La Rue Marché
Minnesotans trek to La Rue Marché for its staggering selection of apparel and accessories. From candy-colored wedges to bejeweled flats, every pair of shoes is girly, glamorous, and pencil-skirt ready. The clothes—ruffled blouses, feminine dresses, and embellished cardigans—are perfect for layering and wearing to a late, lady-like lunch. And the pièce de résistance: a necklace by Tamara Schafhauser, who culls Paris flea markets to create vintage-inspired pieces at her workshop in back. 513 Second St., 715-386-1969
CocoBello
Hudson boasts a surprising number of interior-design studios, but CocoBello sets itself apart by offering both home accessories and professional services under one roof. Upstairs you’ll find decorative objects, traditional furniture, and a host of eco-friendly fabrics, flooring, and fixtures. Downstairs, owner Marianne Buckman and her team will show you how to incorporate them into your home. 509 Second St., 715-381-3433
Bricks
Chew on this: Pizza-shop owner Kevin Bordenave donates all the profits from his business to Compassion Now, a charity that serves underprivileged children in developing countries. As if the hand-stretched mozzarella, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, and crisp-chewy Neapolitan-style crust weren’t tasty enough, Bricks’s inventive salads, sprinkled with house-made vinaigrettes, are so satisfying you’ll be tempted to skip the featured pizza. Don’t. These heavenly pies are always made with seasonal ingredients, like artichokes or apples. 407 Second St., 715-377-7670
Lavender Thymes
Part cheery gift shop, part hipster clothing boutique, Lavender Thymes makes lovely use of its bright, lofted space. On one side, there are scented bath and body products, pretty stationery, and gourmet edibles. On the other, California-cool premium denim, gauzy dresses, and casual tees and tanks. 512 Second St., 715-386-3866
Knoke’s
Ask locals to name a don’t-miss shop in town, and they’re bound to say Knoke’s Chocolates. This sweet spot off the main drag is an after-school ritual for local kids. While they pore over a jaw-dropping (and tooth-aching) assortment of gummy candies and retro soda pops, a more grown-up selection of truffles, turtles, and toffee neatly lines the glass cases. Dave Knoke makes his chocolates in-house, as well as the old-fashioned caramel corn. 216 Locust St., 715-381-9866
Seasons on St. Croix
You’ll find the works of more than 150 North American artisans—80 percent of which are Midwestern—at this thoughtfully curated shop and gallery. Most shelf space is dedicated to ceramics, jewelry, and glass, but fabric handbags, letterpress note cards, and leather accessories round out Seasons’s contemporary selection of handcrafted goods. After outgrowing its former residence in an old automobile dealership, Seasons moved this summer into a glossy, renovated creamery down the street. First Fridays continue at the expanded gallery, which celebrates a featured artist the first Friday of every month. 401 Second St., 715-381-2906