TREASURE TROVE OFF MAIN STREET: UpCreek Vintage Opens Up Shop
longtime locals and lovers of antiques fill former Marion’s Legacy space with vintage wares and more
McKenna Scherer, photos by Timothy Mather |
After about two years, the shuttered doors of the Main Street space formerly housing Marion’s Legacy in Menomonie have reopened, welcoming all things eclectic, funky, and odd, thanks to UpCreek Vintage.
The new vintage and homewares shop received a sweet makeover when Nate and Kristen Dusek signed on, the tin ceiling and interior getting a fresh coat of paint – they bought 20 gallons of paint to get ’er done! – some demolition, and a whole lot of TLC. That was all before digging into their treasure trove of stored-away wares and welcoming a few vendors into the space.
Nate and Kristen, longtime Dunn County residents, fell in love with the world of antiquing by opening a door to the past – literally. When the duo bought their home more than two decades ago, the 19th-century house was at odds with their contemporary furniture pieces. But the home was absolutely beautiful, an example of the unique architecture of the past that the couple wanted to complement, not remodel. Thus, the hunt for more appropriate antique furniture began, a hunt that never really stopped.
“We filled it with period furniture, and it took quite a while to do,” Kristen reflected, warmly. “We bought the house 21 years ago, so really, (our love of antiquing) began then. … We love thrifting, flea markets, estate sales.”
The duo describes their style as eclectic, even “weird” – “(We like) items that make you smile,” Nate said.
They acknowledged their flair – “Believe it or not, not everyone likes our taste!” Kristen laughed – and wanted to welcome vendors into the space too, adding variety and opportunity for other collectors and artists. There are currently three vendors – Grace Derosier’s SassySeal.art, artists Jim and Suzanne Skuban of #2CREATIVE, and Wissota Vintage – as well as local art and goods among the funky vintage wares.
What has been a longtime hobby finally turned into a business for Nate and Kristen, UpCreek Vintage hosting its official opening on Saturday, Feb. 10, at 632 S. Broadway St. The shop will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 11am-3pm, inviting locals and passersby alike to dive into their treasure trove.
Most importantly, though, the couple hopes their curated space brings something else to customers and visitors: “We want them to smile,” Nate said, more than once. “We hoped to add to Menomonie in a way that makes it more of a destination. We want to offer affordable, quality furniture and fun home decor that just makes you smile.”
Grab a friend and head over to Broadway Street in downtown Menomonie for an adventure into oddities and wares you won’t find anywhere else. In the rare case you don’t find a physical treasure to take home, you’re still guaranteed to leave with one thing: a smile.
Check out UpCreek Vintage (632 S. Broadway St., Menomonie) Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-3pm. Keep up with the shop on Facebook (@UpCreekvintage) or call at (715) 309-4644.
