I was walking along Linn Street towards RSVP when imagine my surprise, I see this store. Being an…read moreavid cook and kitchen gadget junkie, of course I had to go inside. I wasn't expecting much because most smaller kitchen supply stores don't impress me. I have high standards and prefer well-made high quality products. Well, you can imagine how surprised I was to find this unicorn of a store. I felt like I just walked through a door into wonderland. I thought I owned every kitchen gadget that was worth owning, but I was wrong. I found the cutest baker's dusting wand by OXO and a cool round trivet made of strung-together felted wool balls. They had some of my favorite brands like GIR, Staub, Microplane, Nordic Ware and Opinel. They also had a cool selection of aprons, mugs, spices, oils and vinegars. I was in heaven as I walked through the store. There was so much to look at. They have a well-curated selection of items that I would want to carry if I had my own kitchen supply store. I would much rather support a great locally owned store than a big chain like Williams Sonoma (that doesn't even really carry what I want). Iowa City is so lucky to have a store as wonderful as this. Every time I visit this city I have a few favorite stores that I must visit and I'm so happy to add this one to my list.

A lot of different cooking/ baking items which is why I went to the store. But they also have a…read morevariety of other items.

Stopped by today during Jazz Fest with my family - what an adorable vintage boutique! Lots of…read morewitchy stuff, retro clothes, and what I like to call IYKYK finds like a lighter with Divine on it (RIP to a legend!). They even have junk journal packs, of which I also purchased. Will def be back soon!

The magical homemade wares are so precious! I get tons of compliments on my ghost cat mug.read more

It was quite awhile ago but the owner refused to let us return a defective handmade purse so no one…read morein our family will ever shop there again. It was the 2nd defective one with almost the same problem as the 1st one. My husband was the one that exchanged it for me & being the clueless man he is didn't notice the defect. I noticed it the second he got it home & we went to return it together same day as purchase. Selling defective merchandise with a refusal to allow it to be returned tells me all I need to know about how you do business so no thanks. I returned home & threw the junk purse that costs us a pretty penny straight into the trash can. OM will never waste my money again. Forever Boycotting!

Stopped in as an out of town guest to check out this eclectic boutique. The beautiful aromas…read morebrought me in the door. The selection of merchandise and organization was great, with the exception that the female staff member followed me around as though I was a hardened criminal ready to case her store. Sadly, I would have more than likely spent greater than $100 that visit and recommended her strongly to others. A little bit of nice goes a long way. I am currently dressed in yoga casual clothes with full hair and makeup. Not saying that should matter but case in point; you are a wellness store...judge less not be judged.

This place is AWESOME!!! The style is a great mix of everything from modern to mid century to farm…read morehouse. The store is easy to shop and beautifully kept. Owned by a local mother/daughter duo this is a MUST SHOP BOUTIQUE!!!!!! Whether you're looking for a unique birthday present, or for something great to add to your own home you must come here.

From the owner: A Few Local Vendors. read more

I'm a sucker for art co-ops and architecture and design stores, of which Akar is one. It's located…read morejust off Downtown Iowa City, and to my surprise, my review is one of the first in at least a couple of years. And after COVID, it's nice to see that Akar is still standing. Akar has strong ceramics selections, some nice pens, and a whole bunch of interesting tchotchkes. The store is well laid out, displayed, and curated. It's one of those place that you need to visit a couple times to appreciate the merchandise layers. That also helped with my tendency to wander and only be struck by 1 or 2 things at a time.

The unique pottery is enough in itself to have me coming back again and again. It is displayed in…read moresuch a way that makes you feel as though you are in an art museum yet able to pick something up and buy it. The rest of the store has fun items, jewelry, seasonal decor, kids items, and more, but the pottery area stands out. Great little gem in Iowa City.

I was searching around Iowa City to buy some records and came across this store. The storefront…read morelooked small, but the inside is quite large with a bunch of cheap records in the back. There's even a guarantee that if the records don't play to your satisfaction, you can always return it. I'm definitely coming back here to find some more records.

This antique store is heavy focused on old stereo equipment and music. There is furniture and…read morebooks. Thereare many LP and 45 records. There are even some 78 records. If you are interested in music it is necessary to ask the owner for the organization method in order to find what you are looking for. Do bring cash. Cards are not accepted. Prices are fair. You can get better at a yard sale, but have to spend a long time looking. You are spend much more at a dedicated record store and get better organizing and renewed sleeves. I would got back.

Stopped here real quick for the first time on a Tuesday afternoon. I needed to grab a small floral…read morearrangement for a coworker. I was greeted within a minute or so of entering the store. I kind of knew what I had in mind, so the employee let me browse. I spotted a display of Gerbera daisies first. They were really cute but none of them had prices. I took a small yellow one to the counter and asked if the size of the plant made a difference in price. They employees didn't think so, but one of them walked back over to the display with me to confirm there were no prices on any of them. Nope, no prices. Returned to the counter and the employees go back and forth about the prices of things... price of the plant, price of the pot (which was overpriced and I never would have bought it had I known they were being sold separately), price of the items together. Huge variety and friendly customer service. Employees didn't seem to know how much the unmarked items were, which bothered me. I paid just under $20 for a 4in Gerbera Daisy in a grow pot. The decorative planter was the bulk of that $20. Confirm prices before you buy. 3/5 stars for lack of transparency (at least on the items I looked at).

If I could give a negative 5 stars I would. I called and ordered a large arrangement for…read moreValentine's day for my wife to be delivered to her workplace. At 5pm I asked her if she received anything today and she said no. I contacted the store and a worker stated they were still getting orders out, that they had 150 orders to deliver. I just asked for them to please get it delivered soon and call back if they couldn't. The delivery driver called me at 6 to let me know she tried and couldn't get in. I told her that was odd they have been delivering all day. She said she would keep trying. At 7pm they still hadn't been delivered and my wife gets off at 730. I called and spoke with the owner Tammy and she was extremely rude and condescending. I asked her that if she couldn't get it delivered she could refund me. I had hoped that my wife's co workers could see the arrangement. At 720 the delivery driver called to let me know they were delivered. Thank god for her! I would stay away from this place. I ordered 18 long stem roses and were given 12. This is INSANE! The management is as poor as it gets. How people get away with being rude to their customers and still get customers is beyond me. Buyer beware!