While chains have a reassuring predictability factor, you can't fully appreciate the distinctiveness of a city until you shop its small local businesses. Pop into these locations, and you can often chat with the owner, browse distinctive small-batch products, and enjoy handmade goods that were thoughtfully crafted on-site. This is also the best way to enjoy personalized pieces or one-of-a-kind finds. Here are some of the favorite stops in Crookston, Minnesota, courtesy of the staff at Rydell Outlet.
Widman's Candy Shop
Image via Flickr by Fargo-Moorhead CVB116 S. Broadway
If you're interested in local shopping, you can't miss Widman's Candy Shop. This is the oldest family-owned business in Crookston, dating back to 1911. The current owner, George Widman III, is often on hand with his wife, Lois. A fourth-generation confectioner, George has been making the shop's candies for four decades. While the caramel, taffy, toffee, peanut brittle, almond bark, and other treats are delightful, they're not the most famous items on the menu. This honor goes to Widman's Chippers, a special brand of chocolate-covered potato chips. Make sure you try this iconic snack.
Real Good Bath & Body
118 S. Broadway
Treat your body with the care it deserves with the nature-based skin-care products available at Real Good Bath & Body. Every handcrafted product is uniquely designed and created with care. The natural items on these shelves are free from gluten, animal tallows or fats, sulfates, phthalates, and parabens. Instead, you'll find indulgences created with nurturing clays, honey, avocado, goat's milk, charcoal, and oatmeal. From playful bath bombs to refreshing room sprays, you'll find a seemingly endless range of delights for your home.
Montague's Flower Shop
114 N. Main St.Montague's Flower Shop is a family-owned-and-operated business. Everyone on staff is dedicated to helping customers enjoy a pleasant and memorable experience. Montague's offers outstanding arrangements that are suited to any type of occasion. In addition to its stunning fresh flowers, Montague's also offers seasonal decor and unique gifts.
Flower delivery throughout Crookston is available daily from Monday through Saturday when you want to make a special impression on someone. Limited delivery is also available in Fisher, Red Lake Falls, and Climax.
D&D's Thomforde Garden Center
528 Tuttle St.D&D's Thomforde Garden Center has been in the same place for more than 60 years. This locally owned and operated business offers custom planting and floral arrangements made to order. You'll also find garden supplies, plants, and gifts to help you enhance your landscape and home.
Erickson Embroidery/2nd St. Boutique
124 W. Second St.
Create custom apparel and accessories with embroidery and screen printing services from Erickson Embroidery. You can order unique apparel for any type of special event, including family reunions, sporting events, golf tournaments, and corporate retreats. The on-staff graphic designer will help you turn your creative ideas into a reality for your apparel. While you're there, don't forget to stop and browse the impressive collection of Crookston Pirates and UMC Golden Eagles merchandise.
The 2nd Street Boutique is located within Erickson Embroidery. This shop focuses on fashion items from distinctive high-quality brands such as Multiples, Hem & Threads, and Tribal. Each piece is available in only a few sizes to preserve the novel look of these items and ensure you walk away with a truly distinct look.
Wish Upon a Star
120 W. Sixth St.
Thrifters rejoice — Wish Upon a Star is a consignment/thrift shop that offers an engaging selection of goods, with something new to be discovered in every visit. This store aims to prove that dressing well doesn't have to come with a high price tag. The racks feature gently used clothing for juniors and children. You'll also find shoes, children's equipment, toys, and furniture at affordable prices.
Wonderful Life Foods
115 N. Main St.
If you're looking for gluten-free foods, you've finally found the perfect place at Wonderful Life Foods. This bakery, deli, and specialty grocery store specializes in gluten-free and natural goods, offering baked goods that are thoughtfully made from scratch. You'll find enticing options such as carrot cupcakes, cranberry muffins, and oatmeal-raisin cookies.
If you're looking for lunch, you can stop in from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu includes ham, chicken salad, tuna, or roast beef on a sandwich or wrap. The deli also serves a hot soup of the day. Common options include Caribbean chicken jerk, chicken tortilla, sausage and kale, as well as Angus steak chili. Wonderful Life Foods encourages healthy eating as a lifestyle and offers special workshops on food.
