People often ask me if I have any recommendations for junktique shops around Iowa. You can’t go junking as often as I do without picking a few favorites along the way so I put together a list of my top recommendations. These shops come to mind for their fresh selections, friendly owners, or pleasant ambience. Check out my top 10 and let me know what you think.
1. Gypsy’s Alley – Nevada, Iowa
922 Lincoln Way Nevada, IA, 50201 
(515) 382-4283 
Gypsys-Alley
Don’t be fooled by their size, this tiny shop is filled to the brim with fun and interesting displays full of vintage finds, antique relics, re-purposed and upcycled items, and made goods. Their consignment really helps bring variety to the store, they literally have something for everyone. I’m often surprised at how much they are able to pack into the small space in a cute and inviting way. I love walking through this shop time and time again and I never leave empty handed. Between their welcoming displays and their friendly demeanor, the owners have created a space that will make any junk lover feel right at home. This is one of my favorite stores to go into right now and I know it’ll become an instant favorite of yours when you stop in.
2. Country Blessings – Jefferson, Iowa
1263 Pioneer Ave, Jefferson, IA 50129 (515) 386-2999 Country-Blessings
Right off Highway 30, between Grand Junction and Jefferson is a wonderful shop with a unique collection of home decor. Leave your expectations at the door, this isn’t your usual vintage shop. They’ve got a fresh blend of primitives, junk, and made items. Plus, their Junkpalooza event has an ideal country style that makes you want to drink sweet tea and spend the day taking in the atmosphere, music and “just be.” When the day is done, you’ll be begging for more. Your first trip won’t be your last.
3. JB Knacker – Gilbert, Iowa
123 Main St, Gilbert, IA 50105 (515) 233-2600 JBKnacker
Located smack dab in the center of Iowa, just a few miles north of Ames is JB Knacker, a vintage home store you must stop and see. They’ve got ephemera, antique furniture, vintage home decor, salvaged pieces, rustic finds, and more. Not to mention every time I go, I’m greeted warmly by the shop owner, Brenda, and she always surprises me by asking about my family. You can tell that she has a love for junk and an even greater affection for her customers. She’ll make you feel like you’re coming home every time you stop.
4. Thumbprint Cottage – Cambridge, Iowa
60159 290th St. Cambridge, IA 50046 (515) 382-4279 thumbprintcottage
Just a hop, skip, and a jump southeast of Ames, Thumbprint Cottage is a quaint shop full of shabby love to the core. They’ve got a romantic country home feel that speaks to me. I love their girly and feminine displays and pieces, it makes me feel like I’ve walked into my own private she-shed. The owner is always friendly and makes me feel welcome. Worth the trip for sure.
5. Old New & Things 2 Redo – Boone, Iowa
809 Story St, Boone, IA 50036 (515) 520-0237 OldNewandThings2Redo
Recently opened up in a new location in Boone, Old New & Things 2 Redo has stocked their store full of great painted furniture, vintage items, rustic junk, and re-purposed pieces. I absolutely love just walking through their store and gazing at all of their fun finds and whimsical displays. This is truly a place where every item has the potential to be the centerpiece of your collection. Let me know what you find in the shop and what you do with it!
6. Uptown Funky junk – boone, iowa
Location 817 8th St, Boone, IA 50036 https://www.facebook.com/UptownFunkyJunk/?fref=ts
From the moment you step on the curb outside Uptown Funky Junk you can tell the owners love to refurbish and upcycle furniture and vintage pieces. Take your time browsing their furniture, creative solar lights and even an old bank vault filled with soaps and lotions. If you’re into DIY, they offer a large selection of chalk paint and the owner is always willing to give you some tips on getting the most from them. It’s always a pleasure to visit this quaint store when I’m looking for something special.
7. Antiques Iowa – Story City, Iowa
1639 Broad St, Story City, IA 50248 (515) 733-9311 antiquesiowa
Our list wouldn’t be complete without the largest Antique Mall in Central Iowa. With over 125 different vendors, you could spend the entire day here going through all of the merchandise and still not see everything. Bookmark this one for sure and stop into Antiques Iowa next time you’re on the hunt.
8. Red Barn Rustics – Boone, iowa
2035 205th St. Boone, IA 50036 (515) 432-8421 Red-Barn-Rustics
This isn’t a normal stop-and-shop junk store. Red Barn Rustics in Boone only opens for occasional sales, so watch their Facebook page. They’ve been in the business for 10 years and it’s obvious they know their rustic treasures when they see them. I love the touches of shabby they bring to their shop and displays, plus they’ve got a great collection of straight up vintage and antique items. Not to mention, the owner is always friendly. One of the best barns I’ve visited in the area. Like them on Facebook and make a point to head out the next time they have a sale.
9. Broad Street Market By Carter Station – Story City, Iowa
515 Broad St Story City, IA 50248 (515) 450-8887 broadstreetmarketiowa
Located in Story City, Broad Street Market is an amazing space that will hit right to the soul of any rustic and vintage lover. Every time I go in I day dream about what my home would look like with their upscale vintage benches, cupboards, and salvaged finds. You’ll find rustic wind mill pieces, farmhouse style tables and cupboards, and lots of other excellent vintage items here. Worth the drive, and a must stop if you’re already in the area.
10. Gravy Home Goods – Jewell, Iowa
630 Main St Jewell, IA 50130 (515) 231-5058 Gravyhomegoods
Just 15 miles north of Story City is a vintage home goods store with a twist of humor. Every time I go in there they have something that makes me chuckle. Their eye for unique finds and an intuition for re-purposing old junktique items into modern works of art means they can truly hit all types of design styles. Whether you’re on the look out for an Iowa Barn Wood table, some handmade soap, or even a chair covered in moss they’ve got you covered. Check them out if you’re on the hunt for home goods in the realm of modern, farmhouse chic, shabby chic, vintage, antique, or rustic. You won’t be disappointed.
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Wow! I cannot believe it’s been a month since we closed our store for a winter break! It’s been kind of juggling act around here between being at home and trying to get some work done at the store.
Today I wanted to tell you about my number one glue! My husband, Bill.
Ladders! 
Bill holding Austin on his shoulders, was our ladder to grab those up high, almost done for the season, Honeycrisp apples we all love. Thanks guys! I did hear the tractor tour guide say they are now planting the apples in rows that are growing shorter to allow easier picking. Good job!