With 2026 underway, New Year’s resolutions are in full swing with people focusing on things like better health and habits, ambitious work and life goals, and new hobbies.
Check one of those off your list with a guide given by Downtown Aberdeen, ideal for those who want to either continue, perfect, or give a shot at a new hobby and/or trade. Find out more about these Main Street shops and attractions.
THE FABRIC BIN
What began as a personal passion for fabric and sewing naturally grew into something more—a place where creativity could be shared, skills could be taught, and people could feel welcome the moment they walked through the door.
“The Fabric Bin was born from a deep love of quilting, creativity, and community,” said director Shirelle Stadel.
She describes quilting as much more a hobby, often telling a story, creating comfort, celebrating a tradition, and/or a stitched form of self expression.
“The vision behind The Fabric Bin was to create a space where beginners feel encouraged, experienced quilters feel inspired, and everyone feels supported,” said Stadel.
Locally owned and operated, the brick and mortar was built on years of hands-on experience, teaching and learning alongside customers. Classes, sew-alongs, live demos, and events take place often, helping quilters gain confidence “while fostering friendships that extend far beyond the sewing table.”
And don’t expect The Fabric Bin’s team to rush through a sale. Especially for someone new to the craft, Stadel says they’re there to answer questions. Most importantly, they encourage customers to give themselves grace throughout the process.
“From the beginning, The Fabric Bin was never just about selling fabric–it was about connection.”
Shirelle Stadel
“Everyone starts somewhere, and mistakes are part of the process,” said Stadel. “Focus on learning fundamentals, invest in good tools where it matters, and remember your project doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.”
Speaking of good tools, The Fabric Bin carries premium quilting cottons from well-known designers and manufacturers that quilters trust for color, durability, and consistency.
In addition to fabric, they carry reliable sewing and quilting machines, along with notions, rulers, tools, stabilizers, and specialty products they personally use and believe in. Stadel says if they sell it, it’s because they know it works and they would recommend it to their own friends and family.
The store also carries supplies for bag making, home décor projects, seasonal crafts, sewing gifts, and basic garment sewing.
“My favorite part is watching confidence grow with customers,” said Stadel. “Seeing someone come in unsure of themselves and leave proud of what they’ve created is incredibly rewarding.”
She continued, “Keep challenging yourself and stay curious. Try new techniques, styles, or tools—even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Share your knowledge with others, because teaching strengthens your own skills, and community thrives when experience is passed on.”
For more information, visit thefabricbin.com.
SHOE SCIENCE
Originally opening in 1982 as The Athlete’s Foot, Shoe Science has served the Aberdeen area to “lend your feet a hand.”
The business has been kept alive by switching hands from several owners over the years.
“The people of Aberdeen grasped just how important a local shoe store was for the community,” said its newest operator McKenzie Farmen.
The family-owned business is known for carrying a carefully-curated selection of footwear designed to support “real people with real lifestyles.” Farmen says runners can find performance-driven shoes for everything from daily training to race day, like hikers can choose from durable, supportive options built for comfort and stability on the trails.
“We also love serving the ‘fashionistas’—those who want stylish, everyday shoes that still feel great on their feet,” said Farmen. “No matter the category, comfort, fit, and function always come first, and we only bring in brands and styles we truly believe in.”
The foundation of Shoe Science is professional fittings. Every fitting starts with listening—learning about a customer’s activity level, goals, and any past injuries or concerns. From there, they assess foot shape, gait, and movement to make informed recommendations.
“Running should feel empowering, not painful.”
mckenzie farmen
“It’s not about selling a specific shoe; it’s about finding the right shoe for that individual,” said Farmen. “That personalized approach is what keeps people comfortable, confident, and coming back.”
The Aberdeen Area Running Club is a huge part of Shoe Science’s story. Farmen holds a secretary chair on the AARC board and proudly supports the club, as she says it shares the same goal of building a strong, inclusive running community.
“Through group runs, events, and partnerships, AARC helps bring people together, and we’re grateful to be a resource and meeting place for so many local runners,” said Farmen.
For someone just starting their running journey, the Shoe Science crew says to start slow, be patient with yourself, and invest in proper footwear.
“Focus on consistency over speed or distance, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance,” said Farmen. “Most importantly, enjoy the process. It’s easy to get burnt out, so don’t overdo it, and take proper rest days.”
Listening to your body is important, and that includes seasoned runners.
“Even experienced runners can benefit from revisiting their footwear, strength training, and recovery routines,” said Farmen. “Stay curious, mix things up, and remember why you started running in the first place.”
Whether it’s for running or everyday life, it’s helping people that the Shoe Science team says makes them love what they do.
“Helping someone find a shoe that truly works for them—whether that means pain-free running, comfort at work, or confidence getting back into activity—is incredibly rewarding,” said Farmen. “Being part of someone’s journey, big or small, is what makes this more than just a retail job.”
For more information, visit shoescienceaberdeen.com.
NOVEL IDEAS
Kristi and Mike Bockorny were avid readers and believed books were essential for not only educational purposes, but to relax and “find joy.”
“Novel Ideas is a cozy, nostalgic place that we hope brings out inspiration in people,” said store manager Ryleigh Huppler.
Huppler joined the team because of her passion for reading, and it also didn’t hurt that her fiancé is Connor Bockorny, Kristi and Mike’s son.
The store has about every genre you could think of, Huppler describes—nonfiction and fiction, as well as children’s books.
Team members love being able to help customers figure out what to read next.
“Recommending new books to customers is always so fun, as well as bonding with them over certain books and authors that we like,” said Huppler.
For those who have a goal to start reading again or more often, Huppler suggests choosing something that grabs your attention right away.
“If you end up not liking a book, it is okay to pick up a new one and start again,” she said. “This way it will be reading for fun and not feeling like a chore to pick up and finish a book.”
