We shop for things, right? Essentials like bread and milk. Ingredients for dinners. Gifts for friends and family on special occasions. On a recent cool fall day, though, I discovered something really COOL. While shopping, I realized that some of my favorite stores (and a few new ones) in Kenosha allowed me to shop for a feeling. Let me explain…
Being retired and all, I like to get out of the house not just for essential tasks but also for fun. This particular day found me in need of someTHING to transition to the colder, darker days ahead as fall will certainly give way to winter in Wisconsin. What that was… I wasn’t sure. So, I took a ride to our charming downtown district and got to work. And by work, I mean shopping.
First stop was Blue House Books. Nothing says fall fun like a book shop and a good book, right? Who greeted me at the door but hard-working owner, Samantha! I told her my plight and she brought me to “Happy Fall Y’all,” a display of fall themed books. I selected one with witches and a ghost – something a little out of the norm for me, another piece of my “try new things” in retirement plan. BHB has so many titles to choose from, and so many events to participate in. It’s definitely a place you can spend some time in any season, but it feels especially appropriate as leaves are turning colors.
Next stop was right next door - to Lulu Birds. It’s a delightful spot and one of my personal favorite shopping destinations. What greeted me here was a basketful of mittens. Each pair was more beautiful than the previous, especially when modeled by a friendly Lulu staffer. Emily led me to the king of cozy…the perfect reading chair. She confessed to having tested it out already. We chatted about all the ways we find certain treasures comforting…leading me to this set of bowls. Did your grandmother have them too? I selected a few things and was on my way.
My journey continued at Southport Tea. It was my first visit since the shop opened earlier this year. A lovely cuppa tea is the epitome of relaxation and comfort, just ask the Bridgertons. Owner and founder, Russ, welcomed me warmly and explained a variety of teas and blends. And then he handed me the key to the queendom! You can buy “Quiet Time,” a special blend of tea that guarantees comfort, quiet, peace. Yes! It comes in a bag and you just add hot water. Who knew? I stocked up on that and also some of those sweet honey sticks, because who doesn’t love accoutrements.
Next, I strolled across the street to Modern Apothecary in search of some hand cream for those dry weather days. What grabs my attention once inside? A gigantic bathtub filled with bath bombs, soaps, crystals, bubbles and more. I could already feel the comforting magic of a warm bath. (Secret. I have never used my bathtub in my retirement condo, other than to soak my feet. Perhaps I have just been lacking the right bath accessories!) I turned around and there were shelves and shelves of soothing lotions, balms and creams in a variety of natural and organic scents. Lots of great gift ideas, and a card-making booth, too. I purchased some hand lotion and a notebook to make lists of things – future blog topics, Christmas gifts, plans with friend – you can never have too many cute notebooks.
Ope! Good thing Sandy’s Popper was right next door. I realized I needed snacks. Dave and Sandy Hawes were hard at work popping the tastiest treats around. What a great Halloween selection of popcorn, chocolates and more. Chocolate bourbon popcorn sounded pretty amazing, so I bought a bag, for scientific purposes only. (Editor’s Note: Very cutesy. Very delicious.) I saw caramel apples being hand-dipped, too. If you are a fan of a candy apple, check out all the candy toppings they have on these beauties!
A stroll down the block to A Summers Garden Florist was next. I thought some flowers to take home would brighten my day. That front nook in that beautiful floral shop is so happy! The gift selection is brimming with inspiration - tea sets, mugs, throws, decorative items. Kevin helped me select some fresh fall flowers and greens to make a pretty bouquet. We got a chance to catch up a little on family, life and downtown. It was an encounter straight from a Hallmark movie.
Last stop was the Jockey Factory Store for some pajama pants. This was the real THING I was out shopping for today, after all. Gotta have the right gear for winter snuggles. The store was chock full of fall and winter designs, as well as some clever anniversary wear! Happy 100 Jockey! I found some polka dot pajama pants on sale…not too hot and not too cool, the just right kind for lounging. You know what I mean. The team at Jockey was so friendly, and they allowed me a little snuggle with one of the Jockey Being Family Bears! Warmed my heart.
All this to say… I realized that I wasn’t just shopping for things to prep me for the current season and days ahead. I was shopping for a feeling. The feeling of comfort, the feeling you get when you curl up for a cozy, cool evening. The feeling of belonging. The best part of my journey was the great people I met along the way, eager to help and guide me in my quest, not just for things, but those comfy, cozy vibes. I learned that you can shop for feelings and you get the best results in the locally owned shops of Kenosha.
Indeed, it was a cozy and comfy afternoon for this retired senior. Kenosha is a great place to live, work, play and retire!
