What I wouldn’t give for a good cold brew and a chocolate croissant right about now! Staying home is for the best, but it’s hard when you’re craving creature comforts. It’s harder still when you see your favorite businesses in a lurch.
But just because you’re staying in (if you’re not, you should be!), doesn’t mean you have to stop supporting your favorite places. A lot of my favorite destinations are amping up online storefronts that make it easier to support them while we’re all stuck inside.
Here are my favorite local (and local-adjacent) small businesses to check out now.
Stone Creek Coffee // Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Stone Creek Coffee is one of my favorite stops. Their cold brew is the best. Their cafes are a joy to be in. And their business ethics are top-notch. Proof: their workers are getting paid their normal wage while they’ve shut down cafe operations.
You can continue to support Stone Creek by buying their beans online. The shipping is free! While you’re at it, tip your barista.
Plume // Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Everyone needs a good vintage shop like Plume. Their pieces are wonderfully curated, unpretentious and come in a good array of sizes (anyone else tired of vintage shops stocking everything with 25″ waists?).
While the shop is closed, their Instagram stories are poppin’. They post great finds, inspiration and updates regularly. I just snagged a red floral skort. Here’s hoping it looks as awesome as I hope it will!
Studio Ric-Rak // Wauwautosa, Wisconsin
This is truly my favorite shop. Studio Ric-Rak is the sweetest vintage shop filled with all the goodies I love.
The owner is a doll and she makes handmade decorations from vintage ephemera for each holiday (and I’ve got so many wonderful Christmas goodies from her). She’s got a handful of Easter trinkets available and ready to ship. If you need a pick-me-up for the holiday, snag one now!
And be sure to check out Instagram for more finds. The owner is posting new stuff periodically and I’m doing my best not to want it all.
Anthology // Madison, Wisconsin
Anthology is a shop I stumbled upon years ago (back when I was in college). The second I stepped inside their State Street store, I was in love. So many cute things by small brands and local makers. It’s just the perfect shop.
And while their store is closed now, they are still going strong online selling small care packages stuffed full of fun stickers and small goodies. Right now these tiny treasures are the perfect pick-me-up for a friend (or yourself —I really want most of these).
Zip-Dang // Madison, Wisconsin
This is a must-stop destination whenever I’m in Madison—either at their Monroe Street shop or their stand at the Dane County Farmers Market.
Zip-Dang just sells some really awesome stuff. I got a Baba Yaga print from them ages ago and it’s one of my prized possessions. They also have a great original art series based on Wisconsin folklore. I’ve also snagged some amazing vintage clothing finds, too. There’s just a lot to love about this place.
If that’s not reason enough to shop, they’re offering free shipping right now, so snag those prints or an adorable animal pillow. Waiting on the cat to be restocked!
Urban General Store // Chicago, Illinois
I am a puzzle fanatic normally. Staying at home has made me want to do even more puzzles.
And guess what: Everyone else wants to do more puzzles than ever, too. That means the typical destinations are all sold out (looking at you, Target). Lucky for me, I found Urban General Store.
This place has so many cute puzzles. I snagged three right off the bat and got a very sweet note from the owner. Truth be told: I could have bought many, many more.
If you’re looking for a puzzle (or honestly a lot of other fun things), check this place out. I’m so happy I found them!
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I hope this list inspires you to check out some of my favorite shops but also look into your favorite local haunts and see if you can support them right now.
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