Disclaimer: Parks and Planes LLC has taken great care to ensure accuracy of this post as much as possible. However, over time, things like hours of operations, prices, even names of places may change. This post is sponsored, but as always, all opinions expressed below are our own and reflect our authentic experience and impressions during the time of our visit. When Parks and Planes, LLC receives compensation for a post, the views and opinions expressed on the sponsored post are purely those of Parks and Planes, LLC. All photos are our own.
Nestled in Wisconsin’s distinctive Driftless region, Mineral Point has “shop local” down pat. This charming, artistic town is full of an eclectic array of small businesses which means you’ll have no shortage of places to search for unique holiday gifts. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll also find some neat finds to take home yourself.
If you’re looking for novelties and baubles, food and cooking gear, clothes and accessories, or a piece of original artwork to polish off your gallery wall at home – you will find all of that and so much more here.
In a world of big-box stores and endless online scrolling, there is something truly special about independent retailers, stand-alone art galleries and modern-day mom & pop shops. Mineral Point is proof that shopping small and gifting meaningfully can be easy and fun.
Come along with us as we guide you through an unforgettable holiday shopping experience in Mineral Point. Bonus! Most of these locally owned spots are all within walking distance of each other.
AB Vintage Jewelry Co. is where you’ll find timeless jewelry for that special someone or a bit of sparkle to accent your own holiday outfit. Each piece is truly one-of-a-kind and hand-picked by the owner who has been collecting the vintage pieces for 30 years. They have genuine turquoise and jade pieces, a large sterling silver selection, sparkly broaches, rings, earrings and more. Also, if you’re on the hunt for a very specific piece of jewelry, don’t be afraid to ask if they have something that might fit the bill in storage. We asked to see gold charms and they brought out a few pieces from the back just for us to check out.
If you plan to host this holiday season, you’re going to want to go to the Board Shoppe. They have everything you need to dress up your table for merry moments including glassware to help you toast to the season. The Board Shoppe even sells handmade furniture; in case you’re looking for a new table or shelves to display your festive finds. They also take custom orders.
Bold, bright and beautiful is how we would describe the winsome artwork you’ll find in this fine art studio. Even a quick glance at the collection on display reveals the artist’s clear passion, skill and ability to draw inspiration from all manner of moments and things. Most pieces feature animals and natural motifs which may speak to the artist’s upbringing in a small village in the United Kingdom. While the vibrant colors drew us into this studio, it was the wooden string puppets hanging on the wall that we just couldn’t leave without. The puppets depicted whimsical characters like the Frog Prince and the Rat King from the Nutcracker. We personally loved the Wild Thing – as did our toddler.
Housed in an old gas station / auto shop, the Station is a great place to embrace the holiday season as you knit, create and relax together. There’s a large assortment of yarn and fibers of all colors, weight and material. It’s a cozy and bright spot with an owner who is incredibly knowledgeable about Mineral Point!
When you enter Mulberry Pottery the first thing you notice is how the space is unlike any other in Mineral Point – and that’s because this isn’t your typical shop. In fact, it’s a fully functional, working pottery studio. Not something you see too often! Next, you’ll quickly notice the expertly crafted wood fired stoneware and porcelain pieces. All of the pieces are are handmade by a local potter who has been at it for over 30 years. You’ll find vases, cookware, even coasters on the shelves here. We couldn’t get enough of the pieces stamped with “Mineral Point” which we thought were such a great keepsake.
This curated boutique is as effortlessly cool as the women who run it. They favor hip and trendy pieces (checkered oversized sweaters, cheeky hats, wide leg pants, dainty jewelry). But you’ll also find standout stylish pieces ideal for your next soiree alongside comfy classics like a Wisconsin Sweatshirt or Midwest tee.
Staple & Fancy Hometown Groceries
A newcomer to town, the name sums it up nicely. This shop sells an assortment of practical goods mixed with finer things. It’s the best of both worlds, allowing shoppers to grab pantry staples like dried beans and canned goods alongside locally made cards and soap. We picked up a few stocking stuffers sure to delight in the “fancy” corner of the store located near the main entrance. Sturdy, handmade wooden cooking spoons, essential oils and bath salts; three thoughtful gifts that are sure to make everyday life feel a little more beautiful.
If you visit Staple & Fancy, be sure to take a moment to check out the two large wooden doors at the front of the shop – these are original to the building and were made into a sweet, floral mural by one of the shop’s owners, Kassi.
Bobbi Jo’s is brimming with treasures and surprises for everyone on your list. What we loved more than anything was the locally made Spring House candles – sure to brighten the darkest of corners this holiday season. The banana bread + coffee scent was to die for.
Another fun spot to shop for candles in Mineral Point is Starfire Grafix Candle Co., located in the old bank building on High Street. The Grinch candle is a showstopper and smells delicious!