Willow & Ivy
123 S. Broadway
This antique and gift shop features a unique collection of one-of-a-kind finds. You'll find Willow & Ivy in the Historic City Hall in downtown Crookston. This is an especially smart shopping choice if you're looking for Minnesota-themed items. The collection of gifts includes several options, from dishtowels to blankets and more, that highlight this state with the shape of Minnesota or clever sayings.
Simply Boutique
2015 Sahlstrom Drive
Located within the Rejuv' Salon & Spa, Simply Boutique features jewelry, clothing, and accessories to help you with any fashion-forward transformation. You'll also find a selection of unique gifts you can choose from for special occasions.
If you'd like to step into the adjoining spa while you're there, you can enjoy a full menu of services, including haircuts and styling, skin treatments, makeup application, face and body waxing, nail services, massages, and facials.
Bridge Street Candle Company
1111 A St.
Bridge Street Candle Company makes hand-poured candles right in the shop. You'll also find a selection of candle accessories, stained glass, and other home decor items to add interest to your space. If you're interested in treating yourself or someone special to a little pampering, check out the bath salts and Northern White Pine Studios lotions. Tuxedo rentals are available from this shop as well.
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There you have it! These are our favorite local shops in Crookston, Minnesota. You can get everything from lunch to soaps to flowers from companies that operate independently. Help local business owners thrive with a visit to these destinations. Did we miss any great Crookston businesses? Let us know so that we can provide the best recommendations for shopping in the area.
Located in eastern North Dakota, Traill County boasts several small communities with unique businesses, some of which highlight cultural history. Boasting a population of approximately 8,100 people, Traill County has grown over the years and continues to welcome guests from all over to check out its many shops. At these retailers, you can purchase gifts for your loved ones, trinkets for your home, or even clothing. To help you figure out where to stop, we've compiled a list of must-visit local retailers. more Buffalo Coulee Wood Products 16171 7th St. NE in Cummings Image via Flickr by pdbreen If you're looking for rough-cut hardwood designs for your decor, Buffalo Coulee Wood Products is the place to shop. Located just south of Grand Forks, the store was founded thanks to arborists, Jared Johnson and Matt Weaver, who built a business creating pieces of art from wood planks. They purchased a circular sawmill in 2016 and produced their first creation just one year later. In addition to its designs, the men sell reclaimed wood and wood supplies for professional woodworkers and hobbyists. Over the years, the two men have created a stunning showroom highlighting their designs. It's filled with slabs of red mulberry, oak, red cedar, and sycamore pieces. They pride themselves on offering custom-made designs. To create their works of art, they obtain lumber from as far away as North Carolina and Kansas, but they've also been able to locate beautiful cedar and oak trees from Minnesota and both Dakotas. All of their designs are one-of-a-kind, so when you purchase one, you know no one else has a design exactly like yours. Countryside Creations 28 Main St. W in Mayville Countryside Creations is a family-owned and operated business that sells the finest floral arrangements and gifts. Its professional staff works closely with each customer, taking into account everything they want in an arrangement. Among the services the shop specializes in include contemporary and traditional arrangements, silk arrangements, gourmet and fruit baskets, gift baskets, candles, and greeting cards. It serves the following North Dakota cities: Arthur, Blanchard, Buxton, Clifford, Cummings, Galesburg, Hatton, Hillsboro, Hope, Hunter, Mayville, Page, and Portland. These areas are subject to a $3 delivery fee. As a service to its customers, the shop doesn't charge to deliver to the local nursing home, hospital, or funeral home. