Autumn is the best time of year for many of us. The sun is bright, the air is crisp and fresh, and the cheerful reds and golds of trees and plants make us smile. It’s time to enjoy a country walk or city bike ride. One destination this weekend might be Urban Cottage in South Minneapolis which is close to Minnehaha Parkway and Lake Nokomis. Urban Cottage is freshly decorated for fall with fun decorations, beautifully crafted lampshades, handmade soaps, subtle plaid pillows and throws. There is an abundant selection of tables, buffets, shelves, mirrors, glassware, vintage jewelry and clothing. Everything from elegant to industrial is beautifully displayed. A bonus feature this month is a special outdoor vintage flea market next-door on Saturday from 10 to 5 with guest vendors. Urban Cottage’s address is 5157 Bloomington Avenue South. Store hours are today until 7, Thursday from 10 to 7, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 10 to 5. Happy saling!
St. Paul is the Place to Shop This Weekend
It’s a great weekend for shopping in St. Paul. Deja Vu Antiques is having their fall sale of vintage finds with an accent on European as well as classic American pieces for your home. There will be some fun, unique pieces at 2068 Iglehart Avenue on Friday and Saturday from noon to 5.
Belle Junque at 474 Cleveland is open again this weekend on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 to 4 as they expand their shop hours. Simple, natural accents of fall complement the vintage pieces with a French farmhouse theme.
Urban Moon and The Middle Sister continue offering small items for the home as well as large pieces of furniture – and everything in between. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from noon to 5 at 1048 Selby. Happy saling!
Weathered and Worn at Haupt Antiek
There is evidence of this month’s Weathered and Worn theme with more dull grey metal, more old wood, and more signs of softly colored aging than usual. You’ll also see the bright oranges and yellows of autumn in flowers, pumpkins, and many Halloween decorations. Harvest paintings and decor are available along with signs, dishes, tools, baskets, architectural remnants and more. Tables, chairs, buffets, and a unique wood and glass display case which could be used as a handsome wine storage chest are all waiting for new homes. Haupt Antiek Market is open Thursday from 9 to 8, Friday 9 to 7, Saturday 9 to 5, and Sunday 11 to 4 at 7570 West 147th St. (just west of Cedar Avenue/Hwy. 77) in Apple Valley. Happy saling!
Fresh Vintage at Twisted Root in Hamel
Twisted Root at 112 Hamel Road in Uptown Hamel takes a fresh look at vintage goods with repurposed, repainted and recrafted goods. The bright blue house is hard to miss. Inside the white walls and natural wood make a good background for showcasing all the painted furniture and colorful accessories.
Signs, frames, and wall art share the rooms with chairs, tables, pillows, and other decor. There are locally made onesies and bibs for kids, vintage shirts and flannel scarves for adults. Twisted Root is open this Thursday through Saturday from 10 to 6 and on Sunday from 11 to 5. Happy saling!
Flea Market at The Alley in Osseo
The Osseo Lions Roar Celebration is taking place with a parade today and street dance tonight. Joining the festivities is a flea market behind The Alley’s shop at 218 Central Avenue today until 5 with several vendors. Inside The Alley you’ll find antique chests, tables, bookcases and fun decor. There’s farmhouse furniture, signs, mirrors, lamps, frames, chalkboards, and so much more. Stop by this afternoon until 5 or Sunday from noon to 4. Downtown Osseo will welcome you!
Mama’s Artisan Market
What a beautiful day for the opening of Mama’s Artisan Market which takes place outdoors at Mama’s Happy in Independence today, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 5 daily. The variety is awesome with over 40 vendors offering vintage, repurposed, and handcrafted goods. Popular themes include hand painted signs, unique jewelry, plaids (plaid shirts with embellishments, plaid scarves, plaid bunting), and lots of fall decorations. There are dining chairs, upholstered chairs, tables, cabinets, and dressers inside the shop and in many market stalls. You can enjoy live music and refreshments too. There’s no admission charge so grab a friend and head to 7888 County Road 6 (south of Hwy. 12 and Wayzata) in Independence. (Note: there is parking along Cty. Rd. 6 and also at the nearby church with shuttle service to Mama’s Happy). Happy saling!
Urban Cottage Just Flirts With Fall
Elegant yet clean-lined furniture is waiting for you at Urban Cottage this month. There are also metal and wood industrial pieces if that’s more your style. The cottage has lamps, mirrors, frames, and lots more to decorate walls, shelves and tabletops. You’ll see a few comfy chairs ready for fall evenings with a book. A new vendor adds to the mix with interesting finds and local soaps enhance the Shop Local theme. Urban Cottage is open until 7 today, Thursday from 10 to 7, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 6, and on Sunday from 10 to 5 at 5157 Bloomington Avenue South in Minneapolis. Happy saling!
Creativity Has a Home in Hopkins
Garden Party Gallery is aglow with warm, rich colors this weekend as they introduce their fall decor. There are many tables, chests, cabinets, and chairs to choose from, including white, summery porch furniture as well as trunks and cabinets in darker paints and stains. Individually made cement pumpkins, bed-spring wreaths, and mosaic art hangings are attractive decorations inside or outside your home. All are one of a kind! You’ll also find quilts and blankets for cool nights, jewelry for old and young, and fun signs to give or keep for yourself. Garden Party Gallery is open Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 8 to 4 (including a booth at the morning Farmers’ Market on Ninth St.) and Sunday from noon to 5 at 1213 Mainstreet in downtown Hopkins. Happy saling!
Elegant Furniture and Decor at Crowned Cottage
Crowned Cottage in Elko New Market announced their closing sale with markdowns on all the beautiful furniture and European style decor after a five-year run. The shop has chandeliers, mirrors, paintings, lamps, pillows, antlers, jewelry, chairs, tables, and a French settee. You’ll find a great selection of their Belle Vache hand crafted leather bags and accessories made right in the cottage. The shop plans to be open tomorrow, Sunday 11-4, and again September 2, 3, 4, and 8, 9, 10, and 11. Hours are Thursday through Saturdays 10 to 5 and Sundays 11 to 4. The location is 531 Main Street; phone number is 952-461-1918. Elko New Market is about 10 minutes south of Buck Hill on I-35 South and is also home to the Elko Traders Market and Old Hotel Market which will be open on Labor Day weekend. Happy saling!
Carver and Chaska Store Hours

All shops are open today until 5, and Friday and Saturday 10 to 4. On Sunday Carver shops will be open 11 to 3. Linda’s Cellar in Chaska will be open Sunday noon to 4. Happy saling!