Shopping In Style

It’s no secret that the MKE area has dozens of quaint shopping districts that hit the high notes for a day out. Here are a few bright spots around town to check out this holiday season.

Whitefish Bay

A walkable community along Silver Spring Drive with a variety of independently owned shops makes Whitefish Bay a must-stop on your list.

Plan your day while enjoying a morning meal at Moxie’s Food and Drink. Then grab your walking shoes and head to Fringe Interior Design and Home Furnishings for a variety of unique home décor pieces to use as a redecoration foundation or as ideal family gifts.

Yellow Wood is Milwaukee’s only locally owned outdoor gear boutique and offers a selection of the latest gear and outdoor lifestyle apparel from the world’s most reliable brands.

Next, get into the old-fashioned holiday spirit with a stop at the beloved Winkie’s Toys and Variety store. It’s a one-stop shop for all toys.

When it’s time for a break, try Elements Massage, Refresh Aesthetic Center, or browse through Enliven, a beauty and wellness collective.

Delafield

Known for its hiking and biking trails and the beauty of Nagawicka Lake, Delafield is also home to many boutique shopping options.

Start your day with an espresso at the Blue Collar Coffee Company. Next, head on over to Bliss Boutique and the Delafield Main Street Boutique for everything warm, wonderful and chic.

At Elements Style Boutique, you’ll find many sweaters and “shackets” available in long and short versions for style, fashion and warmth all winter long. Right up the street is Steven Paul Designs, an award-winning jeweler with a gorgeous array of holiday selections.

Discover your favorite home and life goods at Birchwood Wells. All vintage and modern pieces are hand selected. Then, elevate the look of your garden at Genetti Gardens and Gallery, which showcases glass and metal sculptures and other gifts inspired by art, nature and gardens — all made by local artisans.

For dining and wine-sipping, there’s a nice selection of places to check out up and down the main drag, including the Waterford Wine & Spirits, Mazatlan, Angelina’s, i.d., Revere’s, Zin and the Lumber Inn.

West Bend

The much-anticipated reopening of downtown West Bend is worth a sightseeing and shopping trip. The Riverwalk from Veterans Avenue Bridge north to Rivershores Drive includes river walls, landscaping, kayak launch and fishing deck and a covered walkway to Main Street.

Strolling along Main Street, be sure to check out the many unique boutique shops, including Jade n Ginger (vintage and curated goods), Sweet Laurel Children’s Resale and Boutique.

Christy Mac’s Boutique (clothing for women from small to 3x) and Urban Farm Girl (vintage and unique furniture).

For a shopping break, stop at the Norbert Bar and Kitchen, an urban storefront bar with old-timey flair and a diverse tapas menu. Other nearby dining options include Pearl of Canton, the Omicron, Dooley’s, Ninja Steakhouse, the Copper Penny, and Krimmer’s.

Bay View

Some of the trendiest shops in MKE are along Kinnickinnic Avenue. You’ll find vintage clothes, accessories and furniture side-by-side with unique souvenirs by local artisans.

Start your day with sweetness at the Honey Pie Café. Then head out for a fun-filled day of unusual finds. Here are some suggested stops:

Plume: The shop is comprised of men’s, women’s and unisex vintage apparel, shoes and accessories, small furniture and housewares, beauty products, print materials and handmade gifts.

Sparrow Collective includes the work of local artisans. You’ll find home goods, hand printed graphic tees for adults and children, accessories, art and locally themed gifts.

R Vintage N More is a mid-century and antique mall. Find furniture, collectibles, and “old people’s junk and cool crap” that may just catch your eye.

Experience the homey atmosphere of Ursa, a shop with very quaint home décor, accessories and plants hanging along the windows. You’ll find ceramics, jewelry and kitchen and bath supplies too.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, try Hue Asian Kitchen, a locally-owned restaurant with delectable Vietnamese food.

Bayshore

Start Your Day at Mochinut, known for its unique delicacies that combine American donuts with Japanese mochi.

Want to make a fashion statement for you or a loved one? Step into Aversa and browse an expanded selection of designer clothes for all ages and lifestyles. Another must-stop shop is Evereve, where expert stylists guide customers to outfits that fit their body type, sense of personal style and lifestyle.

Check off names on your gift list at the Paper Source, a premier paperie and retail store offering a unique selection of fine and artisanal papers, stationery, invitations, gift wrap, greeting cards, quirky gifts and more.

For the cook in your life, shop Sur La Table. You’ll find yourself in a culinary paradise with more than 12,500 items from essentials to hard-to-find specialty tools.

When it’s time for a fun midday break, try Backlot  Pizza + Kitchen and the ACX Cinemas Entertainment Center for a movie break and bowling arcade. Or stop at the new Buchanan’s, a high-end English pub that opens Dec. 1.

Want some sweet treats? Kilwins Chocolate Fudge & Ice Cream Shop offers 24 ice cream flavors in hand-made waffle cones, fudge, chocolates, caramel apples, corns and brittles, ice cream cakes, coffee and specialty drinks. MKE