Vintage treasures, festive cocktails, holiday shopping, and a little Christmas mischief! There's plenty to discover at Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods in Downtown Kenosha.
Who says you need something brand new to make Christmas special?
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones with a little history, a little character, and a story to tell.
And if you're looking for something that's anything but ordinary this holiday season, Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods in Downtown Kenosha might be just the place!
Located inside a beautiful historic building at 5000 Seventh Avenue, Olafson & Porter is much more than your typical vintage store. There's an expansive collection of vintage goods, a coffee bar, a cozy cocktail bar, unique events, and even lodging upstairs!
We caught up with Tamara Zagurski, who owns Olafson & Porter with her partner, Michael, for our latest Visit Kenosha Holiday Q&A.
We're talking vintage Christmas gifts, holiday traditions, Small Business Saturday deals, a little burlesque, and why Tamara considers herself the Heat Miser!
Yes, you read that correctly.
A Vintage Dream Comes to Life in Downtown Kenosha!
Olafson & Porter may be one of Downtown Kenosha's newer businesses, but the building it calls home has been around since 1888.
And there's quite a story behind how it all came together.
Tamara and Michael met in Chicago through a mutual friend and quickly discovered they had something pretty special in common: a love for vintage everything!
Michael had a background in salvaging buildings, while Tamara was ready for a new career and a change of scenery.
With similar dreams and a shared vision, they decided there was no reason to wait.
Tell us a little about yourself and what makes Olafson & Porter special.
"I'm Tamara, co-owner of Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods. Michael and I opened this business on June 1, 2025.
In our 1888 building, we have an expansive vintage goods store, a coffee bar, a miniature cocktail bar, the Mica Inn for lodging, and vendors in our basement.
We believe this is special for Kenosha because there's nothing else quite like it in town, and we're also a community hub.
We invite our customers to hang out, stay a while, and enjoy the many events we host."
The couple was drawn to Kenosha's lakefront, historic neighborhoods, and the potential they saw in Downtown Kenosha.
When they discovered the building with its enormous display windows, beautiful floors, and historic character, they knew they'd found something special.
Rather than create another traditional antique shop, they wanted to build a place where people could shop, relax, socialize, and discover something new.
Come for the Vintage, Stay for the Vibe!
One of the first things you'll notice about Olafson & Porter is that it doesn't feel like your typical vintage store.
There's plenty to explore, but there's also room to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
What can someone expect when they walk through your doors for the first time?
"You'll see a lot of items to purchase from various decades and price ranges.
You'll see lots of places to sit, hear some great music, and smell the scents of espresso brewing and candles burning.
We're into plants and animals, so you'll see a lot of plants around the store and possibly some dogs, both our own and our customers'!"
Vintage furniture, clothing, artwork, home décor, music, and unexpected treasures fill the space.
And here's something first-time visitors might not realize: much of what you see throughout the store is actually for sale!
That includes furniture and other pieces used to display merchandise.
Tamara and Michael carefully select items that reflect their personal tastes, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, history, and pieces you won't find everywhere else.
They also believe vintage shopping should be enjoyable, not an obstacle course through piles of merchandise.
Their spacious showroom allows customers to appreciate each piece and imagine how it might look in their own homes.
Add in a freshly brewed coffee, some good music, and perhaps a friendly dog, and you've got a pretty great way to spend an afternoon!
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like a Vintage Christmas!
When the holiday season arrives, Olafson & Porter adds a little extra Christmas cheer to its already eclectic atmosphere.
How does Olafson & Porter get into the holiday spirit?
"Being a fairly new business, we're still accumulating decorations, but we're starting a collection that we love putting up around the store.
We also like to have holiday-themed events, coffees, and cocktails!"
With a building full of vintage treasures, there's something especially fitting about decorating for Christmas with pieces that have a little history behind them.
Of course, the holiday atmosphere isn't limited to decorations.
From seasonal drinks and special events to vintage shopping and festive entertainment, Olafson & Porter is giving visitors plenty of reasons to stop in throughout November and December.
