Taking advantage of the mild weather and craving a quick trip, 605 multimedia designer Yany Avelar and account manager Taylor Hanson joined me in Parker, home of the infamous Turner County Fair.

Located just 30 miles southwest of Sioux Falls, Parker is sandwiched between corn fields, and offers a refreshing look into “small-town South Dakota.” On its off season from the fair, Parker is home to teachers, farmers, and business owners alike, all extending warm welcomes from the winter winds.

PARKER WAS EST. IN 1883.

TWIGS & TREASURES // THE WHITE POPPY BOUTIQUE

Mother-daughter duo Leigh Krumbach and Anna Weinstein were no exception. With Krumbach owning Twigs & Treasures and Weinstein owning The White Poppy Boutique, the shared space was full of home décor, stylish clothes, and a lot of love. 

The two showed us around the shop and explained how they work together to keep the hometown feel alive through their businesses. 

“I always tell my husband that customer service is the number-one thing I want to be different and unique from,” said Weinstein. 

In addition to the clothing boutique and the home décor, the space is also home to a coffee bar and a sitting area, which allows for more than a quick shopping trip. 

“I want people to come in and meet, have parties, do bible studies, and utilize the space. We like to keep the hometown atmosphere,” explained Krumbach. 

After exploring the locally made signs (courtesy of Wild Goat Design), and making a mental note of what we were going to add to our wish list, we made our way to the next stop.

PARKER IS PART OF THE “CHISLIC CIRCLE.”

OH SO NATURAL SOAP CO.

Just a few miles outside of town, we came across a beautiful white barn with a green roof. As we parked, we all realized the barn is not only Paige Moffatt’s workshop for Oh So Natural Soap Co., but is also her home. 

Moffatt and I sat down to talk about her homemade soap business, all while I repeatedly smelled the soap bars in front of me. 

“My sister was a big influence on us starting. She had a skin condition, and the only thing that would help her was the soap my mom started making. So, after doing months of research, we eventually came up with our current recipe,” said Moffatt. 

Not only is the soap nice to look at, but Moffatt uses all-natural ingredients in all of her products, and keeps health and comfort at the forefront of her process. 

“I developed my bath soak when I found myself always achy, and I wanted something minimal, that still offered someone an opportunity for self-care,” said Moffatt. 

Smelling like orange and sandalwood, we decided to end our daylong vacay at a local favorite. Kelley’s Bar looked like the run-of-the-mill, small-town bar, but it was anything but average. 

OH SO NATURAL SOAP CO. CAN BE FOUND AT: BROOKS TACK REPAIR & UPHOLSTERY // THE CAR GUY (BOTH LOCATED IN PARKER).

PARKER IS HOME TO THE OLDEST FAIR IN SOUTH DAKOTA.

KELLEY’S BAR

Almost as soon as we walked in, owners Irma and Jess Dornbusch had us sitting down, started taking our orders, and handed us an ice-cold Coke. 

“My husband loves to cook, but he loves to visit more. We love to talk to new people, and we always say, if you stay for one, you’re here for 10,” chuckled Dornbusch. 

While we were not-to-subtly stuffing our faces with lamb chislic straight from Kaylor, Dornbusch explained they are known for their burgers and chislic. Besides great food, Kelley’s offers a pool table, dart boards, and an outdoor area that screams ice cold beer on a hot summer day. 

“During the summer, our outdoor space is usually busier than inside. It’s just a great place to meet your friends and hang out,” explained Dornbusch. 

PARKER IS NAMED AFTER A RAILROAD OFFICIAL’S WIFE.

WEEKEND SPECIALS

1ST WEEKEND: 10 OZ. PRIME RIB

2ND WEEKEND: 10 OZ. NEW YORK STRIP OR 9 OZ. PANGASIUS FISH FILLET

3RD WEEKEND: FETTUCCINI ALFREDO (ADD CHICKEN OR SHRIMP)

4TH WEEKEND: 10 OZ. NEW YORK STRIP OR 9 OZ. PANGASIUS FISH FILLET

5TH WEEKEND (IF THERE IS ONE): COOK’S CHOICE

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