Huie Art
If you’re looking for a piece of original art for an incredible price, you’ll find it at Huie Art. The artist sells affordable small prints that have a big personality and will add beauty to any wall or tabletop. We had an empty nook in our living room that we were looking to fill with a seasonal piece. We found the perfect mini framed snowman print here and it only cost us $10!
Aspen Ridge has so much more than your favorite plants to grow and give. During the holiday season the shop is packed with trimmings that shine, shimmer and sparkle. They have delicious danglers that are sure to become a favorite ornament for years to come and countless vibes for you to explore. Whether your personal style is farmhouse cozy, whimsical fun or somewhere in between, they have both those styles covered and more. Bonus! Aspen Ridge also sells real Christmas trees in a lot out front and poinsettias inside.
The best time for holiday shopping in Mineral Point
If you plan to do some holiday shopping in Mineral Point, we highly recommend you visit during the Candlelight Shopping Event. Held annually at the start of December, this beloved event lights up the town with an evening of holiday cheer, community spirit and small-town magic. Shops and galleries stay open late, streets are lined with flickering luminaires, storefronts twinkle and the window displays sparkle. With chestnuts roasting on an open-fire, horse-drawn carriage rides, fireworks, Santa sightings and roaming carolers, a stroll downtown is sure to spark a welcome sense of nostalgia.
Experiencing Candlelight Shopping in Mineral Point is sure to:
- Make your holiday gift-giving easy and mindful
- Result in magical memories you and your family will talk about for years to come
- Become a new holiday tradition you’ll wish to carry forward
Check out this Instagram reel we created for a look at the 2025 Candlelight Shopping event. Spoiler alert: it was spectacular!
Where to eat
Here’s some great spots in Mineral Point to refuel and recharge while out holiday shopping:
Café 43 – go from cold to cozy in no time with a hot coffee drink best paired with a fresh bakery item. If you decide to order things “for here” be sure to grab a seat next to the flickering fireplace for a relaxing warm up. Bonus! During Candlelight Shopping, there is a holiday market at Café 43. You’ll find several vendors centrally located inside, making it an easy way to support talented local crafters and makers who don’t own their own brick and mortar.
Wild Blue Yonder Coffeehouse – the perfect spot to enjoy lunch as quickly or leisurely as you please. The menu here has something for everyone including vegetarians and those looking for gluten-free options. Be prepared to be served by the friendly owner herself!
Red Rooster Café – the go-to place for comfort food or something delicious you may have never tasted before. With a quaint, diner feel to it, this café has been serving Cornish specialties for three consecutive generations, so you know that whatever you order has been perfected and is authentic. Our favorite was the figgyhobbin which is a Cornish sweet treat or dessert.
Popolo – this small, family-run restaurant is only open in the evening for dinner. It serves tasty dishes perfect for sharing. We shared the General Tso’s Brussels Sprouts (appetizer) and the Pizza Grecia (vegetarian) and enjoyed both dishes immensely. Even more impressive was the warm and friendly service. It can be hard to get a table here, especially on a busy weekend, but feel free to grab an open seat at the bar which is a favorite hangout spot among the locals.
Make it an overnight adventure
Be prepared for your holiday shopping adventure to evolve into an all-day affair. Plan ahead by booking accommodations in advance.
Looking to be in the heart of it all? Mineral Point Hotel and Commerce Street Brewery Hotel both offer easy access to main street attractions, putting you within walking distance of Mineral Point’s best shops, cultural landmarks, restaurants and more. Both are ideal for an intimate stay and offer guests exemplary hospitality, full-sized tubs in each guest room and the chance to stay in a historic landmark.
Traveling with kids? Quality Inn Mineral Point is a kid-friendly property with a swimming pool and hot tub, free hot breakfast and ample parking. It’s also a great option for those traveling in larger groups looking to stay at the same property.
We stayed at each of the three properties mentioned above and had positive experiences at each. We can confidently recommend a stay at any of them.
We hope you get the chance to do some holiday shopping at the places we shared in in this post. The shops and galleries across Mineral Point are brimming with thoughtful and unique finds sure to spread holiday love and cheer this season. And if holiday shopping isn’t your thing, we hope that this guide will at the very least inspire you to explore more of Wisconsin’s small towns and events.
– Alyssa & Justin
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Cute gifts and yummy food! 🎄🎅
And great prices too!
That looks like some lovely holiday shopping – wow!
We were so impressed and had such a lovely time. Even window shopping was a blast!
Looks awesome! Thanks for the info.
Thanks for giving this a read! We had such a fun time and were happy to be able to shop small this holiday season.
I will be putting this town on my list of cool places to visit. Thanks!!!
Reid
Amazing! You’ll have to drop us a note if you’re ever able to check it out IRL 🙂
In a world of big-box stores and endless online scrolling, there is something truly special about independent retailers – reflects reality! 🙂
It truly does and sometimes it is overwhelming and can be sad to be surrounded by so much commercialized bulk instead of true one of a kind treasures. Hope you had a nice winter solstice / start to the winter season!