Seasoned readers are encouraged to try something new—a new author, new series, or a new genre. Huppler says she would have never known she enjoyed romance novels if she hadn’t randomly picked one up one day.
“It’s always fun to branch out and learn more about your own reading interests,” she said.
Novel Ideas also offers knick nacks in the store like candles, wax melts and melters, magnets, stickers, pins, mugs, wine glasses, nostalgic toys, unique board games, nostalgic candy, popcorn, pretzels and a large selection of puzzles including traditional jigsaw puzzles and 3D puzzles. They also have a selection of seasonal items.
“We really want to create an experience you can’t get anywhere else in Aberdeen.”
Ryleigh Huppler
The store specializes in gift baskets for corporate and employee gifts, and plans on offering unique candy, popcorn, and other items on snack bars for special events, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions in 2026.
Open six days a week, Novel Ideas can special order any book they don’t have in stock, and they offer bulk discounts to businesses, corporations, churches, bookclubs, and more.
For more information, visit Novel Ideas – Aberdeen, SD on facebook.com.
DACOTAH PRAIRIE MUSEUM
The Dacotah Prairie Museum was founded in 1969 to preserve and share the history of the Dakota prairie and its inhabitants. Over the decades, it has become the county’s premier history museum, serving as a storehouse for their collective memory while providing archival, research, exhibit, and educational services.
Located in the historic Northwestern Bank building (built in 1889), the museum has focused on telling the stories of the people who lived in the area, the past and present, and continues to expand how those stories are shared with new generations.
“Our exhibits range from historic artifacts and photographs to immersive educational environments and rotating art displays,” said director Patricia Kendall. “Visitors can explore Brown County history through archival images, objects from everyday life, and community-donated artifacts.”
UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS
Fashions from the DPM Collection (February 21–May 2)
Historic Hecla, SD (Photos) (through February 28)
Art Solo Exhibition: Roberta Goldade (March 14–May 9)
Frederick 6th Grade Creative Writing Project Display (February-May)
Dacotah Frontier Life, opening in 2026 in the newly renovated Squire Gallery.
New elements will continue to be added to Country School Days as it serves a new generation of museum visitors.
A major new addition is the Rosemarie & Dean L. Buntrock Gallery—a Global Biodiversity Experience, which introduces animals from North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa in an interactive format. Guests are welcomed by a full bison mount (coming summer of 2026) in the lobby are guided through global habitats, biodiversity, and the impact of human activity on wildlife.
For younger visitors and families, Country School Days is a hands-on children’s exhibit modeled after a one-room country school. Children are encouraged to complete chores, pack lunch, and take part in reading, writing, and arithmetic through imaginative play. Historic photos and local school facts invite storytelling and reminiscing across generations.
This month visitors can experience several engaging displays, Kendall says. These include Fashion from the DPM Collection (February 21–May 2), which highlights clothing and textiles from their archives, as well as Historic Hecla, South Dakota (Photos) (December 20–February 28).
“We also host rotating art exhibits by local and regional artists, such as the upcoming ART Solo exhibition by Roberta Goldade beginning in March,” said Kendall. “Historically, we explore everything from Indigenous history and early settlement to homesteading, town life, recreation, and modern community development in Brown County.”
One of the most meaningful aspects of the staff is watching people, especially families, engage together.
“Seeing children role play in Country School Days, adults reminiscing over historic photographs, or visitors discovering a family connection creates powerful moments of shared learning and connection,” said Kendall.
Whether it’s delving into local history, or history in general, the staff suggests starting curious and to not get overwhelmed.
“You don’t need to see everything in one visit—take your time, read what interests you, and ask questions,” said Kendall. “Museums are meant to be explored at your own pace, and every visit can reveal something new.”
“After 50 years, we’re still growing, evolving, and finding new ways to tell meaningful stories.”
Patricia Kendall
For more information, visit dacotahprairiemuseum.org.
GOLD N’ GEMS
What about a hobby that invests in your future? Andy Heinze, owner of Gold N’ Gems, says many customers come in with potential heirlooms in mind for their children and grandchildren.
“Whoever has the gold makes the rules,” said Heinze. “It’s been a good investment for most people.”
When it comes to gold and silver, Heinze says it’s important to acquire some to diversify funds. The physical aspect is a more reliable form of financial stability, removing the fear of the marketplace and giving the customer the ability to cash in whenever they see fit.
“The physical is better in this realm since you get to take it home with you, of course, and then it’s where they have problems with just recently raising margin calls on your investment, which can cause a dilemma if you’re fully invested,” said Heinze.
Along with precious metals, Gold ‘N Gems has vintage furniture full of history and character. The store also has had military memorabilia, including recently carrying a jacket from World War II.
Inventory in that regard has slowed down, as their militia connection, Dale Fliehs, recently retired.
“He was prolific in war collectibles and military memorabilia,” said Heinze. Gold N’ Gems also assists in the sale of collector-items, including utilizing options like Heritage Auctions. One highlight has been a family that had a 1952 rookie Mickey Mantle card that never was opened.
“It was in the original package, and it sold for $275,000 for a piece of cardboard,” said Heinze.
“The rare, cool thing about this business is that it’s easier to sell a $50,000 coin than it is a $50 coin.”
andy heinze
They can also help customers with their estates, including the estate’s appraisal.
Questions are welcomed by the team to find out more about an item, to explain services they provide, and/or to connect them to the right source.
“The people here helping associates and clients have infinite knowledge to share,” said Heinze.
When it comes to his career, the owner says he was called to do it.
“I just was inspired by God’s word that I needed to get into this business and I knew nothing about it. He put all the right people in front of me immediately,” said Heinze. “It was all his plan for me.”
For more information, call (605) 262-0952.
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