MORE THAN A DAYTRIP
Discover Our
Downtowns!
Downtowns!
A Shopping Adventure with Leanne!
Discover the fun waiting for you in the shopping districts of the St. Croix Valley!
Eats, Treats, Antiques, & Boutiques
let's go shopping!
Tourism is on the upswing, as more folks begin to feel safe to travel and book those family vacations. The downtowns of Western Wisconsin are just the ticket for an all-inclusive weekend experience that will pique any interest. Just an hour north of the Twin Cities, the communities of St. Croix Falls, Taylors Falls and surrounding areas are situated along the St. Croix River like gold nuggets. And they are just waiting to be found!
Sure, big cities have fun and exciting attractions, but it can often feel monotonous as every turn produces the same big box store, chain coffee shop or typical fast-food restaurant. So why not indulge in some charm and history?
Take a stroll through downtown St. Croix Falls along its main drag, and you’ll find a gem, The Unique Boutique. This shoppe is pleasing to the eye from the moment you enter, with adorable window displays and storefront tables filled with clothing and accessories comparable to trends on the west coast-without the California price tag! Scoop up a pair of cozy lounge pants, or a playful romper for a night out with your girlfriends. Top it off with a brimmed hat or a pair of leather earrings to feel like a fashionista! One of the best parts about shopping local is the personal touch. The owner will wrap your items in tissue and a gift bag, often tucking in a piece of chocolate for later.
Another jewel along main street, St. Croix Falls is Tangen Drug. More than a small-town pharmacy, it is full of cleverly merchandised gifts and décor for home or cabin- some made locally, and others uniquely found here. I promise, you won’t find a lifejacket can koozie anywhere else. Speaking of jewels, don’t forget a stop into La Jewelry LaDy to add a little sparkle and shine into your day. They have jewelry of all types, and price points to suit all shoppers!
Now that you’ve worked up a good appetite, follow the aroma of homemade waffle cones, just across the street and you’ll stumble into Valley Sweets! They offer a selection of ice cream piled high atop one of their delectable cones, artisan handmade chocolates, and nostalgic candies. The owners are currently adding a full artisan kitchen to provide even more delights and fresh baked goods! Whether you are 5 or 95, you’ll feel like a kid browsing through this enticing sweet shoppe. My preference is the Iced Latte’ Da ice cream, as it adds a caffeinated boost along with a package of fresh, tropical flavored gummy butterflies to go. (They’re for my husband but he won’t admit it.) I recommend eating your treats at the Scenic Overlook next door, where you can take in the breathtaking St. Croix River, rushing over the dam.
There are many exciting changes coming to downtown St. Croix Falls in the near future. Be on the lookout for announcements as they roll out!
They say that good things come in pairs and luckily, St. Croix Falls has its own “twin city” with Taylors Falls just across the river. I highly recommend hitting this quaint little downtown, keeping these hot spots in mind:
- The Bead Store, with a myriad of colorful jewels, pendants, and stones for your crafting delights.
- With August, an artistic shop offering pottery, woodworking and other locally resourced products and one-of-a kind furniture and textiles.
- River Alley Shoppes, is a distinctive location filled with vintage and repurposed gifts. The merchandise is always changing so every time you come, you’ll find something new! I am personally treasuring the bright red, old fashioned gumball machine I purchased.
you’ll discover Glädje (formerly Gustaf’s Up North Gallery), a
fine art gallery offering Scandinavian imports, custom framing, gifts, home décor, and even classes.
All this plus wineries, breweries, orchards, live theater, and more are all within the vicinity and a short distance from the Twin Cities metro, which means less time driving and more time vacationing!
And when your PTO runs out, you’ll have a short drive home leaving you refreshed and well rested. No feelings of needing a vacation after the vacation!
This article was written by Leanne Waterworth, local resident/ shopping aficionado and published author of Just Breathe.
Content produced by Linda Shober Marketing + Design, a marketing firm located in the St. Croix Valley specializing in providing content, strategy, management, design, and creative for digital and traditional marketing projects.