The problem is that Main Street gets so much of the money and attention from the city, but it is not an area that about 90% of the population of Ames visits (or at least needs to visit). I enjoy the little boutiques and shops, and get my hair done down there. But it is sort of like Campustown - more of a pain than it is worth most of the time.
Lets go get a bloody mary from Whiskey River.