Appanoose Rapids Mercantile

06/21/2023

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (1973, Andrew Lloyd Webber) is an awe-inspiring story that beautifully combines faith, music, and the power of dreams.

Join the formidable American Gothic Performing Arts at Bridge View Center on June 23rd at 7.30pm (opening night) as they embark on Joseph's remarkable journey of faith, forgiveness, and triumph. Delight in the captivating music and lyrics that will leave you uplifted and inspired. This extraordinary production features a talented cast of emerging young artists from Iowa and the Midwest, who will bring this timeless tale to life with heart and soul.

Additional performances on Sunday 25th at 2pm and Monday 26th at 7.30pm. So gather your family and friends for an evening of entertainment and a celebration of the enduring messages of hope and resilience.

Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com/venue/49371 and the Bridge View Center main box office. Experience the magic of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and let your spirits soar !

06/14/2023

🎭 Opera Behind The Curtain 🎶

Come out this Thursday evening to The Club, one of Ottumwa's most exclusive venues, for an unforgettable evening. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera and pop music performed by the talented American Gothic Performing Arts featured artists. Indulge in a fine selection of cocktails, wine, and beer while enjoying live music. Complimentary appetizers will be served throughout the event.

🗓️ Date: Thursday, June 15
⏰ Time: 8:15 p.m.
📍 Location: The Club, 304 E. Golf Avenue, Ottumwa

Don't miss this extraordinary experience..., and continue to support the local performing arts !

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06/09/2023

"Music on the Green" is an extraordinary annual symphony concert held at the IHCC's captivating outdoor stage. This event stands as one of Ottumwa's most remarkable and cherished outdoor music experiences.

Admission is FREE, so gather your friends, family, and bring along your finest picnic gear for a delightful evening.

Sunday June 11 at 7pm. Brought to you by The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra.

06/02/2023

The American Gothic Performing Arts will begin its 2023 season very soon. We are their #1 fans ;-)

If you have never experienced the exceptional quality of their productions or the sophistication of the Gothic Gala and awards luncheon, then you're missing out on an incredible experience. Follow them !

Also, bookmark their website and learn more about dates, tickets prices, or how to participate in their family-friendly events: https://www.americangothicfest.org/

Don't say there is nothing to do in Ottumwa, go see a few live shows in June !

05/26/2023

We opened at 9am on this gorgeous spring morning; we have several construction crews working in the back of our building today so it could be a little loud at times (and that only means they're making progress).

Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone !

05/26/2023

The Ottumwa Cemetery is such a beautiful and serene historic space; every year on Memorial Day Weekend all the fragrant peonies are blooming, and there are lots of them, so do not miss them !

When visiting the cemetery show respect as it is considered sacred ground for many, and don't forget to pick up after your dog(s) if you're taking them out for a good walk.

And if you're exploring that side of town take your time and visit our friends at The French Flower, they are located just across the street on N Court ;-)

Learn more about the Ottumwa Cemetery here: https://www.ottumwa.us/departments/cemetery/

05/25/2023

Brand spotlight and new arrivals..., directly from Saint Louis ! Re-introducing Bissinger's, renowned chocolatiers since 1845.

Their latest creations are crafted with passion and great expertise. The new velvety marshmallow bonbons and the crème brulée chocolate bars will be pure bliss for your taste buds.

And there is more, our Mercantile also carries Bissinger's assorted chocolate truffles and deluxe J'adore Paris 19-piece chocolate gift sets (which sold out during the last St Valentine's boutique crawl we had in town).

From their European roots to their meticulous attention to flavor in Saint Louis, Bissinger's has earned its place as one of the most beloved chocolate crafting businesses in the USA. They are available now in Ottumwa, only at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile.

05/18/2023

Product Spotlight ! Restocked for the second time this year, two of our top-selling gourmet Italian goodies are back:

🧀 Truffle Mac & Cheese: to bring in 10 minutes restaurant-quality flavor to your table.

🍚 Risotto al Tartufo: a truffle-infused, chef-inspired meal in just 20 mins.

Two irresistible dishes at home; perfect for date nights or sharing with loved ones. Limited stock available !

05/17/2023

New Product Arrival: Italian Pesto Sauces, for curious and creative foodies...

🍅 Red Pesto with Truffles: capable of elevating dishes with a tantalizing blend of Sicilian sundried tomatoes and black truffles. From bruschetta to pasta, vegetables to fondue, this pesto adds a touch of perfection to any creation.

