WELCOME BACK. The former creamery turns boutique in Downsville, The Creamery Boutique recognizing its location's longstanding history.

A former creamery in rural Downsville that was home to a much-beloved restaurant for decades has been reborn as a chic boutique and event space.

Inside The Creamery Boutique, you’ll likely be greeted by owners Sheri and Adam Laurent; their golden doodle, Porter; as well as by a carefully curated boutique.

“I like to use the word ‘timeless’ or ‘classic’ for the aesthetic,” Sheri explained while sitting next to the former eatery’s fireplace. The Creamery Boutique offers a selection of women’s clothing, home decor, jewelry, body care products, children’s items, pet goods, as well as gifts, including a growing pantry section with local goods such as honey and maple syrup.

If The Creamery wasn’t the perfect name already, Sheri may have called the place “A Few of My Favorite Things,” an apt description of the boutique’s wares.

After discovering the property – which had been closed for years – via an online ad, the Laurents bought the place in November 2019 and moved there from Madison the following March, just in time for the beginning of the pandemic lockdown. Enamored with the property’s potential, they began the laborious process of remodeling, creating event space both indoors and out as well as their own cozy living space on the premises. Upstairs are five guest rooms, which are rented on a month-to-month basis.

The boutique, featuring women's and children's clothing plus accessories and beauty items, is also an event space.

Outdoor patio where patrons can enjoy a glass of wine or beer.

The couple decided to create a business that complimented the event space, ultimately settling on a boutique. The shop opened in May and celebrated a formal ribbon cutting in August. In the intervening months, they’ve welcome plenty of patrons who came to check out the new shop and reminisce about their positive memories of the building’s past. “My cheeks hurt by the end of the day,” Sheri says of the smiles they bring.

The original building was built in 1904 and was a creamery until the 1950s. After extensive remodeling, including the addition of a second floor, the Thomas family opened The Creamery as a restaurant, lounge, and inn in 1985. For more than two decades, it was a favorite for fine dining and special events in a bucolic rural setting.

The Laurents didn’t want to re-open The Creamery as a restaurant in part because of its beloved reputation: Nothing could complete with the memories locals have of dining there. Instead, they want to help visitors make new memories.

To that end, the Laurents have big plans for activating the event space both indoors and outdoors. They say it’s perfect for gatherings like bridal showers and anniversary parties, and they’re hoping to draw people for indoor and outdoor gatherings throughout the seasons. Having a liquor license doesn’t hurt: Visitors are free to enjoy the scenery outside with a glass of wine or a beer.

“It’s been a labor of love,” Sheri added. “We hope the community enjoys it, too.”

The Creamery Boutique, E4616 County Road C, Menomonie • Hours: Thursday-Friday, 11am-5pm, Saturday, 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-3pm • https://creameryinn.com • @creameryinn on Facebook