Dropped in on a whim while out exploring with my 14-month-old daughter and couldn't have had a…read morebetter experience. As a total non-baker, I was warmly welcomed, taught the three key fundamentals of sourdough on the spot, and sent home with fresh flour, starter, and the tools to get started. Top-tier hospitality and passion for the craft--10/10!

The Grist Urban Stone Mill is a very cool spot, right in the heart of downtown Centralia. Walking…read morearound Tower Ave. the other day, I decided to stop in after seeing it several times. I'm really glad that I did! They specialize in unique and/or hard to find types of flour and baking materials. While I am not a baker much at all, I do know and appreciate the difference in types of flour - where and how it's ground - and how it tastes compared to what you would usually find at the grocery store. In addition to the flours that are for sale (either packaged or in bulk), they also have spices, starters, and beans/lentils. There even is a shelf of Chehalis grown wheat flour! So nice to have a locally owned shop selling locally grown products. The owner has his own grinding equipment behind the counter (that is easy to see when he's at it) and was very friendly and eager to answer any questions that I had. I will definitely spread the word about the Grist Urban Stone Mill to all of my baking friends!

Made a 2nd trip to Bennie's looking for a birthday present.. again GREAT SERVICE, and GREAT…read moreSELECTION, and very reasonable prices.. this visit, our service person was "Callie"-- (not sure of the spelling).. she was so nice and helpful!! I'm so glad I found this place!! 5 stars!!

Bennie is extremely knowledgeable. In the past years since our neighborhood nursery closed, we've…read morebeen searching for a source of hanging flower baskets that were even close to being as nice. This year, we finally found Bennie's! She allowed us to make custom pre-orders in January when she was still selecting flowers. She showed us her Proven Winners catalog and had great suggestions for what would grow well together. Today we picked up our baskets and they look fabulous. I can't wait to see what they look like in August! The only disappointment was that with 11 hanging baskets in the Suburban, I only had room to take home 1 more plant. So back to Bennie's we'll go to bring home some beautiful geraniums, lavender, clematis, roses, or dozens of other annuals and perennials. Everything looked extremely healthy and vigorous. Customers are spoiled for choice, and prices are extremely reasonable. Well worth the 3 hour round trip!

Stopped by visiting Tenino for the first time. Kate is so wonderful. She mentioned to my family and…read moreme that she just made sourdough. We bought some and a lot of chocolate. She's so sweet. We talked for a bit. Made us feel so welcomed. We got in the car and drove home. We started munching on the bread and chocolates. Omg the sourdough is DELICIOUS!!!! It was so good. We almost ate the whole bread. We got almost one of every chocolate. Everything was delicious. My favorite is Milk Chocolate Toffee. Definitely will be coming back. Definitely add this to your next stop You won't be disappointed. Again, thank you Kate for everything you're so sweet. My 1-year-old daughter was getting a little fussy and she gave her a chocolate. It was so sweet.

If you love boutique style chocolates and great customer service, Aunt Kate's is the place for you!…read more I stopped by today in hopes of buying a couple of cupcakes and had a wonderful conversation with Kate and learned how hard our economy has been on many of the Tenino-based businesses we've come to value and love like Aunt Kate's! As someone who loves small town businesses, I've promised to stop by more often and especially as I truly enjoy her scrumptious offerings!

Best quality and selection in Thurston County and maybe in the whole state…read more I've been going there for years. I look forward to going there every week to see what's blooming. My garden has rhodies blooming from February to June thanks to Rodger.

The owner was very friendly and welcoming. He helped me find a rhododendron that I was looking for…read more He gave advice on planting too. Sold me bark for planting and gave me fertilizer for free. He even helped me load it all into my car! I will definitely be back again.

Received a box of chocolate as a Christmas gift. So good. Planning a road trip to include…read moreEmerald Sweets in Chehalis!!

I just left this darling candy shop in Chehalis! I want to start by sharing I have purchased…read moreonline for almost a year...then decided to go into the store as we were on a road trip. The moment you walk into the store you will instantly feel such an energy of overall happiness. Virginia & Judy greeted us with such a warm welcome. ( I could have spent all day just speaking with them). The Candy is Exceptional! Both Virginia and Judy loved sharing the different candies and to meet two of the workers that were involved in the daily creation and presentation of these Candies was and is a Gift!!! I live in Seattle but will easily make this trip 90+ Miles to come back and visit and purchase Handmade Candies.

Best prices for plant starts that I've found in the area! I pass this place a decent amount and…read morestop by more often than not if I'm not in a rush. It's a great place to try some new plants with little risk. Especially if you just want some filler plants because slugs ate all the heirloom veg you grew from seed ahem. I've gotten three or four starts in three-inch pots for just two dollars before, and as the season goes on, they'll have sales and clearances on more expensive stuff, still never expensive though. Big selection, but tends to be hybrid and conventional items, which meets a lot of my needs. The parking lot is tiny so it can get crowded. I went there on the last day of the season, not knowing it was the last day, and after checking out, they told me they were letting shoppers take any plant for free on their way out! Such a cute little gesture. The lines can get long as they only have two registers max at once and some people make huge purchases that have to all be manually scanned. Not a problem, but just to be aware. Wish their season was longer as I plant for my fall harvests, but looking forward to visiting next year!

The service and selection was above and beyond my wildest dreams. I can't wait to go backread more

Although I love to "people watch" at Walmart and big chain stores, a locally owned shop like Hubbub…read morecan't be replicated or substituted. Hubbub is a locally owned, hip, and trendy specialty store in downtown Centralia. They carry hand made scarves, hats, womens shoes, jewelry, ornaments, lip balm, handcrafted night lights, drink coasters designed like LPs, artistic clocks and mirrors. . . . and the list goes on. If you are looking for a great gift or something to decorate your home then look no further than Hubbub. I needed a unique gift, but just could not figure out what to buy. Rebecca took the time to show me around the store and assist me. She was the perfect salesperson- making sure she asked the appropriate questions so the receiver would be happy with a personal gift. I can't thank her enough! If you are looking for something unique, original, and locally owned then visit Hubbub. You won't be disappointed.

This is a great little gem of a store! I have found the cutest girlie gifts for myself & my friends…read morehere. Rebecca (the owner) is always so helpful & friendly and fun to visit with. The store is small but worth a peak for specialty items that I haven't seen anywhere else. A bit north of downtown antiquing.. a little bit further than Boccata Deli (also 5 stars) - make a day of it and visit, betcha leave with a little something that makse you smile.

Too many bare shelves and fridges . Only 2 cashiers with long checkout lines . Not impressed…read more Staff was obviously harried and overwhelmed . Need more inventory and more staff esp with happy faces.

While in this store employee coughed sputum from her mouth landed on the food. I politely asked if…read moreshe would please cover her mouth next time.she ignored then got rude the manager excused it both were eager to say don't shop here then. Can't understand how this is good business. I spend a couple hundred a month there but guess not again