🌰 Pistachio Pesto: Made with premium ingredients from Sicily's Bronte, this nutty delight pairs perfectly with thin pasta strands like spaghetti or tagliatelle. Add a squeeze of lemon, cheese, basil or mint, and top it off with Parmigiano-Reggiano for a taste sensation.

Visit us today and discover these gourmet delights and more at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile. Elevate your cuisine with our sensational pesto sauces! 🍝🍅🌿

05/16/2023

Everyone, we want to welcome HeronKross to the Main Street Ottumwa Shopping District. This is a specialty art & paper preservation business with a vintage gallery and store. They are located on N Court St, across from Hotel Ottumwa.

HeronKross owner, Erin Naylor, is also the director of the Iowa Heartland History Connection - Museum and although she may still be new to Ottumwa, she hit the road running as a local leader and business owner.
Congratulations on the recent achievements, Erin, and good luck !

An interesting quality store just opened in Ottumwa, are you going to visit and help spreading the word ? Yes !

05/12/2023

Mother's Day Weekend is here and it will be busier and more exciting than last year's! For a complete list of events this weekend and always visit: https://www.meetottumwa.org/events/

Our Mother's Day Boutique Hop is one of those fun events you can't miss.

Here are four of the 10+ events that are happening in our community this weekend!

1. Arch Allies will be performing at Bridge View Center
2. There's a Mother's Day Boutique Hop around town
3. The Eldon Raceway... will be hosting their spring race
4. The The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra will be performing their season finale

For the full list of events, visit meetottumwa.org/events

05/09/2023

Product Spotlight: fruit preserves and jams, ethically sourced.

The RedCamper Picnic Supply brand is an indigenous/women-owned brand in Denver that has won several Good Food Awards, including the 2017 award for their Cherry Fig Mostarda. At Appanoose Rapids Mercantile, we carry their "Perfect Picnic 4-Pack", which includes four 2.75oz-sized jars of four distinct and innovative flavors: Whiskey Peach, Strawberry Limoncello, Tequila Jalapeño (hot!!), and the award-winning Cherry Fig Mostarda.

We enjoy them on water crackers or on lightly toasted sourdough, with a thin layer of real butter. And we have the right tea flavors for that little party !

05/08/2023

Why is May 13 such a big day ?

1. It's the day before Mother's Day and you still have some shopping to do; join our Ottumwa Boutique Shop Hop, our Mercantile is one of six quality shops participating.

2. It's also Lemonade Day, and our Mercantile will be sponsoring the "Galaxy Lemonade" stand at our location. Arrive thirsty !

3. Up-Stairs Downtown is back ! this is a great paid event right here in our historic business district (brought to you by Main Street Ottumwa). This is perfect for local aficionados of architecture, renovation & design.

4. The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra's "Fireworks, Orchestra Style" is the last concert of their 2022-23 season, at Bridgeview Center. This concert could be a fantastic gift for Mother's Day. Bring a few friends if you are a recurrent attendee ! - this is a free event for children and students with photo ID.

So come on out on May 13th! You'll run into local people who share your interests and passions. Don't miss it!

05/01/2023

Everyone, join us in celebrating Lemonade Day and supporting young entrepreneurs ! Appanoose Rapids Mercantile is proud to sponsor EJ Hopkins, a charming local student, as he launches his own lemonade stand: "Galaxy Lemonade" at our Downtown Ottumwa location.

With entrepreneurship running in the family, EJ is following in the footsteps of his sister who participated in a previous year. On Saturday, May 13 experience the delicious taste of Galaxy Lemonade and the uplifting presence of EJ himself. ✨

EJ's infectious positivity is bound to lift anyone's mood. Meeting this intelligent young citizen was truly refreshing, and by supporting his entrepreneurial journey, we are not only investing in his success but also in the future of our community and its economy.

Our Mercantile's open hours on May 13 are 10am - 3pm. We hope to see you all at Lemonade Day Ottumwa !

lemonadeday.org/ottumwa

04/27/2023

All these events are happening on Mother's Day Weekend, so start planning and invite friends and family from out of town, show them what Ottumwa has to offer and have a great time !

Reminder: on Saturday May 13 Appanoose Rapids Mercantile and five other local boutiques will be participating in the Mother's Day Shop Hop. Plus, it is also Lemonade Day. Make time to support your local businesses and young entrepreneurs !

Don't say there is nothing to do in Ottumwa !

With three shows at Bridge View Center Ottumwa is the perfect place to be for a three day weekend in May! Classic rock fans get the chance to see Satisfaction and Arch Allies cover some on the greatest acts in the world, and the Ottumwa Symphony is a great chance to hear some beautiful music. Besides the shows, there are plenty of things to do around town. There are also several community events happening that are sure to pique your interest.