All I Want for Christmas Is... Vintage!
Let's talk Christmas shopping!
If you're tired of buying the same gifts everyone else is buying, Tamara has a pretty good argument for shopping vintage this holiday season.
Why should people consider Olafson & Porter for their holiday shopping?
"We always have a fun, eclectic vibe here, but the holidays make everything that much more electric!
The best reasons for shopping vintage for your loved ones are that you're sure to gift something unique, well-made, and nostalgic.
Plus, they'll appreciate receiving something that you put a lot of thought into picking.
The shopper can also feel good that an item is being reused instead of going into a landfill."
And that's something worth thinking about!
Instead of another mass-produced gift, imagine giving someone a piece of vintage furniture, an unusual collectible, a beautiful piece of artwork, or something that reminds them of their childhood.
A gift with a story is often a gift that won't be forgotten.
For Tamara and Michael, vintage shopping is also about appreciating the quality, craftsmanship, and artistry of items made decades ago.
By giving those pieces another life, shoppers are helping reduce waste while finding something truly one of a kind.
But vintage treasures aren't the only gift options!
What else can shoppers look forward to this holiday season?
"We recently got in a big batch of our custom-created candles that are made in Wisconsin and smell delectable."
Those candles are just one example of Olafson & Porter's commitment to carrying products made closer to home.
When they choose to sell new merchandise, Tamara and Michael prioritize Wisconsin-made goods, especially products created right here in Kenosha.
So whether you're shopping for a vintage enthusiast, a home décor lover, or someone who appreciates a locally made gift, there's plenty to discover.
Small Business Saturday: Save 20%!
Here's another great reason to add Olafson & Porter to your holiday shopping plans!
On Saturday, November 28, 2026, Olafson & Porter is celebrating Small Business Saturday with a special offer.
Take 20% OFF any retail item priced at $20 or more!
That's a pretty good excuse to finally pick up that vintage piece you've been admiring!
Whether it's furniture, artwork, clothing, or another unique find, Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to explore the store and save on something special.
And remember, with vintage shopping, many pieces are one of a kind. If you find something you love, you might not see another one quite like it!
Holiday Events, Cocktails & a Little Burlesque!
If you've been to Olafson & Porter before, you already know they enjoy hosting events that are a little different from the ordinary.
And the holiday season is no exception!
From music and tastings to burlesque and live entertainment, there's plenty happening before the end of the year.
Here's a look at what's coming up:
Thursday, November 19 – Carthage Firebirds Fly Downtown
Olafson & Porter will be part of the Carthage Firebirds Fly Downtown festivities.
Friday, November 20 – Olafson & Porter Goes Western
Break out your western wear for an evening of tequila and mezcal tasting, old-school country music, and dancing!
The event runs from 6:30 to 9 PM, with a DJ from 7 to 9 PM.
A $35 tasting ticket includes four half-ounce samples, a craft cocktail, and door prizes. An additional $10 ticket offers two top-shelf añejo samples.
Saturday, November 28 – Small Business Saturday
Enjoy 20% off retail items priced at $20 or more while shopping for unique holiday gifts!
Saturday, November 28 – Kal Bergendahl Jazz Trio | 6:30–8 PM
Keep the Small Business Saturday festivities going with live music from the Kal Bergendahl Jazz Trio! Enjoy a variety of holiday favorites spanning the decades while soaking up the atmosphere at Olafson & Porter.
Saturday, December 5 – Domaine 524 Wine Tasting
Stop by for a free wine tasting event featuring Domaine 524.
Saturday, December 5 – Christmas Music Bingo with Drew | 7 PM
Get into the holiday spirit with a special Christmas edition of Music Bingo! It's FREE to play, with great prizes up for grabs. Bring some friends, test your holiday music knowledge, and enjoy a fun evening at Olafson & Porter!
Saturday, December 12 – Antiqui-Tease Burlesque
Dionysia presents a special holiday edition of Antiqui-Tease Burlesque at Olafson & Porter, bringing a little extra excitement and holiday mischief to the season!
