After a wonderful breakfast at Perkins in Brookings, we were greeted when we arrived in Walnut Grove by a sign with balloons proclaiming a city wide rummage in the community building. We found right inside the door a sign saying "free books". That got our attention and started out our day in Walnut Grove on a great note. We each selected 5 books and I proceeded to take them out to Karen's car while she started looking at the rummage merchandise. A car pulled in beside Karen's CRV and two little old ladies (even older than me) got out and started carrying in boxes. I asked if I could help them. One handed me a box full of buns and other lunch things and she went back and got another box. The other lady was already inside the red door with her box and after I set mine on the table and went out, she came running out, inviting me to lunch. I asked if they were selling lunch. She said no, they were making lunch for the guys roofing the building and invited me "bring your family" and come have lunch with them. I found Karen and told her "5 minutes in town and I found us a free lunch". She just laughed at me.
We enjoyed looking over the rummage and found a few bargains. Then on to Fond Memories. We were the only customers in there when we arrived. It was so wonderful to be in there without a huge workshop crowd. We were offered May Day baskets with coupons in it. We had a great time visiting with the owner and the other gal working there and got really personalized service. We browsed and shopped for about 2 hours. Several people came in and out while we were there and they all looked familiar. I know they were workers at the Spring Workshop. We selected our things and used our 20% off all our merchandise. The workers gave us our hot pink tickets and punched them for us. We had 5 more merchants to visit and get it punched and we could be entered into a drawing of 7 prizes, the top prize is $100 in Walnut Grove Dollars. Well, why not. The town is not really crowded with anxious shoppers, so we decided our chances of winning might be pretty good!
Next stop was Oleson Mercantile. Remember, this is Laura Ingalls Wilder country. We were greeted with a May Day basket of trail mix and either Cappuccino or Rhubarb Slush. My cappuccino was great, Karen didn't care for the rhubarb slush. We looked around, got our cards punched, and moved on. Next stop - Walnut Grove Bar and Grill for wine tasting. Some pretty tasty wine and "cleansed" our pallet with cheese and crackers. Signed up for another drawing for a basket with a bottle of wine and wine glasses. Chances might be pretty good for this one, too! A very nice little gal in the Bar & Grill, that we had seen in Fond Memories, visited with us. She works Fond Memories, the Bar & Grill and also at the Museum. Reminded me of Kirk from Gilmore Girls!! We were truly in a small town. Bought a couple of bottles of wine and then next to Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Gift Store. Got our tickets punched, used the bathroom, and on to Hoyt Oil & Convenience and Junk With A Purpose. Got our tickets punched and left it at the last stop in hopes of winning a prize. I told Karen I would be glad to drive when we come back for me to spend my $100 in Walnut Grove Dollars and we can pick up my wine basket then!! Every one in this small town were so nice and friendly.
It was a great day. Had a pleasant ride home and plan to go back for the Fall Workshop. This time, we will probably eat supper in the Walnut Grove Bar & Grill. It was a really nice, clean place and why not support the town!
1 comment:
Sounds like a fun day. Glad you guys enjoyed it and glad you got to meet some of the people.
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