04/26/2023

Product Spotlight: triple-scented wood wick candles, by Anchored Northwest !

Bestfriend, Boyfriend and Girlfriend were our winter top-selling candles and now that we are in our third re-order we have added new scents for spring: Staycation, Date Night and Cabin Fever, perfect for those of you that love to have more fun staying home, on most nights ;-)

Product Quickfacts:
| Handcrafted in the beautiful US Pacific Northwest
| Wicks are made with untreated cedar wood, from American sustainable forests
| 100% soy wax, fragrance and essential oil blend with no dyes or acids
| Available only at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile

04/21/2023

Happy weekend everyone ! we will not open tomorrow Saturday 04/22 but we will return next week.

Remember: 'Ladies Night Out' is next Friday and we will be participating, look for our Mercantile's coupons inside the swag bags ;-)

And prepare for Saturday 05/13, the day before Mother's day, it is loaded with activities and events all over town, including the annual Lemonade Day, our Boutique Shop Hop, and a symphony concert at night.

04/06/2023

Happy Easter everybody ! Here are our hours for this weekend. Pay us a spring visit ;-)

04/05/2023

Step into spring with the most versatile and colorful alternative to conventional area rugs. Re-introducing Spicher & Co.'s stylish vinyl floorcloths available at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile. Our small in-store selection of Spicher & Co.'s products is meant to pique your interest, as we have access to their entire on-line catalog and can help you browse and order the items you desire at the right sizes for your spaces at home. And it is not just floorcloths, but also fantastic wall art and home decor !

Spicher and Co. is a leading manufacturer of vintage vinyl floorcloths and framed artwork, providing the most current design options at good price. Founded in 1992, this Pennsylvania-based brand has acquired key positions in the market place through their leading-edge designs and reputation. Their numbered editions are sold only through fine galleries and high-end retail stores.

Artist and owner Kolene Spicher has a unique style and flair with her paintings that is easily recognizable, and many of the current design ideas in the market place have been a direct result of her creativity. Along with the creative team at Artwork Factory, they pursue ideas from initial brainstorming to the final framed piece. All Spicher & Co. artwork has a distinct vintage feel, with many pieces created to resemble times of the past.

Come visit us at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile to browse their catalog and place your order today!
(photos: spicherandco.com)

03/31/2023

With Easter just around the corner, Appanoose Rapids Mercantile welcomes back the 'Wilhelm Schweizer Pewter' brand to our store ! Handcrafted in Germany, these beautiful pewter figurines and scenes are great seasonal additions to elegant home decor.

Since 1796, Wilhelm Schweizer Pewter has kept alive a rich tradition of design and craftsmanship, with pieces based on originals often hundreds of years old. Each figurine is truly handmade, cast individually from molds engraved in slabs of slate. The accuracy and intricacy of the finished pieces are a testament to the pewter caster's art and skill.

At Appanoose Rapids Mercantile, we can help you start your own German pewter figurine collection, which in turn will become great antique pieces to pass on to younger generations. We have access to importers of German pewter into the USA and popular seasonal themes like Christmas, Easter, and Spring collections have abundant items to choose from. Just imagine your 2023 Christmas Nativity made out of pewter figurines..., come talk to us !

Visit Appanoose Rapids Mercantile today to see our current selection and take a good look at their catalog !

03/31/2023

Mark your calendars everyone !

The annual 'Ladies Night Out' is brought to you by Main Street Ottumwa; and our Mercantile will be participating !

Let's make it a shopping party !

03/29/2023

Hello everyone - If you chased Cupid all over Ottumwa and into our shops back in February, then you'd better mark your calendars for this one: a Mother's Day Shop Hop, on May 13th.

Make plans with your family and friends and treat your beautiful mothers out for a Saturday around town !

Here are the participating quality shops:

Appanoose Rapids Mercantile (328 E. Main)
Be shabby - Good Shepard Creations (324 E. Main)
My Chic Boutique Ottumwa Consignment Store (322 E. Main)
Mustard Seed Co. (925 Church St)
Sassy Sunflower (2465 Northgate St)
The French Flower (1221 N. Court St)

03/29/2023

We want to wish "Good Luck" to all participants in the 2023 'Divas who Dish', presented by the The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra at Bridge View Center on Saturday 04/01 at 6pm.

This is an annual, well-attended and cheerful event; the culinary talents on display are worth tasting and the uplifting mood can only be matched to "25 Men" (can it? 😂). It is lots of fun, so come hungry !

