Just 20 minutes northeast of Sioux Falls is the town of Garretson. When you’re not exploring The Palisades, Devil’s Gulch, or Split Rock Park, here are just a handful of things to do when visiting the town full of (Jesse James) history.
GARRETSON EST. 1889
FOR SHOPPING
THE TREASURE CHESET
624 N. Main Ave.
Shop for a good cause. This unassuming thrift and consignment store has visitors drive in from all over to scrounge through jewelry, antiques, furniture, crafts, vintage pieces, and more.
“When we first started [The Treasure Chest], we had no idea what we would be, and here we are,” said owner Connie Johnson.
Johnson says the company is passionate about giving back to the community and is driven by volunteers. The warehouse started originally with vendors, but the majority of their inventory now is donated. They also have a mix of new items, as well.
“We do still have new and used inventory, which makes us very unique,” she said. “There’s something for absolutely everybody here.”
The Treasure Chest has helped the community by supporting projects like the backpack program, the food pantry, and the community furniture mission.
“We are a mission store here to kind of help anybody that walks through the door,” said Johnson. “You know, God sends so many different people.”
Looking to donate items? Drop off times are during hours of operation or by appointment.
Open Monday through Wednesday 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday noon – 4 p.m.
(605) 594-2000
ttcingarretson.com
The Treasure Chest Bus Trips
THE PRICE IS $80 AND INCLUDES:
»CHARTER BUS & DRIVER TIP
»SNACKS
»PRIVATELY PREPARED LUNCH
»MUSIC
»SHOPPING
»TOURS
»CHARITY DONATION
»PRIZES
KNOWN FOR BEAUTIFUL QUARTZITE FORMATIONS.
FOR AN ATTRACTION
TUCKER’S WALK VINEYARD & WINERY
48348 254TH ST.
Named after owners Dave and Sue Greenlee’s beloved Afghan Hound, Tucker’s Walk Vineyard & Winery started in 2007 with the help of friends and family planting their first full acre of plants.
“There’s a little picture of Tucker and I on the bottle,” said Sue. “Tucker taught us to enjoy sitting and looking [around us]. That was our inspiration.”
The tasting room sits on a hill overlooking the vineyard, and patrons can see where they grow their own grapes, including Marquette. Tucker’s Walk has won many awards, and is known for being semi-sweet to dry.
“We have several fruit wines, too, like Cranberry, Raspberry, Rhubarb, and Strawberry-Rhubarb,” said Sue. “Seasonally, we’ll have others.”
They also have local craft beer from Fernson Brewing Company for sale, along with Valley Side Farm Cheese from Crooks to pair with the wines.
The winery has a full commercial kitchen and can cater private events, and they always have pizza ready to order.
In memory of Tucker, sit and look. And enjoy.
Open May 1 through November 30, Thursday through Monday noon – 6 p.m. Other tastings are by appointment.
(605) 594-6287
tuckerswalk.com
OTHER WINE SELECTIONS
- Black Currant
- Frontenac Gris
- La Crescent
- St. Croix
- St. Pepin
- Wild Plum
THE BLUE LIGHT IS THE GARRETSON PODCAST & BLOG.
FOR A DRINK OR BITE
THE GULCH
516 N. MAIN ST.
Grab a drink and chat with locals at The Gulch.
The bar and restaurant has a full menu, including wings (Caribbean, Sriracha, BBQ, Gold Sauce, Cookies Hot, Tropical Habanero, Scorpion Tabasco, etc.), burgers (Gulch Burger), appetizers (Bread Sticks and Soft Pretzels), and snacks (Jerky).
“We have probably the best pizza in town, we’ve been told,” said owner Tracie Jellis.
Toppings include Chicken Alfredo, Supreme, BBQ Chicken, and more.
Hanging out with friends or family? Play a game of darts or a round of pool.
Happy hour is Monday through Friday 4-6 p.m., and The Gulch has the “Shot of the Week” for two dollars.
“On Sundays we have two dollar Bud Light and Coors Light tall taps and 50-cent wings,” said Jellis.
Stay tuned, as the restaurant has plans to put in a new kitchen.
Open Sunday through Thursday 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Friday and Saturday noon to 2 a.m.
(605) 5894-3335
facebook.com
TRY THESE GULCH MUNCHIES
- Cheese Balls
- Cheese Fries
- Churros
- ½ Lb. Pickle Spears
- Mac & Jack Bites
- Pickled Eggs
- Pickled Gizzards
- Sweet Corn Nuggets
FOR BAKED GOODS OR DINNER
O SO GOOD
529 N. MAIN AVE
Executive chef and co-owner Omar Thornton created two halves when he started O So Good. One side acts as a meeting space with a cozy coffee shop and baked goods “made with love” by the eatery’s co-owner, Renae, who is also Thornton’s wife.
“She brings a little bit of home with her baked goods. For tonight, for example, we’re doing hot apple pie with vanilla ice cream,” said Omar.
He was referring to the “American Spice” theme happening on the other side of the business: the restaurant and entertainment space. The main concept of O So Good is “seafood and comfort food with a Southern flair.”
The restaurant not only brings innovative (spicy) dishes to Garretson, but Omar also brings in entertainment that has a special menu that coincides with the event’s theme.
“In a small town we bring the uniqueness of our menu plus uniqueness of just talent from all around,” said Omar. “We like to try to keep it as local as we can, but we definitely reach out and bring acts in as well.”
Southern flare includes Pan-Fried Blackened Walleye, Fried Catfish, and the popular Cajun Seafood Pasta.
This fall brings new menu items, like the Fried Bacon-Wrapped Pickles appetizer, the Bison Burger, and the Jerk Chicken Breast with Grilled Prosciutto Bacon.
O So Good likes to bring people in on the action with an open kitchen concept.
“A lot of people don’t realize when they come what the atmosphere will be like,” said Omar. “They see the open kitchen where they can see where it’s all being done.”
Open Wednesday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4-9 p.m., and Sunday noon to 3 p.m.
(605) 594-3600
osogoodgarretson.com
