“We have famously long winters here in South Dakota, but our innovative downtown community has created welcoming spaces where you can find plenty of things to do indoors,” said Alexa Sheldon, executive director of the Aberdeen Downtown Association.
According to Sheldon, the city has been building in energy and excitement regarding the downtown scene, and Main Street is seeing a lot of growth.
“The revitalization just keeps coming,” she said, noting the difference in how the city felt just a few years ago.
This winter, she encourages South Dakotans to make the drive for a weekend getaway to experience some of Aberdeen’s hidden gems.
“We’re in an age where weekend vacations are less about the fast-paced, expensive metropolitan weekend experiences, and are more about exploring our region’s relaxed, small-town communities with locally-grown businesses and cool grassroots experiences,” said Sheldon.
So fill up your tank, grab a backpack, and make your way north to visit these exciting stops.
“I feel lucky to work in and be a part of this amazing downtown community.”
-ALEXA SHELDON, ABERDEEN DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
LUXURIOUS LOFTS
No trip is complete without lodging, and 605 was able to stay at a loft by Aberdeen Property Management.
“The loft in downtown Aberdeen is a stunning space that combines modern design with industrial character,” said property manager and owner Taylor Newton.
The loft features high ceilings, large windows, and exposed brick walls. Amenities include a fully-equipped kitchen with premium appliances, high-speed internet, in-unit laundry, and a secure entry.
Newton shares the goal in creating the loft space was to preserve the building’s historic charm, while incorporating more modern conveniences.
The property manager oversees a diverse portfolio of over 300 units, ranging from multi-family apartments and short-term furnished rentals to commercial properties.
“All of our properties are designed with attention to detail, combining modern amenities with comfort to create an enjoyable and functional environment,” shared Newton.
The company prides itself on offering full transparency and exceptional service, and Newton says they like to make the process simple, efficient, and stress free.
“Whether you’re staying for a short visit or longer term, this loft is designed to offer comfort and convenience.” -TAYLOR NEWTON, ABERDEEN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS
Located just below the loft is Colorful Creations—an art studio owner Demi Truebenbach shares is “a safe space for everyone.”
Truebenbach took ownership of the business in November 2021, saying it was a “no-brainer.”
“Art has saved my life in so many ways and is something I am very passionate about,” she shared.
Offering projects like pottery, canvas art, tie-dye, and wooden signs, the studio is a great place to relax and spend quality time with friends and family. Plus, the studio is always open for walk-ins.
Classes are available every Saturday night with subjects like painting techniques or pottery for beginners.
“We’ll walk you through every step so you don’t feel overwhelmed with all the options you have at the studio,” encouraged Truebenbach.
Surrounded by bright colors and art on the walls, the workshop is a haven for creation and exploration.
“Everyone has a different style and comes up with different ideas, so it’s very inspiring seeing the constant creativity that flows through people,” said Truebenbach.
DEMI’S ADVICE
“At my studio I have a saying, ‘To be an artist, all you have to do is create.’ It’s not always about the outcome and how the finished product looks, it’s about the experience.”
GET YOUR GAME ON
After throwing some pottery, head over to Retrocade: Classic Arcade for an authentic retro arcade experience.
Owner Scott Mosey has been collecting games since he was 10 years old, buying his first pinball machine with his paper route money.
After working on basic repairs while earning an electronics degree, he dreamt of having a place that would showcase the nostalgia of the “golden era of arcades” and take people back in time.
Scott and his wife, Roxy, opened the arcade in the winter of 2013 and have been providing that experience ever since.
“This has been a passion project to share with the community, and we’ve enjoyed it for the past 10 seasons,” shared Roxy.
Complete with pinball machines, arcade games, a high score chalkboard, a change machine, and a jukebox, the couple has succeeded in keeping the music, décor, and games as authentic as possible.
The floor houses about 80 games from the 1980s and 1990s, and Scott has additional games waiting for repairs before being rotated out onto the floor.
Retrocade is also open for events like birthday parties, bachelor or bachelorette parties, graduations, class reunions, and office events
ARCADE HOURS
Private parties can be booked year-round, but have seasonal hours.
OPEN: Mid-September through mid-May.
HOURS: Friday 4-9 p.m. and Saturday 1-5 p.m.
FILLED WITH CHARISMA
A two-minute walk down Main Street leads to Karisma Boutique.
The coffeeshop and boutique has been a part of Melissa Larson’s life for 13 years, as it was always a weekly shopping stop for her and her daughter, Amaya.
When Amaya was killed in a tragic accident at 10 months old, Larson was encompassed by grief.
“My world was shattered, my heart broken, and my life turned upside down. To describe it further is an impossibility,” said Melissa.
Not long after, the family heard news that the boutique owner was moving.
“I never imagined I ever wanted to own a boutique, but my memories of Amaya and Karisma are now and will always be more precious than words could ever express,” she said.
Melissa and her husband, Chris, took the leap, hoping it would help keep their minds occupied and provide a “new normal” after the shock of the impossible.
The boutique features different lines of women’s, men’s, and kids’s clothing, home décor, pet accessories, and more.
LINES & LABELS
Some brands Karisma carries include:
• Birkenstocks
• Daze Denim
• Free People
• Little Bibsy
• Lululemon
• Mizzen and Main
“We strive to offer impeccable fashion, great customer service, personalized care, sizes, and prices for everyone.”
-MELISSA LARSON, KARISMA BOUTIQUE
Karisma also serves coffee, tea, protein drinks, wine, slushies, refreshers, and even mimosa flights.
One popular drink is the Frosty Joe—a blended coffee drink, which also comes available hot as a Frothy Joe.
The coffeeshop and boutique changes offerings monthly with new flavors and themes for holidays. Recently, Melissa shares they’ve started to carry acai bowls, which have been best sellers.
“We pride ourselves in making our customers feel like they are a part of our little Karisma family every time they stop to shop,” said Melissa.
As the seasons change and you begin planning your next vacation, Sheldon suggests the friendliness of Aberdeen’s small historic downtown.
“Aberdeen is known to be ‘quiet,’ but we are actually hiding some of the coolest things to see and do,” said Sheldon.
