Shopping Without Stressing
The holiday season is already upon us.
Yup, it seems to start earlier and earlier every year. And at first it takes us by surprise - hearing Jingle Bells before we even carve our pumpkins. But for some reason, we procrastinate. Stress starts to set in, and before we know it, looking for that perfect gift becomes a chore.
So we log on to our laptops and bounce around all the usual shopping sites. We’re bombarded with literally millions of paralyzing options and pricing that ranges from “that can’t be right” to “why is it so expensive” - for the same item!? And we question; “How much is shipping?” “Will I get it in time?” “Are the colors true?” “Will it fit?”
And the stress builds.
So, in a single oh-I-give-up click of a button, we throw something into the shopping cart and justify it by thinking, “if they don’t like it, they can return it.”
Here’s an idea. Stop doing that! It’s dumb.
There’s a better way. A stress-free way. In fact, not only will shopping no longer be a chore, it'll be one of your favorite memories of the holiday season.
Why? Because shopping in Rome, Wisconsin isn’t shopping at all. Rome is home to quaint and one-of-a-kind shops that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you're looking for culinary delights, indoor decor, outdoor adventures including golfing and fishing, spa services, or fashion, Rome has something unique for everyone on your list.
You’ll be able to see, feel, and even smell everything before you buy. You'll be able to assess the quality and value. The size. The color. There'll be no more guessing and no more stress.
Now, doesn’t that sound a little bit smarter?
Let’s start with the shop that has the most perfect name for holiday gifts; The Gift Shoppe. Located in the Rome Town Center at 268 Matterhorn Trail (right next door to Papa Bears Mini Golf), The Gift Shoppe has a wide variety of unique and special gifts. From garden decor to kitchen and outdoor entertaining, lake and golf themed items, educational games and toys, unique dog toys, and so much more.
For those with a sweet tooth, Slice of Heaven Bakery is a must-visit. In fact, be sure to make it your next stop because it's virtually kitty-corner to The Gift Shoppe at 1158 Snow Pass. Their breads, cookies, and cakes are prepared with the purest of ingredients, ensuring that every bite is a slice of heaven.
Sticking with the you-don’t-even-need-to-move-your-car theme, Rome Country Meats and Deli is a short walk around the corner to 264 Geneva Trail. With the best selection of prime cuts of meat, chicken, and pork in central Wisconsin, not to mention a treasure trove of cold cuts, fresh salads, marinades, and sauces.
Golfers on your gift list will appreciate whatever you give them if it comes from the Lake Arrowhead Pro Shop, 1472 Apache Lane. With a fully stocked golf shop, they provide an excellent selection of clubs, shoes, shirts, hats and just about everything else you can imagine to improve one’s game.
Or maybe they’ll want to simply wear with pride some really cool golf swag. Like Lake Arrowhead, the Sand Valley Pro Shop, 1697 Leopold Way, offers a huge selection of branded golf apparel, equipment, and accessories. BTW, even non-golfers will love the cool weather vests, pullovers, and thermal jackets.
Outdoors enthusiasts will be glad you shopped at Rome Outdoors right next door to Kwik Trip at 251 State Highway 13. This well-stocked store offers fishing supplies, live bait, tackle, hunting gear, camping equipment, boating essentials, and other basic supplies for any kind of outdoor activity.
There's a store for fashion enthusiasts too. The Market Boutique in Rome at 285 Geneva Trail is brimming with clothing, accessories, and handmade items - from shorts to hoodies, candles, jewelry, shoes, hats, purses, and pillows - whatever you end up wrapping, you know it’ll be cherished.
For personalized and custom gifts, When in Rome Print Shop at 335 State Highway 13 is your go-to spot. They specialize in ready-made "Rome" apparel, custom t-shirts, decals, signs, and more. Or, make it even more personal by designing your own.
Don’t forget to add yourself to your list, and treat yourself to some relaxation and pampering at Bliss Spa and Salon, 254 14th Avenue. They offer personal care services, from massages to facials, hair treatments, and nail care. But don’t be selfish, they have great gifts for all your friends and family too - in store and online.
To wrap up this holiday gift buying conversation (pun intended), put away your laptop, tablet, and phone and reduce the stress of holiday shopping by visiting the quaint and unique shops of Rome, Wisconsin. You’ll be glad you did. And your loved ones will be thrilled that you did.
Written by: Lydell Capritta
