Yes! See our "travel" page. We have a block of rooms reserved at Gateway but there are other options near the venue as well.
If your invite says "plus one" then sure! Just make sure you RSVP for the both of you please.
There are lots of great parks in Ames if the weather is nice, or you can check out some of our favorite bars and restaurants. Iowa State University Campus is beautiful to walk around and Rieman Gardens is also very fun to tour around!