-like cutting/serving board shaped like the State of Iowa. Other shops here at Clark and Main include Nook & Nest and Z.W. Mercantile. I found the entire complex to be inviting, well designed, and with a wide variety of interesting items. https://www.shopclarkandmain.com/

I had such a fun shopping experience at Quilting Connection this afternoon. So many bolts of fabric…read moreand friendly staff. I felt welcomed. The next time we take a road trip in this direction, I'll make a point of visiting again.

I know they will always have what I need. Kelly, the owner is so good and all the ladies that work…read morethere are so helpful. It's the best material store in our area.

The gentleman at the front counter was nice enough…read more.. I was in town from the Des Moines metro checking out a couple other stores and picking up some baked items and produce at Slim's. The selection is good considering it's a relatively small town. They have some hard to find bottles on the shelves... If you want to pay their price. Eagle Rare for $115 (almost 3x MSRP). Blantons for $125 (I think that's what he said...maybe it was more. Not bad but still 50% over MSRP)... I guess if you want a six pack of beer or to grab a standard shelfer it's probably an okay store... If you want an allocated or semi hard to find bottle... Be prepared to pay secondary price and then some. Eventually the bourbon bubble is going to burst with WAY more barrels being produced and released than there will be a market for. We're already seeing that with bottles like Heaven Hill bottled in bond. Retailers are going to need to remember to dance with the ones who brought them (the average Joe) and stop dumping the nice guys for the ones with the shiny car (the collectors with the big wallets). A few bucks... I have no issues with a man trying to earn a living. 3x MSRP? No.

Fast, friendly & professional service. They knew their products well, and worked with me to make…read moresure the product I was ordering was what I wanted. I order a canvas print, the final product came out exactly as I wanted. Excellent communication on the status of my order. COVID - masks and hand sanitizer were offered. Staff and customers were wearing masks.

As our Iowa Vacation was winding down, my Mom wanted prints for some of the pictures on my digital…read morecamera. She's super organized and so much so that every picture in her multiple albums has the date, place, and persons portrayed written on the back of every picture. Mom is also a little wary of technology, as evidenced by her only recent conversion to digital photography and non dial-up Internet. She also likes to have her hand held when operating those photo ordering machines. She loves dealing with the patient folks at Photosynthesis, and after accompanying her there yesterday, I came away impressed and thankful for their kindness. Nice prints too.

A cute little boutique style shop! A lot of new items, some locally made goods, and a few…read moreantiques. The staff was friendly. Pretty sure she was the owner. Very clean little place and easy to find right on the main drag in downtown Jewell. Definitely worth your time to stop by...if you are in the area.