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
116 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.
Contact Rydell Outlet center
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.
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