No, it’s not a typo… to talk about boutique shopping in the Hamptons, land of the uber wealthy, is almost cliche. But hidden in north central Iowa the town of Hampton may not be your idea of a shopping destination.  Before you click away let me change your perceptions.

Gourmet Bath Salts at Cornerstone Cottage

Incredible Treasures, Affordable Prices

Hampton, Iowa, located 30 miles south of Mason City, is best known for it’s magnificent courthouse on the town square.  In the past few years the historic buildings surrounding that square have become revitalized and now house shops filled with treasures for everyone.

My first stop- because I had my girls along- was Cornerstone Cottage Kids.  The fun, bright shop was filled with enough bling and frill to entrance my girls.  Get your boys past the flashy girl stuff and you’ll find treasures here for them, as well.  In the back of this old TV repair shop is a craft room just waiting for a girls night or fun birthday party.  My girls walked through the store, clipboards in hand, filling out wish lists.   Before we left I let the fabulously helpful staff know what I wanted and when I returned to pick it up- sans girls- everything was brightly wrapped and tied with a riot of ribbons.

Decorating Bling at Cornerstone Cottage Kids

For the adults a visit to Cornerstone Cottage will yield a wish list of their own.  This store is filled with unique clothing, accessories, bags, snacks and home items…  I loved the bath salts display.  It was such a fun shopping experience.

For funky and fabulous finds the Orange Possum will delight even the most temperamental teen.  Fun fashions share space with vintage decor and one of a kind gifts are more affordable than you imagine.  This shop has proven to be so popular that they recently expanded and opened the Freckled Dandelion, a specialty shop filled with fun and funky kids wear, baby accessories and adorable toys!

If you’re planning to decorate- or is you redecorate for every holiday- the Wood Cellar is filled with ideas and inspiration.  Some items are made by local artisans while much of the handcrafted furniture is made in their own cellar!

The Wood Cellar

Fireside Gifts has more modern home decor, toy tractors, sweet smelling candles and a collection of bags that caused the purse-buyer in me to stare in awe.

I highly recommend a roadtrip to enjoy Hampton’s 11 specialty shops and the small town hospitality.  If Christmas is on your mind consider planning your visit for the first weekend of December to coincide with Hampton’s Holly Dazzle event- there is nothing better than a small town Christmas!

Photo credits JLHalsted except The Wood Cellar which came from the Hampton Specialty Shops Facebook page.