There’s nothing I love more than a good boutique (the only exceptions being a great cup of coffee and my cats).  And boy, I have two incredible boutiques for you located in McIntosh, Minnesota!

McIntosh is located on US Highway 2 in Northwester Minnesota.  When you first exit the highway and turn into the town, it looks pretty old and empty.  But I PROMISE YOU, if you keep going into the town, you’ll find two hidden gems: Minnesota Rust and Howard Soap Company.  Once you’ve walked through their doors, you’ll be thrilled you’ve made the detour of the main drag!

Minnesota Rust

Minnesota Rust immediately catches your eye with its modern black and white exterior, a refreshing, updated look that really adds sophistication to the area.  During my visit in September, the outside ushered in the fall with a vast assortment of pumpkins, greenery, and antique items.  But it was the INSIDE of Minnesota Rust that took my breath away.

I’ve seen a lot of upcycle design shops, but this one took the grand prize.  When pitching it to local friends, I’ve described it, modestly, as the most artistic upcycle and antique shop I’ve been to.  You can spend over an hour in this shop just admiring the way the owner has create works of art and features of interest with the interior.  A black book case with rolling ladder made my jaw drop (because who here hasn’t secretly always longed for a book case with a rolling ladder?).  The center contained a huge focal piece that really requires a 360° viewing to fully take it all in!  If there’s any criticism to this store, it’s that the design of the inside is so wonderfully done, you end up admiring that and forgetting to shop!  Oh, who am I kidding?  That’s not a criticism!  That’s a compliment!

The owner is also very personable and friendly, eager to talk about her shop and items on display.  This is not only worth the stop if you happen to be passing by, but worth a specific venture to this destination itself.  BONUS  Howard Soap Company is right next door, and a beautiful green space connects the two.

Howard Soap Company 

I first stumbled upon Howard Soap Company at a Home Show two years ago, and I’ve become their biggest cheerleader!  Locally made in McIntosh, Katherine Howard’s soaps, lotions, candles, etc. are beyond my ability to describe.  I could, and have, literally spent over an hour spelling every single product she had on hand, taking photos and notes of my favorites, and having to hem and haw over which scent(s) were coming home with me.  Because there is NO WAY I can run into her goods and NOT buy some!

What sets Howard Soap Company apart from other candle and lotion maker in the area, or in general, is her unique blend of scents.  You’ll find yourself inhaling the candles over and over, trying to let your nose capture everything good inside the wax, your senses pondering the combination.  “I’ve never smelled anything like this, BUT IT WORKS SO WELL!”  I’ve bought her lotions for friends, her candles for my home.  It’s the first candle I light, and the first one I burn until it’s gone.

I cannot wait to go back and visit this evening and see what new goodies she has on hand!  Bonus, if you can’t make a trip to her store in person, you can purchase some of her lotions at Total Betty in Thief River Falls, MN; at Palubicki's in Fosston, MN; or order them online from her Etsy store (see link below).  But, honestly, you need to go take an afternoon and enjoy her store and smell these divine things yourself.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HowardSoapCompany

Haunted Marketplace Event

And as if these ladies aren’t busy enough creating magic in their stores, they’re also hosting it!  Both companies partook in the Fosston area Fall Shop Hop, and they’re back with a “Haunted Marketplace” event Friday, October 25th, 5-8pm in downtown McIntosh!  

Festivities include:

Adult Trick-o-Treating

Shopping

Food and drinks

Giveaways and prizes

Music

Tarot card readings

Heck yeah!