Out of all the little towns I’ve been to throughout my journeys in and around Siouxland, Rock Valley has to be the most surprising, inviting and unassuming. Going into this small town, I didn’t know
Out of all the little towns I’ve been to throughout my journeys in and around Siouxland, Rock Valley has to be the most surprising, inviting and unassuming. Going into this small town, I didn’t know what to expect, only that my cousin had moved here from southern Illinois to pursue a career in agriculture and sustainable farming.
So, after Rosie introduced me to the amazing coffee shop on Main Street, I started looking around and realized there are quaint little shops, restaurants and locally owned small businesses dotted all around town. But I thought to myself, this little town certainly doesn’t have 10 places to shop…right?
Not only does it have some of the most amazing unique retail options I’ve ever seen, but it was ridiculously easy for me to find these 10 boutiques. In fact, I decided to mostly conquer it all in one day. So, to not keep you waiting, let’s explore!
Pick the Valley
Initially introducing myself to the shopping scene in Rock Valley, I attended an event called “Pick the Valley” where everyone comes out to support local businesses. This yearly event occurs around Mother’s Day and consists of a handful of Siouxland vendors who travel around to various craft fairs, as well as locally owned small businesses. Storefronts open their doors specifically for this special event which brings in hundreds of people and is one of several annual events Rock Valley plans that brings in thousands of dollars in revenue.
Gathered Home Goods
In fact, this event is where I was able to take a tour of Gathered Home Goods, which is only open during specific weekends and special events like “Pick the Valley”. Specializing in, you guessed it, home goods, patrons can shop here for light fixtures, dressers, rustic farmstead décor and vintage seasonal items. Selling new and handmade items, Gathered Home Goods is only open during holiday weekends, scheduled annual events, and various times throughout the year. To keep up to date on when they’ll be open next, check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/gatheredhomegoods/).
1502 Main Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
The Antique Locker
Another store I was able to visit during “Pick the Valley” event was The Antique Locker. Just like Gathered Home Goods, The Antique Locker is open during special events. Attending various estate sales throughout the region, owner, Greg. makes sure to have a massive amount of inventory on hand during seasonal events. This is the perfect place for all you pickers looking for that unique nearly century-old item that hasn’t seen the daylight in years. Personally, I love foraging through crowded shelves of chaos to find a souvenir I can display on my China hutch that then becomes a conversation starter. In fact, Greg is one of the organizers for “Pick the Valley” which is why you need to check out his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/theantiquelocker/) for information on his business and future Rock Valley events.
712-470-1112
1618 15th Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Willow Creek Boutique
Waiting nearly a year to make my return to Rock Valley, I knew I needed and wanted to shop the rest of the amazing selection of boutiques and gift shops. And with this ridiculous winter we just had, catching up with family on cross-country vacations, and my chaotic work schedule, I wasn’t able to find time to go back to Rock Valley until the beginning of Spring. Choosing my starting point wisely, I parked my car in the center of all the action, 14th and Main, and began my eventful afternoon with Willow Creek Boutique. Opening their own clothing store has been a dream of sisters Shayla and Kadee, who, together, have created a place for locals to shop, and has even helped bring in patrons from Sioux Falls! This women’s clothing store has everything from current high-school trends to swanky styles for middle-aged moms. I am currently downsizing my wardrobe, so maybe at the end of the year I’ll have room in my closet, so instead today I browsed their candle and car diffuser collection. In fact, a local Iowa mother-daughter team make these candles, and here’s their website (https://www.ironwoodcandleco.com/) if you’d like to shop their collection online. Overall, I loved the modern feel inside this boutique, and the customer service was top notch, which is always a plus! Check out their website (https://www.shopwillowcreek.com/) for seasonal specials. Personally, I am drawn towards the Vacation Vibe tab on their website, and I am impressed with how competitively priced their sundresses are.
712-470-9777
1419 Main Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Kel-Brits Dress Shoppe
This next store is so perfect for me! I am going into my forties, and my youngest step-daughter will be graduating next year, meaning I may be attending several weddings in the next several years, so lucky me Kel-Brits specializes in mother-of-the-bride dresses. Honestly, I spent a little bit too much time admiring their bedazzled cocktail dresses, and don’t get me started on their hat collection. Check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kelbrits/) for ideas and with wedding season in full bloom, you won’t want to miss their upcoming sales.
712-476-2333
1427 Main Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Copper Rose
One of favorite shops I’ve been to in Rock Valley, and will continue to shop at is Copper Rose. Last time I was there I made it a point to take a mental inventory of all their wine selection, and this time I didn’t miss out on all the fun. Purchasing myself a bellini, I also found myself thumbing through their sticker collection and even bought a shower steamer with eucalyptus scent. In addition, I bought a crabby magnet for my husband, and I may have to come back for a journal full of bible verse prompts. I introduced myself to co-owner Britney and found out they are one of the newest businesses here in Rock Valley. Opening their doors two years ago, I genuinely took to the rustic vibe these talented ladies have created inside their establishment, and online (https://copperroseapparel.com/). With warm tones and mood lighting, I could see myself easily losing an hour in here.