Saturday, December 19 – Ivy Ford
Enjoy live music with Ivy Ford as the holiday season continues.
And here's something you definitely won't find at every vintage shop!
Olafson & Porter is planning a festive photo opportunity featuring an authentic late-1800s carousel horse-drawn sled on its display window stage.
Talk about a unique Christmas photo!
And if all that shopping and entertainment leaves you looking for something to warm you up, Tamara has another holiday goal.
"I plan on having our bartenders serve up the BEST Hot Toddy in Wisconsin!"
Now that's some serious holiday ambition!
Be sure to follow Olafson & Porter for additional event details, reservations, and updates.
Christmas Memories Made by Hand!
We love asking local business owners about their favorite childhood Christmas memories, and Tamara's answer couldn't be more fitting for someone who appreciates craftsmanship and meaningful gifts.
What's one of your favorite holiday memories from childhood?
"At least one Christmas present was always handmade by our mom. She also baked all of our favorite cookies instead of buying them from the store."
There's something pretty wonderful about that tradition.
A handmade gift isn't just something you unwrap. It's something someone spent time creating especially for you.
And those homemade Christmas cookies? That's a holiday memory that never gets old!
Tamara also shared a particularly special gift from her father.
What's the most memorable holiday gift you've ever received?
"My dad made me a solid wood bookcase. He usually made bowls or other smaller things, so this was a huge project for him."
A handmade wooden bookcase!
We can't think of a more appropriate gift for someone who would eventually open a vintage store filled with beautiful furniture and craftsmanship.
And it's another reminder that some of the best Christmas gifts aren't necessarily the most expensive.
They're the ones that come from the heart.
A Christmas in Mexico? Why Not!
For most of her life, Tamara celebrated Christmas at home with family.
But a couple of years ago, she and Michael decided to do something completely different.
Have you ever had an unforgettable holiday experience?
"All of my Christmases had been either at my parents', my brother's, or my home until two years ago.
Michael and I went to Mexico.
It was strange being in another country, being in hot weather, and not waking up to a tree and presents.
But it also felt rebellious in a good way!"
Christmas without snow, a tree, or presents waiting in the morning?
That's certainly a change from a traditional Wisconsin Christmas!
But sometimes breaking away from tradition is how you make an entirely new holiday memory.
And knowing Tamara and Michael's adventurous approach to life and business, it seems pretty fitting!
Holiday Lights & a Little Kenosha Magic!
Even though Tamara is still discovering everything the Kenosha Area has to offer, she's already found some favorite places to enjoy the holidays.
And it probably won't surprise anyone that the lakefront is near the top of her list.
Where do you like to experience a little holiday magic in Kenosha?
"I'm still discovering the area, but last year I loved all of the decorations at Veterans Park and along the harbor."
And where would you take visiting friends or family?
"To me, nothing can beat the sights of the water combined with the holiday lights, so definitely the harbor and sculpture park."
It's hard to argue with that!
Downtown Kenosha's historic buildings, lakefront views, and holiday decorations make for a wonderful setting during the Christmas season.
And with so many locally owned shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance of one another, visitors can easily turn a shopping trip into an entire day of exploring.
What's another local event or attraction you'd recommend?
"The Captain Mike's annual Ice Bar & Parka Party is amazing. The epitome of a great holiday/winter event that makes you feel like you're in a Hallmark movie. Well, a PG-13 Hallmark movie!"
We love that description!
And it's another example of the fun and personality that make Kenosha's locally owned businesses and community events so memorable.
The Heat Miser Has Entered the Building!
Of course, we couldn't let Tamara get away without answering a few of our more entertaining holiday questions.
And let's just say she didn't disappoint!
When do you start decorating for Christmas?
"DEFINITELY after Turkey Day. It's a must!"
What's one holiday treat you absolutely cannot go without?
"I definitely need my eggnog. I like it cold though, not hot."
What's your favorite Christmas movie?
"It used to be It's a Wonderful Life, and then it was A Christmas Story, but now it's Elf."