We won't miss it. Appanoose Rapids Mercantile, along with several local business sponsors have donated quality items for live and silent auctions.

You - must - attend - !

03/29/2023

Yes, ready for Spring 🌷 and Easter 🐇. Come visit and discover our seasonal products !

03/25/2023

Spring is here and some of you are eager to get out and garden until late, we know that feeling. Appanoose Rapids Mercantile is ready to offer 4- and 6-inch planters for your gardening needs. Introducing: Ten Thousand Villages and Rosebud Homegoods, two contemporary brands that bring their own distinct flavor to the realm of planters.

Ten Thousand Villages, based in Akron, Pennsylvania, is a fair-trade brand that offers purposeful handmade goods for home and garden. Their maker-to-market movement puts people and planet first, ensuring crafters overseas earn a fair living wage in safe working conditions while caring for the earth. Their handcrafted white-washed terracotta planters, showcasing the skill of Bangladeshi makers, feature intricate portrayals of garden animals and pets. Cute? yess !

Rosebud Homegoods, an eco-friendly organic brand based in Costa Mesa, California, uses innovative 3-dimensional printing technology and upcycled materials from beets, wheat, and maize to create their planters. These planters offer balanced nitrogen levels, superior aeration and drainage, contemporary design, and long-lasting durability, making them the perfect addition to both outdoor gardens and indoor spaces. Sophisticated ? yes, it’s 3-D printing !

Experience these two brands for yourself and bring home unique planters for your indoor garden or outdoor patio. Head over to Appanoose Rapids Mercantile to see these exceptional products for yourself.

03/24/2023

Introducing XILLI, an authentic and artisanal Mexican preparation brand based in Brooklyn, NY. XILLI has been featured in Epicurious, The NY Times, and Food & Wine magazine for their dedication to reviving ancestral traditions and incorporating fresh ingredients into their original recipes. XILLI brings Mexico's rich spice blends, bustling markets, street foods, and ancestral recipes to homes around the country.

We are thrilled to offer three of XILLI's products at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile, including their Mayan-style pickled habaneros, herbed, spiced pickled jalapeños, and Mayan-style pickled red onions. These pickled delights are perfect for elevating your cuisine to heroically *hot* levels while adding a touch of Mexican flavor to any dish.

XILLI's products are made in a conscientious, careful, and dedicated manner, setting new standards for quality and taste. Visit us at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile to taste the difference for yourself !

03/22/2023

New Product Arrival !

This year Spring began on March 20, and in the next few days we will be introducing new lines of premium garden products, carefully selected to make your gardening experience even more convenient and enjoyable.

One exclusive line of flower seeds, by ‘Gifts that Bloom’ in Texas, comes nicely packaged in themed and convenient containers; we carry their three flagship products:

- The Birthday Garden Bag: This specially designed bag contains soil and Zinnia seeds, making it the perfect gift for your loved ones' birthdays. Simply add water and let the magic unfold!

- The Iowa Shaker Garden Can: Native to Iowa, this can contains wildflower seeds that can cover up to 150 square feet. Just shake the seeds/soil mixture out into your garden and watch the flowers grow effortlessly.

- The ‘Love You Mother’ Garden Bag: This heartwarming bag contains Pink Catchfly, Baby's Breath, and Tree Mallow seeds, making it the perfect Mother's Day gift. Just add water and watch your love grow!

These flower seeds are perfect for everyone, but are particularly crafted to encourage more gardening and more time outside with nature. They are here to help you save time and effort while still enjoying the beauty of nature in an ecologically positive manner.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your gardening experience. Get your hands on our new line of garden products now, exclusively available at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile. Happy gardening...., until the first fall frost !

03/17/2023

Everyone, we are happy to announce the spring open hours at our Mercantile: we added one hour to our morning shifts on weekdays and made Saturdays a little shorter, to celebrate the weekends ;-)

As the first day of spring season in Southern Iowa begins on March 20, we invite you to come and visit us, and take the time to explore the developments happening in downtown Ottumwa.

Supporting local businesses like ours is key to fostering a vibrant downtown and building a strong community. Reconnect with the city's downtown district and help us continue to thrive.

We look forward to welcoming you to our store during our open hours !

03/17/2023

Happy St. Patrick's Day !

This is a weekend full of shows, all over town and at Bridge View Center. Some planning will be needed, specially if you intend to hit all the shows and after-parties.

We recommend Hieland Storm Friday night at the Temple and the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra on Saturday at BVC. Skid Row live sounds very exciting too !

