Who Says It’s Not Hunting Season in June?
Shooting The Breeze About A Few Thrift & Gift Store Visits on Old Hwy. 61
An Old Hwy 61 Blog by Gail Gates
It’s not about what it is—It’s about what it can become!
–Dr. Seuss
Okay. I might not advise others to go on a “Gift and Thrift Store” adventure when the thermometer is a sweaty 100 degrees. But my momma never said I was the bright one of her children, so off I went.
What is there about a gift store? When I go on a trip or visit a touristy spot, browsing through a gift store…or six…is always fun. Most of the merchandise is too “mass-produced” for my tastes, but finding a funny T-shirt or something that evokes a memory from the journey often comes home with me. (I’m looking at you tile with a wild horse’s hoof print!)
And thrift shops? I love them. Particularly when they are messy and eclectic and filled with objects from generations past. You just know there are stories beneath the dusty surfaces, and potential for reuse or repurposing.
Using the Discovery Drive Old Hwy 61 Gifts & Thrifts brochure, I selected three stops I wanted to check out. And so, with an extra-large and extra-icy Diet Coke, my journey began.
My first stop was at April’s Candies & Gifts (formerly Hidden Treasures) in Hinckley, MN. The store is located along Old Hwy 61, next to the Hinckley Fire Museum. (Which is also an excellent place to visit, AND listed in the brochure, but I didn’t have time on this trip.)
Upon entering the store, I was surprised and delighted to see the rows of retro-style soda pop lining the wall, the “candy buffet,” and an assortment of locally made gifts. Donna, the owner, was behind the counter and explained that she and her husband had pivoted from selling thrift items to focusing on sweets after the pandemic. It turns out it was a good choice, and business has been steady. Donna said the customer’s favorite is the candy buffet, where you select any variety of candy offered on the buffet and place it in the provided container for one price. Still, you must be able to close the lid! She said other popular choices include the freeze-dried candy and the 3D-printed toys.
Working my way south, the next stop was The Bookstore in Pine City, MN. It’s one of those intriguing places I’ve walked past countless times, always intending to visit…but don’t because I’m in a rush to do this or that. (A “busy life” is soooo overrated!)
What a great bookstore! I was warmly greeted upon entering and given an overview of the available options. There were books, of course: new, used, and a section featuring local authors and interests. There is a room dedicated to children’s books, as well as a selection of puzzles and games. Coffee mugs, t-shirts, and wall art dotted the shelves, prompting me to think about people with birthdays coming up—so many fun gift options.
My last stop for the afternoon was Positively 4th Street, in Rush City, MN. It has a charming exterior that beckons one in for a closer look. The interior is laid out in visually appealing displays of color and theme. What I didn’t know was that this store is linked to the local food shelf, and sales from Positively 4th Street go toward supporting those in need. How appealing is that? Keeping things out of the landfill while helping those in a food crisis – a win-win!
This would be an excellent shopping spot for collectors or those looking to decorate their cabin or she-shed. The funky vibe would be fun for a dorm room or a new apartment. The only limit is one’s imagination.
I enthusiastically recommend getting a Discovery Drive Gifts and Thrifts brochure and designing your own hunting adventures. They are available at many locations along Old Hwy 61, stretching from Wyoming, MN, to Carlton, MN. You can also follow Old Highway 61 on Facebook @oldhighway61.
Happy hunting!
P.S. It’s best to check available hours beforehand. These little independent shops keep varied hours.