712-470-2955
1435 Main Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Something Special Floral & Gifts
Seeing that Mother’s Day and graduations are upon us, this next shop is approaching its busiest season by far! Something Special Floral and Gifts is more than just a flower shop. In fact, my cousin has purchased several items here to furnish her newly purchased home in Rock Valley. And from ornamental decorative mantle pieces to artwork for your walls, you are guaranteed to find something for yourself or that next house-warming party. Along with interior design pieces, they also have a decent selection of greeting cards and colorful book marks with motivational quotes to keep you focused. Personally, I was impressed with their walk-in cooler where they keep their fresh flowers, which also helps keep their handmade bouquets from wilting. And due to the time-sensitive material, Something Special can only deliver their fresh bouquets to surrounding towns within a 15-to-20-mile radius. So, if you know someone who lives nearby, maybe surprise them with some wildflowers or a dozen roses! If you would like to shop their fresh-cut bouquets and other merchandise they sell, check out their website (https://www.somethingspecialrockvalley.com/).
712-476-2588
1447 Main Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Treasures on Main
Thrifting is my jam! It’s like a sport to me, which is why I’ve made several trips to our next stop. Treasures on Main is like a high-end thrift shop, full of random items from décor to birthday cards, yarn and even spices for your kitchen. Surely there will be something for you here, and at a ridiculously competitive price. My cousin first introduced me to Treasures on Main upon my initial visit to Rock Valley, where she bought wall décor for her office, and I got one of their cutting boards. Then, on my next trip into town I stopped here and perused their spice collection. My husband and I cook multiple times a week, and we go through bottles of spices a month, so with a price point of only $3.00, I was able to score a huge container of lemon pepper which we ended up using on our pork chops that night. So, with an array of kitchen décor and party supplies, make sure to keep up with their ever-changing seasonal inventory via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/treasuresrockvalley/). From holiday items to children’s books, shop here first for a cost-effective approach to gift-giving.
712-476-5254
1434 Main Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
The Economy Shop
One of the shops that surprised me the most is The Economy Shop, which is similar to Plato’s Closet. Specializing in secondhand clothing, this is the perfect place for you to revamp your wardrobe on a budget. In fact, this place seems very unassuming from the outside, but when you get it, it literally keeps going, with different rooms and expansions. I honestly loved the quality, commitment to detail, color coordination and organization. Browsing their aisles, I landed myself a new-to-me pair of yoga pants for the gym and a cow-print baseball cap. With the wide variety of clothing items at a fairly reasonable price, I will definitely be making several trips back to The Economy Shop to check out their new trends, and get ready for a very eventful summer. And you can expect that I’ll be watching for some upcoming sales via their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/economy.shop.9/). In fact, about once a month they have an entire store-wide sale with discounts ranging from 20% off everything, to 50% off activewear during Football season.
712-476-5531
1308 Main Street
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
Creamery Creek Consign & Design
Second to last on our list is Creamery Creek Consign & Design, which should not be overlooked on your journey of shopping extravaganza her in Rock Valley. Located a little over nine blocks east of Main Street, it may be a bit of a drive away from all the action, but when you get here you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of mid-century and vintage furniture. Specializing in thrifted items and handcrafted décor, Lisa and her husband create unique pieces such as tic-tac-toe game boards made out of tree trunks. And then there’s an old piano converted into a jukebox…what a show-stopper! With inventory coming in from the surrounding community and estate sales, you’ll never know what to expect upon your next visit. So, if you see an item you like, don’t wait, because it may not be there next time. At times, Lisa updates her inventory on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CreameryCreek/), and runs seasonal specials, so stay in the know, and make sure to plan your visit.
712-476-1050
2714 14th St
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247
First Impressions
Finally, I’m glad I had time in my day for this last stop, because First Impressions happens to be the oldest retail shop in Rock Valley! Not knowing I had stumbled upon the matriarch of retail, I immediately knew owner, Deb, and the ladies that run this establishment had accumulated knowledge over the past 30 years of being in business on how to coordinate and stage their products. With its classy perfection and high-end feel, this locally owned small business reminds me of Simply Perfect up in Sioux Falls, a similar storefront with a chic design. Along with table runners, candles and decorative pieces, you’ll also find flooring here! Everything from hardwood to vinyl, to even plush carpets or a simple area rug, this is the perfect stop for those who are remodeling their house or the new homeowners wanting to revamp a fixer-upper. Check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/firstimpressionsrv) for scheduled events and upcoming sales.
712-476-2945
775 10th St
Rock Valley, Iowa 51247