There’s something so uniquely wonderful about strolling the streets in your town and checking out the local businesses. Whether you’re looking for something in particular or just browsing, exploring the small shops in your city is a great way to spend the day. Valparaiso, Indiana, has charming stores of all types for you to enjoy right near home. Read on to learn about some of the cutest and most unique local shopping options in Valparaiso.

Valparaiso Market

If you want to shop for groceries, find some unique gifts, grab a quick bite, or even just soak in the ambiance, the Valparaiso Market is the place for you. Open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., June 4 through Oct. 15, this farmers market is a great way to get some shopping done while enjoying the seasonal Indiana weather. Plus, you can support some community merchants, farmers, craftsfolk, and artists. 

Things to buy include produce, handmade crafts and gifts, plants, flowers, and ready-to-eat options. The market takes place at the William E. Urschel Pavilion at Central Park Plaza, making it a great stop on a fun-filled day of downtown shopping. Grab your loved ones and come check out the best your area has to offer at this lovely market.

Lifestyles Unique Gifts

As its name suggests, Lifestyles Unique Gifts is a great place to grab some off-the-beaten-path presents for everyone on your list. This store carries garden products, accessories, bath and body, home decor, art, furniture, jewelry, candles, toys, and kitchen gear. There’s also a wide selection of novelty gifts and gags for the person who has everything but would still like a smile. You’ll surely find something for your favorite people in the world here, including yourself. To make the experience even sweeter, you can enjoy exceptional customer service offerings like personal shopping assistants and free, year-round gift wrapping.

Old World Market

Gourmet lovers rejoice — Old World Market is in town. This specialty grocery and cooking store is a great way for the local foodie to get lost in some of life’s finer things. Explore cheeses, cured meats, wines, craft beers, and other unique foods you might not be able to find anywhere else.

For the home cook looking to tackle an exciting new recipe, this store also carries the fine oils, vinegars, pastas, baking powders, and spices you need to make your meal sing. There are also gift baskets and wine and cheese club memberships if you’d like to share your love of all things food and drink with others. Stop by and take in the sights and smells of this unique Valparaiso store. You can also drop by for wine tastings, classes, and other fun events.

Alley Kat’s Curiosity Shoppe

If you’re curious about one of the most unique stores in town, stop by Alley Kat’s Curiosity Shoppe. It’s hard to accurately characterize this local gem, but it does sell vintage goods, home furnishings, toys, collectibles, crystals, clothing, jewelry, and much more. Explore the store’s massive and engaging collection, and you’re sure to find something you love. 

Besides providing a fun and engaging place for the Valparaiso community to browse, this shop also cares for its hometown with a regular schedule of events that includes monthly book club meetings, kids’ days, and a pop-up market with other local vendors. If you can’t make the pop-up, though, you can rest assured that you’re getting your town’s best with Alley Kat’s regular collection of wares from more than 50 local curators and artists. This everyday best-of-Valparaiso experience is worth a stop on your next shopping spree.

Hoosier Bat 

Baseball and softball have made their way into Valparaiso with a bang. Hoosier Bat is the town’s local bat manufacturer, working tirelessly with customers to create quality items that meet their exact preferences for size, material, durability, strength, color, and more. Like nothing you’ve ever seen before, these bats will surely be the thing you need to jumpstart your career in the big leagues.

Sure, you could grab a pre-made option from a chain sports goods store. But at Hoosier Bat, you could get a personalized option that’s as special as the baseball or softball athlete in your life. In addition to bats, this store also sells specialty sports items like jewelry, apparel, and memorabilia. Whether you want to stop in and discuss bat options with a dedicated baseball fanatic or would simply like to explore a local shop with a strong point of view, Hoosier Bat is the perfect local spot.

Homenclature

Local home design store Homenclature describes itself as offering Chicago style at Indiana prices. This funky, upscale design center carries beautiful and stylish furniture, art, and decorative items to complete any room without breaking the bank. While you can certainly splurge on a one-of-a-kind, brand-new piece, you can also peruse warehouse liquidations, floor samples, scratch and dent options, and customer returns to find something that speaks to you. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from at the store’s 21,000-square-foot Valparaiso warehouse. 

This thoughtful business even offers affordable and hourly design services in which a trained design professional comes to your home and helps you determine how to refresh your space while staying within your budget. Stop by and let yourself be inspired by some of the best that the state has to offer. Finish that project you’ve been working on, or adopt a new one on the spot. You know that Homenclature will have your back either way.

So, there you have it. Golden Tech just listed some of the best shopping experiences you can have in our lovely town. How’d you find our list? Is there anything we missed? Contact us today to let us know. When you’re done shopping, check out our blog post about other fun weekend events in Valparaiso. Or, read through our list of takeout options to fuel up before your next shopping trip. We live in an amazing city and can’t wait to share it with you.