Department stores can be trite and overwhelming, but the second annual Holiday Junk Jaunt is anything but that. Danielle Rode, owner of the vintage store Upsy-Daisy in downtown White Bear Lake, started the event in 2016.
“I was looking for a way to bring attention to shops in both White Bear Lake and Forest Lake that shared a similar clientele,” Rode says.
The Holiday Junk Jaunt features eight stores located along Highway 61 in downtown White Bear Lake and Forest Lake, including La Vintage LaRee, New View Home Décor, The Farmer’s Daughter and Vintage Junky. “All of the shops are locally owned and specialize in cool junk, locally made art and jewelry, vintage, repurposed furniture, and home décor,” Rode says. Holiday décor and gifts include front porch decorations, vintage sleds and more. Stores also offer in-store specials, promotions and snacks, and some have guest vendors on the weekend.
Each “jaunter” will receive a passport that contains a map with shop addresses—the passport is stamped by each shop, and turned in for a drawing.
Only in its second year, the Holiday Junk Jaunt is already popular; last year, 600 to 800 people flocked to Highway 61 for holiday treasures. Some jaunters came from as far as South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin.
WHAT Holiday Junk Jaunt
WHEN November 16, 17, 18: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; November 19: noon–4 p.m.
WHERE Highway 61 in White Bear Lake to Forest Lake
