Shopping in Markdale...the ice cream is not the only great thing in Markdale!

Sometimes a girl just has to shop…..can I get an ahem ladies!  The shopping bug hit me the other afternoon so off I headed into Markdale for some shopping fun.  While Markdale is probably most famous as being the hometown of Chapman’s Ice Cream, there is a thriving community that is host to many great area events and some unique shops.

I started my afternoon outing at Peek thru my Window which has always been one of my favourite shops.  This gift shop has been the place where I indulge in special décor pieces which make my home all about me and I have a number of those pieces.  On this visit to Peek thru my Window I fell in love with a metal wood pecker sculpture that I can't wait to put in my garden.  I also keep admiring the beautiful quilts they have in the store, which will most likely be my next shopping indulgence.  Peek thru my Window is full of those things that are artful, decorative and things you just must have!  

 

My next stop was Country Critters at 1 Main Street West.  This adorable shop has been at the corner stone of my Markdale shopping outings for many years, offering the most gorgeous handmade children’s clothing you can find anywhere.  I always come to Country Critters for that special kids birthday or Christmas gift.  They will even custom make a piece for you, just choose from their selection of fabrics in the store.  Get your kids the perfect jacket, hoodie or pajamas, specially made just for them.  On this shopping trip I ordered a pair of kids pj pants for my niece out of the most gorgeous owl patterned fabric…..I can hardly wait until they are done!  Whenever my kids wear their jackets from Country Critters I am always asked "Where did you get those jackets from?" Janie and the ladies of Country Critters are the best and always do such a great job.  You have to get your little one something from there!

 

Dreaming of owl pj pants and wishing I had ordered some in my size, I trotted across the street to Then & Now Consignment and Home Décor.  This shop is fairly new  to the Markdale scene and has just blossomed, having recently expanding into the space next door.  The best part about this shop is that its offerings are always unique, interesting and forever changing as new treasures comes in all the time.  I can always spend lots of time looking through this shop and once made the mistake of passing on an item only to find someone else grabbed it by the next day.  There are so many terrific refurbished antiques and original pieces for you to browse through.  This shop has everything from furniture, glass wear, china, art and even a pram and pig collection. 

Next stop for me was the Bargain Centre, where you can find a bit of everything from home décor, stationary supplies, pet food supplies and so much more.   That day I was in need of birthday card and I grabbed my copy of the local paper.  

Next door I popped into eCultureStore.com and found my coffee dreamland.  If you own a Keurig coffee machine this is the place for you!  The selection is huge and I loved being able to mix and match my selection so I could try all the different varieties of coffee and tea that they have.  My new favourite is the Indian Spice Tea, the hint of cinnamon is very soothing at the end of the day. 

After my coffee shopping I found the strength to carry on to Mrs Kringle’s General Store to find some great buys on bedding and whatever other buried treasure I would find there.  Mrs Kringle’s General Store is full of bedding bargains including brand names such as Ralph Lauren and Brian Gluckstein.  That day I fell in love with a new chair for my desk and a footstool.

While there was still more places I could have shopped like PJ Knickerbockers for great kids clothing and toys or The Quilter’s Line to maybe sign up for a class.  I could have popped in at Susan’s Deli and Café for some european products or Nuture Pet Solutions for some raw diet dog food for my sister who can’t get it in the city very easily but my boys were waiting for me at Sidekick’s Cafe.   

After all my shopping I was not going to make everyone lunch so we all had our favourites at Sidekick’s Cafe.  Coffee came to the table within minutes, gotta love that.  We all had our favourites, all day breakfast!  My son ordered the best looking french toast and it tasted even better than it looked.  And if my eggs, bacon and homefries were not enough I was so happy to read on the big blackboard that they are now serving Williamsford Pies!  I know that Sidekick’s Cafe is where I am going for coffee and pie next time the mood strikes.

That brings me to the end of my shopping trip in Markdale…for that day anyway.  I will be back for sure so this will not be my last you will hear about all the great stuff I buy in Markdale.  When are you planning your shopping trip to Markdale?