Known for Bramble Park Zoo, a growing libation culture (Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant, Watertown Brewing Co., and Glacial Lakes Distillery), and endless recreational options, it was hard to narrow down where to swing by in watertown. See what we checked out on 605’s day trip to the state’s fifth largest city.

21,400 Population

CAKE CRAZY

If you’re craving something sweet, or need a cake for a special occasion, Cake Crazy is a great stop. The custom cake and gourmet cupcake shop is owned by Jess Revalee, who just celebrated five years in business this spring. A selection of cupcakes are available daily. “I do whatever I feel like making, to be honest,” said Revalee. “I keep bestsellers in there at all times and then mix it up.” Flavors include Banana Chocolate Chip, Better Than Sex, Peanut Buttercup, Lemon Blueberry, German Chocolate, Carrot Cake, Raspberry Swirl, Maple Bacon, and more. Revalee loves to play with cake design and is up for any event. “I do weddings, birthdays, from small to big,” she said. Get Cake Crazy Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Facebook.com/cakecrazywatertownsd // (605) 878-2011

Clint Eastwood has visited here

WATERTOWN CONFECTIONERY

Owners Mike and Vickie Marotz started Watertown Confectionery with chocolate, and it has since grown into selling fresh-roasted coffee and wine. “We do our own roasting and flavoring,” said Mike. Step over to the wine tasting room to try South Dakota Ghost Town Winery, and read about the featured ghost towns with clippings on the tasting counter (including Annie Creek and Flatiron). Don’t miss the large picture window between the showroom and kitchen, where you can watch the art of hand-dipping chocolates and pouring of hot, fresh caramel into pans. Even better? You can make your own wine and create a custom label in the basement. Wine making is by appointment only. They provide the wine cellar, wine kit, wine bottles, design labels, and bottle the wine for you. It makes for a fun group activity or to create a personal gift. The “one-stop for your indulgent side” is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

watertownconfectionery.net // (605) 753-5249

Home to SD’s largest classic and antique car show

HARRY’S HAIR CUTS & HOT TOWELS

Don’t be confused when you Google Harry’s to get some grub and “haircuts and hot towels” appears. You’re in the right place. Owners Mike and Kayleigh Lawrence opened Harry’s Hair Cuts & Hot Towels in 2016 with the main goal to open a modern barbershop (they cut women’s hair, as well). After purchasing the downtown building, though, they realized a large portion of the space was prepped to be a restaurant. Making it the “best waiting room,” there are 36 tap beers and an eclectic menu. Chef Shawn Lindsey creates “enhanced bar food and area themes,” with items like Louisiana Cajun Alfredo Nachos and the award-winning 3 Little Pigs Burger. Check their Facebook for the extreme Burger of the Week (BOTW) (i.e. Chili Cheese Quesadilla Burger and donut buns). Bonus: Receive a free beer with your Thursday haircut. Other cool facts: The upstairs is the “only country bar in Watertown,” and all of the tables in Harry’s are made from regional bowling alleys.

harryshaircuts.com // (605) 878-3311

Has the Top Five Must-see Firework displays in the USA

REDLIN ART CENTER

Don’t miss the world’s largest collection of original works by Watertown (and world renowned) artist Terry Redlin (1937-2016), who made a name for himself with wildlife and Americana art. The 52,000-square-foot brick building was purchased as a “thank you” from Redlin to Watertown for giving him a state-sponsored scholarship for students with disabilities (he lost a leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 15). “The art center was never meant to be a monument to himself; it was meant to be a gift back to his hometown,” said executive director Julie Ranum. Redlin asked that admission always be free and that the Center remains open year round. Home to over 160 original paintings, and each painting tells a story that marks a specific time in his life and career, including his childhood (the oldest piece is a Bugs Bunny drawing he made at age 6). Help them celebrate their 20th anniversary by checking out the gift shop for a keepsake, “step into a painting” with the rustic log cabin replica, or visit the theater to watch videos on Redlin. Summer hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m.

redlinart.com // (605) 882-3877

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