We split the sandwich and the flavor is off the chart. Can't wait to see everything in the store…read morehere.

I'm a transplant to Northwest Iowa, so when I discovered The Hen House years ago - with its…read morebig-city charm, gifts and home decor options in a small-town setting - I fell in love. I often tell the owners that if The Hen House ever leaves town -- I'm outta here, as welI! The Hen House is my favorite shopping destination in Spencer. I also love to bring my out-of-town company to experience it for themselves, because it's tons of fun! They offer amazing seasonal items, baby gifts galore (ear of corn chew toy is my favorite staple gift), house wares, kitchen/dining, funking jewelry, pillos, lamps candles. . . Oh, and to receive a gift card from The Hen House is like finding a little lump of precious gold in your pocketbook.

Beautiful mall, reasonable prices. So much vintage and antiques. 101 Highway 71 North, West Okoboji…read moreIowa. 40 dealers. Hours open Monday through Saturday 10 to 5 and Sundays 12 to 5. ******

In the 1900s, there were 5 ballrooms on West Lake Okoboji: Manhattan Beach, Roof Gardens, The Inn,…read moreThe Casino and The Central Emporium, then known as the Central Pavilion. The Central Emporium is the only one that remains a part of today's Iowa Great Lakes. It was originally built in 1901 and by the 1960s, the building sat empty until it was purchased in 1967 and used as boat storage. In 1971, the building was remodeled and began leasing out space for stores. During that first year, there were only 3-5 businesses including The Diver's Den, the Outrigger and a jewelry store. I started hanging out at the Central Emporium about that time in the early 1970s. It's gone through ownership changes since then and many shops have also come and gone. The Building itself has also been stabilized from falling into the Lake and at during my visit this summer, the old Girl looks pretty good on the inside as well. There's still the expected collection of tourist based shops, but the Central Emporium also includes a couple nice dining and drinking establishments (with great views), a branch of Hill Avenue Books, and even a few shops (e.g., Life on the Lake) that I enjoy. You can also get here by foot or by boat. I could see how a developer would think of this property as a good condo or other resort opportunity. And I do wonder how the Central Emporium makes money within the confines of a summer vacation season. But as long as this historic Iowa building still stands, I'll be there whenever I'm in town.

Always a fun and nostalgic place to visit. I've been coming to Okoboji since the 1980's, and The…read moreEmporium hasn't changed a lot. You can still grab a bite to eat, buy a bag of candy, or load up on all those Okoboji sweatshirts to wear during the upcoming winter. Plus, if you show up just after the summer season has ended, you'll get everything at a great discount.

The Bijou Gallery is located within a strip shopping center that is across the street from Goodies…read moreHandmade Candies. The space used to be occupied by a Curve's gym that Gayle used once during one of our Summer trips. The owner is Kathyrn Buckley, who used to run a similar enterprise in Kansas City. The Bijou Gallery is a handsome gift shop that features Iowa and other artists. I've visited twice this summer and came away the last time with a nice wood desk/clock piece from Tim Anderson of Twilight Zone Designs. Of course, I was tempted by other items, that there's always next time.

I stopped by a couple days ago and got a better view of what Terry had done with the building. The…read moreinterior is loaded with an impressive collection of guns, knives, decoys, and related stuff. We had a great conversation and catch up. And of course, I left with a couple knives, within the context of a very knowledgeable business person and a good value for what I purchased and maybe should have.

Owner is very knowledgeable and helpful for all topics related to the items he carries.read more

Excellent knowledge fair prices friendly people great service. Large selection to choose fromread more

If you're looking for great products, honest timelines, and a smooth sales process, come in and…read moreFonda or Stephen and they will take care of you! Come in, have a conversation, and find the fed/couch/chair of your DREAMS!

Cute flower shop with fresh cut flowers and unique gift items. Friendly service, too. When…read moretraveling to visit family and friends, this is the perfect place to pick up a beautiful bouquet.

Just a simple phone call to them showed me how rude they are. I simply called to ask if they had…read moreany sales or too many of certain flowers and they started with "it's people like you that are......." badmouthing me. Maybe in a small town they can get away with treating customers like crap due to lack of competition but people will only deal with so much. I imagine they waste a lot of flowers with this attitude as well. Go somewhere else with better attitudes and better management of their inventory.

Gab & Dab is an aspiring Gift Shop that features arts/crafts jewelry, apparel, and other…read morecollectibles. It is located within the Queens Court in Arnold's Park. And the Iowa Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and the Amusement Park are right across the street. Like many other stores along this row, the merchandise appeals to the seasonal tourist that spends their hard earned money to get here. Browsing around Gab & Dab is fun and Gayle liked this place even more. And if we happen to be here later in the summer when the end of season sales are in full swing, so much the better.