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. It does work with families on Sundays for funeral or anniversary needs. Geneva's Found Goods 7 North 3rd St. in Reynolds Geneva's Found Goods is a family-owned boutique run by sisters Jenny Curry and Emily Eisenbeisz. The two grew up in Buxton and named their shop after their late grandmother who showed them all a small town has to offer. In looking for an area to set up their shop, they settled on Reynolds, where they opened the doors in 2020. Check ahead before you venture to the store though, as its hours vary. It's mainly open on the weekends. The shop sells unique home decor, fair-trade jewelry, and gift items based on the season. Fair-trade jewelry is handmade by artisans, usually women, who live in some of the poorest communities across the world. The shop commissions the jewelry, and those who purchase it end up providing enough rice to feed the artisans' families for one week. The shop also sells a variety of local baked goods and refreshments. Hatton Granite Company 1205 Dakota Ave. in Hatton Established in 1904, the Hatton Granite Company is the state's oldest monument business. It began operations just 15 years after North Dakota gained its statehood. After emigrating with his family from Norway, Christian Ness began the business. In its early years, the company used a hand and chisel method to inflict personal artistry and design on its monuments. Since then, the company has gone through five generations but continues to offer high-quality granite and memorial pieces. Its staff continues to travel directly to suppliers to choose inventory, including granite from Norway, Africa, India, and the United States. Since the shop purchases each piece from the quarry and sells it directly to the customer, they can offer some of the best prices in the area. Also, each piece is worked on directly in the shop, from the design through the installation phase. Its hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. SewBatik 879 Main St. W in Mayville If you're into quilting, check out SewBatik. The owners chose the name because "sew" means to create an item using a sewing machine, and "Batik" is the ancient art of hand dying and hand stamping cloth to create a unique design. At this shop, you will find all types of creations and materials from Bruce and Diane Magidson who opened the store in 2004. For traditional batik quilting cotton, the company offers the largest collection of batik backings in the industry as its extra-wide backings work with its 45-inch cotton collection. You can also purchase precuts and project kits. Specially designed garments include 44-inch-wide rayon batiks and 72-inch-wide cotton batik jersey kits. Head into this shop Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 29 West Boutique 29 Westwood Dr. in Mayville Located in the home of owner Mindy O'Conner, 29 West Boutique offers a variety of affordable and comfortable clothes that you can wear every day. Peruse the selection of apparel, accessories, shoes, and bags to find the perfect outfit for a night out or at the office. You can also shop for clothes via its website where the owner shows off all the available styles. What Are Your Favorite Local Shops in Traill County? What do you think of this list of fun small shops you should check out in Traill County that Rydell Outlet Center put together? With so many places to choose from, we might have missed a specific place that you like to visit. If so, please let us know so we can add it to our list. We want to promote as many local shops as we can, so make sure you reach out to us today.
Have you been wondering where to grab breakfast on your way to check out the exciting used cars at Rydell Outlet? Let's check out a few great places to get those warm blueberry pancakes, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a hot cup of coffee. more If you love hotcakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, cinnamon rolls, or hash browns, you'll be covered. Beautiful Fargo is a comfort food mecca, so you'll find no shortage of places to satisfy that pancake craving. Here are our top five places around town to tackle a towering, syrup-glazed stack. Kroll's Diner Photo by nikldn on Unsplash Just looking at the menu at Kroll's Diner can get your appetite going. With items for a quick lunch, a kids' menu, and a senior menu, it's a great place for you to stop by with the kids or the grandparents after selecting your used car. Highlights include a variety of German and North American dishes that are, "güd for the gut." Kroll's all-day breakfast menu features vegetarian dishes like a three-cheese omelet and grandma's French toast. For meat lovers, you can choose from a country-fried steak skillet, grandma Kroll's pancakes, or even black oak kielbasa. What makes Kroll's pancakes special is the different ways you can order them. We recommend the pigs in a blanket that comes in strawberry