COOL NEW PLACES Driftless IN THE

Every quarter, we chat at Inspire(d) HQ about what new things we’ve seen pop up around the region, and marvel at the continued growth. Great things are happening across our rural-but-wonderful towns and cities. All. The. Time! We truly love hearing about fun new spots to grab a beverage or meal, or a reason to get out and explore the Driftless. Starting a new business is an act of bravery, as is making changes to a current one. Thank you to these people who continue to believe in this corner of the world (and themselves), and invest in our communities. We applaud you all! So without further ado: Here’s a little list of recent Driftless business additions and changes that we think are totally worth checking out!

DECORAH, WE ADORE YA!

If you haven’t been out and about in downtown Decorah lately, we suggest you make a plan to do so! The new beginnings of spring are the perfect time to see all the new and transplanted businesses!

Movers & Shakers:

Ace Kitchen has found a new home (one with a lot more space for all the store’s wonderful home and kitchen items)!Located at 101 E. Water St –essentially across the street from their old store – Ace Kitchen has beautifully remodeled the corner storefront, maximizing the beautiful, wall windows and super cool nooks (like old bank vaults) perfect for fun product displays. It’s gorgeous – we really love the old-school vibe they’ve got going on in there! acekitchenplace.com

Our friends at Red Roxy Quilt Co. have also moved to larger digs, with lots of room for more fabric and fun! Find them at 804 Short Street (in the shopping center near Sherwin Williams). The new shop is now open, and we think it’s going to be “sew” great (sorry, had to do it) for all their classes, workshops, and awesome retail. Pop in to say hi, and keep an eye out for what they’ve got in store over the coming months (and beyond)! redroxyquiltco.com

Magic Morpho: Downtown Decorah is now even more magical! Magic Morpho, a super fun gift + crystal shop, opened late fall of 2022. You’ll find it at 130 W. Water Street, in the heart of downtown (next to Magpie Coffee and Sparrow’s). Inside, you’ll find crystals, fossils, minerals, handcrafts, art, apparel, and many things magical. Plus, there’s a “pick-your-ownset-of-rocks” table that is every kid’s (and rocklover’s) dream! Who doesn’t need a little more magic in their lives?! magicmorpho.com

Double Windsor Clothing Company

Another welcome addition in Downtown Decorah is Double Windsor Clothing Company, specializing in men’s casual and dress wear, shoes and accessories, tuxedo rentals, and more. Located at 309 W. Water St, in a historic building has been a bakery, real estate office, law office, and now clothing store, Double Windsor opened its doors in December 2022.

Owner Darrin Walter previously ran Decorah Cleaners, so he saw firsthand what fabrics and brands were the best quality and lasted the longest. Double Windsor customers can find brands such as 7 Downie Street, 7 Diamonds, Bamboo Cay, SAXX, Woolly, and many more. Check them out in Decorah, or at Facebook.com/ DoubleWindsorClothingCompany.

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Decorah Greenhouse & Flowershop

Across the river on the west side of Decorah, the former Decorah Greenhouse & Flowershop space continues to transform its fun offerings – from flower design classes to herb garden workshops to high teas (Aryn and friends even participated in an escape room the Greenhouse created onsite on New Year’s Eve!) Out of town guests (or local staycationers) can also stay at their gardenthemed Airbnb. facebook.com/ TheDecorahGreenhouseandFlowerShop

(P.S. Rumor has it that Downtown Decorah may finally see its very own fly fishing shop as well. We’ll see what spawns!)

WHAT’S NEW IN WAUKON!

At the corner of Spring Ave and Main Street in Waukon, fun things keep coming together in Downtown Waukon. Our friends at Aztec Parlor Coffee Shop have been holding things down at 15 W. Main St since the Fall of 2021, offering coffee and tasty food to residents and visitors alike. facebook. com/aztecparlor

But just over a year ago, a large multi-structure fire broke out in Waukon, wiping out “Paws Up” Pet Supplies, and severely damaging Steel Cow Gallery next door (15 Allamakee St NW). Luckily, Paws Up was able to relocate quite quickly to a lower level space at the corner of Spring and Main (4 Spring Ave), and Steel Cow was able to complete renovations (again) on their beautiful gallery and studio spaces – and are fully up and running. steelcow.com In fact, Steel Cow is also adding additional floral offerings through their Steel Cow Lavender Farm in the near future, and with their lovely mobile flower cart outside of Steel Cow (in season). steelcowlavenderfarm.com brokerleather.com

Broker Leather, formerly of Decorah, has also moved their high end boot and fashions to the building at Spring and Main (5 E. Main St), offering a whole new environment with their fun kicks and accessories.

Buck Me Up boutique rounds out the building next door (3 E. Main St), with a fun selection of clothing and wears, making the block an all-out shopping extravaganza! www. buck-me-up.com

And just across the street is Hello Sunshine – a bright and fun gift store offering everything from silly to serious home wears, gifts, and anything that will bring a bright smile (9 W Main St).

Throw in crowd favorites like Hartig Drug, Elliott Jewelers, and a meal at AJ Steakhouse, Yen Hin Dragon, or the new Uptown Grill, and you’ve got an afternoon’s worth of fun!