Return of the Small Business Summer Series
I know that summer doesn’t officially begin until mid way through this month but I am so ready to kick off all things summer! And that includes a chance to showcase some small town business ventures that I either already adore or have been looking for an excuse to pop in on. While the theme of my blog is typically construction and design related- this category is open to any type of business. Somehow though, it feels like the things I love about these places usually align them with my reoccurring themes here on the blog. In fact, in addition to reviewing last year’s picks, I thought I would create this post to highlight a few of the businesses that I featured outside of my summer series. In Case You Missed It!
Historic old mill turned into a restaurant, gelato and event venue along side a small scenic lake. You can hang out at a table in the charming cafe portion of this establishment with the checkerboard floors or immerse yourself in the more rustic side where water running under the building is still harnessed for energy, fulfilling the true intention of the mill. My first trip here was in 2014 under the previous ownership and I fell in love then. So grateful that this gem is being kept alive!
Revitalized old building from…1919! Showcasing vendor nooks with a variety of crafts, antiques and oddities throughout a spacious first floor with authentic creaking wood floors. An alluring staircase will take you past a mezzanine level and a second floor with even more treasures to shop.
Olde Country Store Antiques: New London
Antique and home decor store featuring refurbished items, primitives and antiques. Beautifully designed building with rustic north woods vibe, outdoor area and garage wing for neon signs, old records and vintage automobile collectibles.
Water Street Vintage: New London
Impressive downtown New London business in historic building with two floors of antiques and vendor booths featuring crafts, home decor accessories and repurposed goods. Outstanding presentation of each space makes this shopping experience feel like you are browsing a curated market! More recently mentioned in the post about Best Green Decor!
Vintage Plus the Mercantile: Waupaca
Up north antique store feeling. Interesting mix of dishes, glassware, art, records, old cameras and local memorabilia. Displays are separate vendor areas and beautifully merchandised to keep you looking and imagining each item in your own home.
New addition to the Stock Market empire. Floral shop in a renovated downtown building selling home decor items with a sprinkling of vintage items. Also features a consulting space for custom floral arrangement orders, big and small.
Home Decor Store. Quirky mix of new and old items. Moody interior highlights a different take on everyday knickknacks- making simple accessories feel revived and high end. Also featured in the shopping trend post: Duck, Duck…Swan?
Reclaimed and re-imagined furniture and antiques presented in a rustic interior. Coffee, ribbons, candles and plants also available for sale in this one of a kind shopping experience in downtown Ripon.
Home decor and sipping room with a rich and elegant European feeling. Glassware, books and art for sale that look like they have been collected from markets all over the world. This shop is mentioned frequently when I compare the building’s natural brick colors and personal identity to other favorite spots. Additionally, it has popped up in my spring article about Green Decor!
Last but not least, let’s not forget…
Lawrenz’s Sausage Shop: Bonduel
A family owned sausage shop famous for “their own old fashion goodness” and arising years after my grandfather retired and closed the original Bonduel Meat Market and grocery store. This second generation business, now located across the road from the original, embodies the small town tourism slogan: “Bonduel- Rich in Tradition.”
If that didn’t give you enough small business vibes to start off your summer then check back in a few weeks. On my radar for this season’s features I have an ice cream and candy shoppe located in a historic bottling company, a custom bakery and a small greenhouse featuring unique annuals and perennials. Hopefully I will randomly stumble into a few other places (that’s the best way to find them!) that make the list this year as well! See you again soon!
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