Don't say there is nothing to do in Ottumwa !

03/08/2023

It's been a little challenging keeping up the Mercantile's hours with all the cleaning and moving at the old restaurant space, but we are maintaining our 11am-2pm and 4pm-7pm, Tuesday to Saturday, work hours. In a few days we will be adding more hours to our weekly schedule.

Let's uplift our community by supporting small businesses today ! Visit Downtown Ottumwa !

03/04/2023

Imagine handcrafted, all-natural food products inspired by works of art.

The Brins brand of fruit preserves available at our Appanoose Rapids Mercantile originates in Brooklyn, NY; in their most recent limited editions Brins partnered with The Met in NYC to interpret famed illustrations by producing fresh flavor profiles.

Forbidden Fruit (peach, fig & laurel), Unicorn Garden (pomegranate, strawberry & rose), and Salted Concord (concord grapes & sea salt) are three fascinating sensory interpretations of a painting, a tapestry and an illustrated wood block, respectively . Each 7.5-oz jar is beautifully labeled and filled with expressive flavors and notes.

Come see them yourself and take some home; other flavors of Brins jams and marmalades include gift sets with interesting fruit and sweet herbs pairings. Add them to your charcuterie and enjoy a great time !

03/01/2023

Candles are ubiquitous to retail, from big-box stores to small boutiques, they are found everywhere.

However, what sets the candles at our Mercantile apart is their hand-poured, small batch, and eco-friendly origin. These all-natural candles are made right here in the USA, hailing from states such as Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas, and Washington, providing a diverse range of scents for varying lifestyle trends.

And our selection changes with the seasons :-)

Whether for a special occasion or to add elegance to your home, our candles make perfect gifts for discerning individuals who appreciate the finer things in life.

Only at the Appanoose Rapids Mercantile !

03/01/2023

The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra's winter concert is on Saturday March 4 at IHCC.

The admission tickets at the door are very affordable for a quality event like this, plus K-12 and IHCC students can enter and enjoy a fantastic concert for free ! -more details in the post.

Go out with your family to support this cultural institution !

🎼 Don't miss the The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra's Winter Concert, "Featuring Our Own," on Saturday, March 4 at 7:30pm in St. John Auditorium on the beautiful campus of Indian Hills Community College. 🎻🎶

Under the direction of Dr. William LaRue Jones, the concert features accomplished musicians who are members of the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra as soloists, and includes pieces from Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini, and more.

Admission is $25 at the door, and K-12 and Indian Hills students with student I.D. get in for free! All proceeds support the Ottumwa Symphony in producing concerts of the highest level for Ottumwa and surrounding communities. 🎵

Come out and enjoy a beautiful night of music, sponsored in part by Community 1st Credit Union and the Margaret Vittetoe Memorial. See you there! 🎻🎼🎶

02/25/2023

Product Spotlight !

African violets are some of the world's favorite indoor plants and an excellent natural addition to a home or work space. With over 20,000 registered cultivars, these vibrant plants are also low maintenance and come in a fun range of colors and shapes; they can even bloom year-round with easy care.

Do you want to start a collection ? we can certainly help you with that ! -We have been offering them since the day we opened and our fresh new arrivals every two weeks ensure that you will always find the perfect plant for your space.

Get them now ! ;-)

02/25/2023

What is the perfect shopping day in our historic downtown ? The answer in our Mercantile is: Saturday !

The weather forecast for February 25 looks promising, with a touch of warmth and sunshine that will brighten up all spirits. We invite you to visit our Mercantile tomorrow from 11am to 2pm and from 4pm to 7pm. Make time to take a walk around and appreciate the improvements in our Main Street District. A lot of your favorite local businesses will be open.

Make every Saturday "Small Biz Saturday" !

02/24/2023

You should do it.... ;-)

FOLLOW Appanoose Rapids Mercantile
Take some time to visit the gift shop Appanoose Rapids Mercantile, which will remain operating even after the restaurant closes on Feb. 28th.
-->328 E. Main St.

02/22/2023

Product Spotlight: Camp Craft Cocktail Kits !

A sophisticated way to elevate your home bar experience and impress your guests with unique cocktails. Crafted with premium ingredients, our kits offer a one-of-a-kind taste and aroma.

Discover our selection and unlock your inner mixologist 🍹🍸

*Product Quick Facts:
| Handcrafted in Jacksonville, FL
| Kits contain all-natural, organic ingredients to mix up a delicious and unique cocktail in a few simple steps
| Serves 6 to 8
| Only at Appanoose Rapids Mercantile