If you had to listen to one Christmas song for 24 hours, what would it be?
"All I Want for Christmas" by Mariah Carey.
And finally, what's your holiday personality: Clark Griswold, Buddy the Elf, the Grinch, or someone else?
"The Heat Miser!"
Well, there you have it! An Elliott Smith reference? Wait, we're talking Christmas here, not indie music!
For those who might not remember, the Heat Miser is the fiery, hot-tempered character from the classic 1974 animated Christmas TV special, The Year Without a Santa Claus.
Between Mariah Carey on repeat, cold eggnog, and a strict no-Christmas-decorations-before-Thanksgiving policy, Tamara definitely has her own way of celebrating the holidays.
And we wouldn't expect anything less!
Santa, There's Something You Should Know!
We also asked Tamara what she'd want Santa to know if he stopped by Olafson & Porter.
Her answer?
"We don't have a chimney, but we do have a great electric fireplace on one side of the store that puts out great heat.
Also, Sweet Somethings bakery supplies us with amazing dark chocolate chip salted cookies."
So while Santa might have to find another way inside, at least he'll have a warm place to relax and some delicious cookies waiting for him!
And speaking of unusual features, Tamara shared one more fun fact about Olafson & Porter.
What's something people might not know about your business?
"We are the only business downtown to have 24/7 burning gas lamps!"
How cool is that?
It's another little detail that adds to the historic charm and personality of this one-of-a-kind Downtown Kenosha destination.
Shopping Small Makes a Big Difference!
For Tamara, owning a business in Downtown Kenosha is about much more than selling vintage goods.
It's about being part of a community.
What do you love most about owning a business in Kenosha?
"I love owning a business in Downtown Kenosha mostly because of the beautiful surrounding scenery.
I also greatly appreciate the historic buildings and the focus on small businesses filling up the downtown core.
I appreciate the ease and minimal cost of parking for our customers, too."
And when it comes to supporting local businesses during the holidays, Tamara has a message she hopes shoppers will remember.
Why is shopping local so important, especially during the holiday season?
"It's extremely important for the survival of local businesses.
They often depend on income during this time to make up for other lackluster times of the year, plus they're buying way more to accommodate holiday shopping.
It also shows the same care and respect they're showing their customers throughout the year.
Most small business owners end up with their own business instead of working for a big corporation because they care the most about customers.
They want to offer a more personal, unique, and inviting experience.
They tend to do it more for the love of people than the love of making a buck."
And that's something worth remembering as we head into the busiest shopping season of the year.
When you shop at locally owned businesses, you're supporting the people who bring creativity, personality, and new experiences to our community.
You're also helping keep places like Olafson & Porter part of Downtown Kenosha's future.
Make Olafson & Porter Part of Your Holiday Plans!
Whether you're hunting for the perfect vintage Christmas gift, looking for a cozy place to grab a coffee, meeting friends for cocktails, or checking out some live entertainment, Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods offers a little something for everyone.
And with its beautiful historic setting, welcoming atmosphere, and ever-changing selection of treasures, it's a place worth exploring more than once.
So this holiday season, skip the ordinary and discover something with a little history!
You might just find the perfect gift, a new favorite place to hang out, or a vintage treasure you didn't even know you needed.
And don't forget to take advantage of that 20% off Small Business Saturday sale on November 28!
Plan Your Visit
Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods
5000 Seventh Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
Facebook • Instagram • olafsonporter.com
Book the Mica Inn for your next trip to Kenosha located above Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods
Discover the fascinating history of 5000 Seventh Avenue and how the building has evolved over the years in Jason Hedman’s blog, “From Furniture to Art and Back: The Reinvention of 5000 Seventh Avenue.”
SHOP SMALL. SUPPORT LOCAL.
LOVE KENOSHA!
SEE ALL THE SPECIALS & DEALS FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY - | BINGO CARD | GREAT KENOSHA CHRISTMAS PICKLE HUNT AND MORE..
Special thanks to Jason Hedman and Rachel Fischer for contributing some of the photos!
