This place is like a Cracker Barrel on super steroids. I've never seen so much stuff in one shop…read more And be sure to go downstairs because there's a different shop down there; and you can meander through the various rooms on the lower level. It was a bit overwhelming to walk through. If you're looking for a present for someone this might be a good place to go. On the other hand, if you're claustrophobic, you might want to hang around the front door.

It's been years since I stopped into the Amana colonies, but I have to tell you it's only gotten…read morebetter! The General Store is located in the middle of town offers you a little bit of everything produced in the area from handmade knives to confectionaries, jams, Jilly's, cheese, sausage, and the number of German influenced food products A wonderful place to go gift shopping or just treat yourself. I was able to pick up gifts for a number of different people do the wide selection of products offered at this establishment. The staff was exceptionally friendly and eager to help me build a pile so I didn't have to carry anything and continue my shopping experience! Reasonably priced and high-quality you can ask for more these days. Highly recommend that you stop in and check out the General Store in the Amana colonies.

This place is AWESOME!!! The style is a great mix of everything from modern to mid century to farm…read morehouse. The store is easy to shop and beautifully kept. Owned by a local mother/daughter duo this is a MUST SHOP BOUTIQUE!!!!!! Whether you're looking for a unique birthday present, or for something great to add to your own home you must come here.

From the owner: A Few Local Vendors. read more

I dont know why im the first to write a review about this place. If you're a girl who loves unique…read morejewelry and other accessories, then this place is for you! This is a great place to buy gifts for your girl friends or even lil kiddies. This is one of two stores in Iowa. It's located inside the Old Capital Building, the other (a larger store) is located at Mount Vernon. I loved wasting time at Silver Spider as I wait for my next class. I wasted many hours looking at all the trinkets, bags, jewelry, and much much more! You won't leave the store disappointed and always look forward to your next visit. I heart Silver Spider

A note from a loyal Silver Spider serial shopper... a repeat customer, to say the least…read more This is a supremely cool and eclectic one stop gift shop oozing with character in the Old Capitol Mall. Don't know what to get that special someone in your life? Seriously, do yourself a favor and just take a stroll through this adorable store. The possibilities are endless. In college I'd stop in any time I had time to burn between classes. I've gotten sunglasses, jewelry, clever magnets, coffee table books, clothes, a wallet, hats, children's finger puppets... the list goes on and on. As a non-student resident now, I relish the times I can pop in and explore. I've never gone in looking for something and left disappointed. Honestly, I've probably ALWAYS left with the treasure I had in mind and then some.

Thoroughly enjoyed my shopping experience at Scout. Employees were helpful and friendly & the…read moreselection is varied, items seem of high quality. I found several gift items, looking forward to returning!

I have to stop in every time. I'm in town. It takes me at least an hour to go through everything…read moreonce twice in three times! Great selection great service so grateful this little gem is in Marion.

Shannon has the cutest shop in Cascade Iowa! So many great holiday decorations as well as memory…read moreitems. Her floral skills are amazing and always last 2+weeks. Come see her store, I'm sure your will not be disappointed!!!

From the owner: Specialties: Over 20 Years of Experience…read more Products: Balloons, Candles, Curtains, Custom Silk Florals, Flowers, Garden Accents, Gardening Pots, Great Sympathy Selection, Holiday Decorations, Home and Wall Decor, Inspirational and Accent Pieces, Linens, Memorial Pieces such as Stepping Stones, Statues, Plaques, Angels, Candles and More, Variety of Green Plants, Wind Chimes. Services: Florist, Weddings, Bridal Shows, Funerals, Anniversaries, Birthdays, Proms, Homecomings, Graduations, Special Occasions, In-home Decorating, Custom Yard and Garden Potting, Delivery Available, Greenhouse. Brands: Colonial, Wicks & More. Locations Facts Located off Highway 151 on Valley Rd Halfway between Cascade and Monticello

My family and I had a lovely time at Barn Happy! As out-of-towners, it was awesome to visit a local…read morespot in Cedar Falls. We were staying at an Airbnb right up the street, so it was super convenient to stop in. We were greeted at the door by the friendliest girl who told us all about the space. She shared that it used to be an old dairy barn and they had a shop & restaurant in the main barn space, an Iowa local shop out back, and an antique treasure shop upstairs. She did mention that if we wanted to dine or sit for coffee, we needed to let her know ahead of time so they could reserve a table space, so keep that in mind if you're planning to stop to eat! We stayed in the main barn area and browsed the local shop finds. They had everything from Iowa-made wine, knife sets, honey, clothing, crafts, artwork, jewelry, and Iowa-themed goodies. If you are shopping for unique local gifts, this is the spot to visit! The shop workers were SO friendly and sweet!! They also made me a delicious caramel latte to go on my way out. I would love to go back when I return to Iowa!

This was a great place for a quick lunch. Friendly and helpful staff, cute gift shop and yummy…read moredesserts!

A wonderful home decor shop for decorating a home or finding a gift. Also has a limited selection…read moreof women's clothes, sewing supplies, and children's toys, and locally made foods.

Great people to work with, nice clean store offering a huge variety of neat stuff & gifts.read more

This year-round Christmas shop is so adorable with plenty of great finds for reasonable prices! I…read moreloved that they had so much inventory and the different themed trees was a nice touch! I aspire to have that Gingerbread themed tree some day! Service was friendly and they love that you are looking through their store and don't pressure you to buy/feel like you have to hurry up. It was a pleasant stop on our visit to Amana Colonies and I would come back here every time I am in town to see what new treasures I can find.

This place is a never ending Christmas paradise here! It was even open on Christmas eve when me and…read moremy wife came here. Overall this place features tons of Christmas decor and holiday finds you really can't find anywhere else. Staff here was really friendly, it's an old well maintained building with friendly staff and easy access to the general market next door.

I'm a sucker for art co-ops and architecture and design stores, of which Akar is one. It's located…read morejust off Downtown Iowa City, and to my surprise, my review is one of the first in at least a couple of years. And after COVID, it's nice to see that Akar is still standing. Akar has strong ceramics selections, some nice pens, and a whole bunch of interesting tchotchkes. The store is well laid out, displayed, and curated. It's one of those place that you need to visit a couple times to appreciate the merchandise layers. That also helped with my tendency to wander and only be struck by 1 or 2 things at a time.

The unique pottery is enough in itself to have me coming back again and again. It is displayed in…read moresuch a way that makes you feel as though you are in an art museum yet able to pick something up and buy it. The rest of the store has fun items, jewelry, seasonal decor, kids items, and more, but the pottery area stands out. Great little gem in Iowa City.

This made for the perfect afternoon activity while embracing our inner artist. We stopped by on a…read moreSunday afternoon and the staff happily walked us through all the steps in making our masterpieces. They have a large range of ceramic pieces to choose from and an array of colors to bring your piece to life. Once you are done you leave it with them and they throw on a clear coat and fire your work of art making it ready for pick up in 7-10 days and ours was ready in only 6! I can't wait to come back and make a candle!

I highly recommend Artisan Insight Studios to anyone looking for a fun and affordable artistic…read moreexperience! The staff is so friendly and walks you through the steps! They have a sweet pup there as well! I found the prices to be incredibly reasonable. They have so many different ceramic pieces to choose from. It made for a perfect "on-a-whim" Saturday afternoon activity. I look forward to going back in the future and painting more ceramics as well as checking out their candle making experience!