This store stocks items that the big stores don't carry. Like their meat, their store labeled…read morespices, deli and bakery items. I tend shop here only when passing through town, but make a point to plan our trip accordingly.

This place is pretty clean for a dollar store. They had a variety of items to choose! The products…read moreare shockingly decent for a dollar store! I was amazed! I mean of course, you can't expect much from these types of stores, but people I've encountered were friendly to me both times i've entered. I got some really cute sunglasses that don't look too cheap and also don't feel too cheap!

I have purchased many items at this store. They have had items that I needed, especially bandages…read morethat I like a lot. Glad this store is in Emmetsburg. Very handy.

Small town charm and friendliness.....just what you get here. We stop every time we pass buy, and…read moreeven purchase gift certificates for some of our family members than live in Mallard. Not big, not fancy, but a great asset to this small town.

A few weeks ago, when the temperatures spiked in the middle of winter, the pollen in the air really…read moreirritated my sinuses and eyes. My nose was running non-stop and my eyes were so watery. I needed a solution. I had done some research and found that eating local honey and bee pollen would help build tolerance to lessen the allergic reaction. I needed to find some bee pollen before Spring. Thankfully I was able to find Boernsen Bees. They are a local honey/bee business in Iowa. I was grateful that they had a website where I found that they sold bee pollen! Bee pollen was not always available at other businesses I found so it was a pleasant surprise. I chose them over other local Iowa businesses because their shipping costs were much more reasonable. I ordered raw unstrained honey which I've never tried and its delicious! The bee pollen tasted sweet just like honey! I also ordered the bees wax lotion in lavender and it is very moisturizing and smells wonderful. I haven't yet tried the strawberry honey sticks but I'm sure it will be great. I will definitely be ordering from Boernsen Bees again and hope to one day visit them in person. Thank you Boernsen Bees for raising bees and keeping them happy. I can tell you do great work because the honey your bees produced tastes great!

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.

A High School classmate highly recommended Forbes Meats and Liquor Locker as a place to buy a…read morereally good steak. It's been around since 1965, and had somehow escaped my attention since I started coming the the Iowa Great Lakes over 40 years ago. Forbes also has a substantial selection of beer and wine, along with some tempting baked goods (near the front counter). The butcher counter is in the back, and it didn't take long for Gayle and I to pick out a few thick and tempting top sirloin steaks (along with some seasoning). You do pay a little more here, but we really felt that we were in good hands. We also stopped by a nearby parked truck and bought some sweet corn from a local farmer. With that, plus some salad fixings and a charcoal BBQ, we were set for a delicious outdoor Iowa meal on what turned out to be a glorious summer evening. However, the steak turned out to be a little tough. Maybe a marinade step would have helped. All the same, we were a bit disappointed considering the price paid and the high previous praise. Maybe we'll have better luck next time with a similar cut or maybe some bacon wrapped fillets. On the other hand, we had some amazing burgers with their ground beef the next evening.

Good selections of wines and liquors. Excellent meat choices. Lamb is fantastic, if available.read more

Generations of pheasant and deer hunters could tell you how great the Lost Island Country store is…read more Becky's deserts are wonderful. Definitely worth a special trip in the spring when the rhubarb is fresh! Call ahead on fried chicken day to reserve a meal or you will be eating a hamburger.

We were introduced to Goodies by a family member who lives on West Lake Okoboji and we loaded up on…read morethe pecan turtles and milk chocolate covered toffee. We had one Turtle each and put the rest in the refrigerator. The next day, we packed and left and went back to AZ and we forgot our goodies! No worries, we ordered some online while driving three hours to the airport. We just received them today and they are incredible! If you don't go there, order them online! They are handmade and so delicious! Go there now or order online! You won't be sorry!

So this is an ice cream and candy shop right? Not only! I find their coffee to be the best in…read morethe area and go here for my morning coffee drinks. All of the candy is good but my personal favorite ends at the homemade caramel. They have the best caramel apples I have had anywhere, hands down. When I come to Okoboji this is my must stop for treats to bring back as well as my morning coffee. The service is quick and friendly. What else can I get here? Hot tea, greeting cards, teapots, colorful kitchen items, gifts, pie, cheesecake, cookies, homemade confections, nuts, ice cream and did I mention coffee? I am sure I missed telling you things. Go here. Have an ice cream cone in the afternoon. Life is more fun with a bit of a treat now and again.