or banana with whipped cream, but the buttermilk pancakes are also classic. You can grab any item for carryout, and Kroll's offers a "Feed a Buncha Folks" menu for large groups featuring a BURGERFEST with five burgers, five fries, and five sodas, or you can go with the more authentic and German-style FLEISCHFEST which comes with four fleischkuecle, four mashed potatoes, four bowls of knoephla soup, and four sodas. Kroll's provides regulars with a VIP Club and is located in Fargo, close to the Rydell Outlet, making it easy for you to stop in to grab a quick bite to eat after you check out our new inventory. The Shack on Broadway Known for its delicious homemade buttermilk pancakes and three daily specials, you'll love stopping at The Shack on Broadway after going for a test drive in a used SUV or minivan. The restaurant offers affordable, tasty, home-cooked meals. With a $2 share plate charge, the family can try several meals together. Omelets are served with fresh hash browns and your choice of toast or pancakes. There are several flavor-packed omelets to choose from including a taco omelet and a hooligan omelet which has chili and jalapenos. You can customize the fresh buttermilk pancakes by choosing plain cakes, or add in blueberries or chocolate chips. The Shack on Broadway brings you pancakes as a single cake, short stack, or full stack, and it also offers waffles and French toast. The Shack on Broadway offers online ordering options for pickup or carryout and is located conveniently close to the Rydell Outlet. Randy's University Diner Whether you prefer a light breakfast, an omelet, pancakes, a skillet, or a slice of coffee cake, Randy's University Diner has you covered. The menu features a "hot from the griddle" section which offers a short stack of original-recipe pancakes with or without eggs made your way. Customers also choose from French toast, cinnamon roll French toast, and some great toppings: whipped cream, blueberry, strawberry, caramel pecan, chocolate chips, or bananas, making for a scrumptious morning meal. Other fun breakfast choices include the breakfast sandwich, a garden veggie omelet, and the "Lotsa Meat" skillet. You can use online ordering options at Randy's University Diner for either pickup or carryout, and Randy's is located just a few minutes away from the Rydell Outlet, so you can stop by right before you take home the vehicle of your dreams. Deaner's Diner At Deaner's Diner, breakfast is served all day! A menu just for kids lets your whole family enjoy the tasty breakfast and buttermilk pancakes. Some of the favorite menu items at Deaner's are the Hungry Man's Breakfast, the Little Deaner, and Della's Deluxe. A go-to for adults and children alike, the malted waffles are available with strawberries, blueberries, whipped cream, or warm cinnamon apples. The cute, home-style vibe diner has a funny menu with "I don't want that" and "I'm not hungry" under the kids' menu to appeal to parents' humorous side, while the charming vintage car drawings appeal to those who appreciate a classic American car along with their classic American meal. Deaner's is available for carryout or dine-in and is not far from the Rydell Outlet, making it an easy choice to be sure you're powered-up for a day of driving. Fryn' Pan Family Restaurant The Fryn' Pan Family Restaurant's meals are to die for, so it's no surprise that this is one of Fargo's finest breakfast joints. The hotcakes are always drizzled with syrup and whipped butter, while the French toast and caramel nut roll appeal to your sweet tooth. For the savory types, the chicken fried steak, country sausage skillet, and country biscuits 'n sausage gravy provide a tasty breakfast to indulge in. The Fryn' Pan has a VIP club for regular customers and the restaurant offers free Wi-Fi and senior discounts. Plus, it is open 24 hours a day and is located near the Rydell Outlet, so it's a perfect spot to enjoy a Saturday afternoon with the kids or your partner to discuss your next big automobile purchase. Fryn' Pan is available for delivery or takeout. Contact Rydell Outlet So, there it is, the top five places to find pancakes in West Fargo! Whether you're feeding the whole family or you're looking for the perfect spot for a romantic brunch outing, you'll find a plethora of tasty options in town. Take the time to try all five and let us know what your favorite pancake joint is. Enjoy your pancakes, hotcakes, or waffles, add some fruit, and add some whipped cream before you head over to Rydell Outlet to pick out an affordable used car – contact us today to learn more.
Park River, North Dakota, is a small town in northeast North Dakota that's full of beautiful parks, recreation spots, and quaint places to eat and shop. About an hour from Grand Forks, this is a great place to visit during the summer for a small getaway alone or with family. Here are some reasons to add Park River to your list of weekend getaway spots. more Homme Dam Recreation Area Image via Flickr by mypubliclands As you plan your summer getaway to Park River, be sure to include the Homme Dam Recreation Area. During the warm summer months, this play is perfect for outdoor fun, adventure, and relaxation, whatever your cup of tea. The area is open from May through November for camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, and much more. Campsites are available for $15 to $35 per night depending on the type you choose (no electric, with electric, and with electric and water are all available). You can also rent campsites by the month for a longer time to enjoy the area. Get out on the water in a kayak or paddle boat and explore the peaceful Homme Lake and South Branch Park River for only $10 per hour for the first three hours and an additional $5 per hour after that. Relax on the beach or get in the water at the swimming area or cast a line at the nearby fishing pier. Homme Dam Recreation Area also offers hot showers, a playground, picnic areas, a bike and walking path, and volleyball courts. Campsite reservations and more information are available on the Homme Dam website. Hillcrest Golf Club Hillcrest Golf Club offers a par 35, nine-hole regulation golf course that features 2,500 yards of golf. You can visit their website or call to check on tee times and fees. It's always a good idea to check in before your visit to make sure there's a spot available for you and your crew to enjoy a game. The course is open daily and memberships are available for frequent visitors. Stop by the snack shop or the bar after some time out on the green and enjoy something yummy. Don't forget to visit the pro shop before you leave. Lyric Theatre Built and in 1915, Lyric Theatre is a charming old movie theater on Briggs Avenue South in Park River. If you're visiting the town during the summer, you might come across a rainy day or an evening with no plans. Catch a movie at Lyric Theatre and enjoy yummy snacks, deals on candy and popcorn, and a charming atmosphere. Keep up with Lyric Theatre's social media accounts to see which movies are showing and available specials on food. You can even get pick-up popcorn to enjoy back at the campsite or motel during your stay. Grab a box to go after your movie and take a stroll along Briggs Avenue. There are lots of local places to grab a late bite to eat, shop, and just enjoy the small-town culture on this street. Hahn's Bakery Another great spot on Briggs Avenue, Hahn's Bakery, previously known as Welch's Bakery, serves up fresh pastries and pizza. Just a few doors down from the theater, this is a good place to grab something tasty before or after a movie. Try some of their made-from-scratch baked goods whether you're craving something sweet or savory. Locals love the crunch donuts and the garlic herb rolls. Everything is made fresh, so their offerings are always changing but always mouth-watering. Alexander House Motel If you'd rather stay in a motel than camp at the Homme Dam Recreation Area, consider the Alexander House Motel. Right in the heart of Park River, this motel is a favorite local spot for a great steak and good drinks. You'll find affordable rooms for rent, an on-site bar, and a welcoming steakhouse restaurant when you visit the Alexander House Motel. Enjoy a relaxing dinner when you choose from their menu loaded with tempting options like eight different steak dishes including a whiskey-marinated sirloin, fried shrimp, and Chicken Kiev. If you have kids along for the visit, the Alexander House Motel restaurant has options like chicken nuggets, mini corn dogs, and grilled cheese. Gramma Jo's Kitchen No matter where you decide to stay in Park River, you're going to need a good breakfast and lunch spot. Gramma Jo's Kitchen is a must for all visitors in the area. Known for its great service and hometown cooking, this small restaurant offers up plenty of traditional American plates like loaded burgers with fried onion rings, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and a chicken strip salad. Come by for hot coffee, fresh baked goods, and hash browns for breakfast. Start your day with fried eggs, toast, and ham, or keep it light healthy with a bran muffin. You can't stop at a local, small-town diner such as Gramma Jo's Kitchen without grabbing a slice of pie. They offer freshly-made apple, pumpkin, blueberry, and strawberry-rhubarb. Ardoch Wildlife Refuge Just outside of Park River, along Route 81 near the town of Warsaw, the Ardoch Wildlife Refuge is also worth checking out during your summer visit to Park City. This would be a good place to stop on the way to or from Park City from Grand Forks, since it's along the route. Walk through the refuge or fish in one of the designated areas. Head out onto Lake Ardoch for a peaceful time on the water and you might even catch a few. Keep the rules and regulations for fishing in wildlife refuges during your visit. Contact Rydell Outlet So, there you have it, Rydell Outlet Center's list of reasons to visit Park River in the summer. Contact us to let us know if we missed a major area attraction and maybe we'll have to add it to the list. Plan a time to take your family, friends, or someone special up to this peaceful, quaint town for a little summer getaway. You're sure to make some great memories and have a relaxing time.
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