There’s something special about discovering a small business that feels like “yours.” A place where the owner knows your name, where the shelves are thoughtfully curated, and where every visit feels like stepping into the heart of the community.

At Veridian Homes, we cherish the neighborhoods we build — and the local businesses that help them flourish. Whether you’re settling into a new home or exploring your community, these 16 standout small businesses across the Madison and Milwaukee areas offer charm, craftsmanship, and a warm welcome just minutes from many Veridian neighborhoods.

Image via Good Day Shop.

MADISON-AREA FAVORITES

1. Good Day Shop – Madison (Monroe Street)

A beautifully curated boutique blending home décor, apparel, and indie-made goods. Stylish, modern, and perfect for unique finds.

2. Sunne Boutique – Madison (Monroe Street)

Light, minimal, and Scandinavian-inspired. Sunne’s curated fashion selection and warm atmosphere make it a standout for thoughtful, stylish pieces.

3. Poppy – Middleton

A bright, cheerful boutique full of color, modern style, and joyful gift items. The shop’s fun, uplifting aesthetic makes it a must-stop in downtown Middleton.

4. Leopold’s Books Bar Caffe – Madison (Regent Street)

Part bookstore, part coffeehouse, part evening cocktail bar — this atmospheric space feels like stepping into a European café.

Image from Leopold’s.

5. Cosa Boutique – Verona

A beautifully curated boutique offering women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, and stylish gifts. Cosa’s warm, modern aesthetic and friendly feel make it one of Verona’s most charming shopping spots.

Image via Cosa Boutique.

6. The Sow’s Ear – Verona

A cozy mashup of café + yarn shop with comforting charm. Whether you knit or savor a warm drink, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger.

7. Faded Roots Boutique – Sun Prairie

A modern boutique with farmhouse-chic styling and curated, fashion-forward finds. Welcoming, airy, and beautifully merchandised.

8. Red Barn Company Store – Waunakee

A beloved home décor and vintage-inspired boutique offering seasonal goods, handcrafted pieces, and charming displays. Endless Finds feels like a treasure hunt in the best possible way — warm, whimsical, and character-filled.

 

MILWAUKEE-AREA FAVORITES

1. Vintage Barn Chicks – Pewaukee

A treasure trove of reclaimed décor, farmhouse pieces, vintage finds, and refurbished furniture. Every corner feels warm, nostalgic, and full of personality — a can’t-miss shop.

Image via Vintage Barn Chicks.

2. Burlap & Lace Marketplace – Waukesha

Rustic-modern home décor at its finest. Their displays look straight out of a magazine, making it a favorite for décor lovers.

3. Otto’s Fine Art Gallery – Waukesha

Upscale yet approachable, Otto’s showcases regional artists in a beautiful, thoughtfully arranged gallery setting.

4. The Purple Giraffe – Oconomowoc

A whimsical, colorful gift shop in Oconomowoc’s charming downtown. Known for personality-packed displays and unique finds.

5. Brown Street Emporium – Oconomowoc

An airy artisan mall featuring dozens of local makers. Stylish booths, handmade goods, and a clean modern layout make browsing a delight.

6. Leona Rose Flowers – Caledonia

A boutique flower farm and sustainable floral studio offering locally grown blooms, seasonal arrangements, and beautifully styled gift bouquets. Charming, artistic, and perfect for fresh floral inspiration.

7. Esperanza Coffee Collective – Racine/Caledonia

A coffee shop inside a renovated church, complete with soaring ceilings and stunning architectural details. Beautiful, serene, and community-focused.

8. Olive Branch Boutique – Menomonee Falls

A stylish Menomonee Falls boutique offering curated clothing, accessories, décor, and gifts. Warm, welcoming, and beautifully merchandised.

Image via Esperanza Coffee Collective.

Why Supporting Local Matters

When you support a local business, you’re doing more than shopping — you’re investing in the people, stories, and creativity that make each community unique. These businesses enrich our neighborhoods, strengthen local economies, and add character to the places our homeowners love calling home.

At Veridian Homes, we’re proud to build in communities that are vibrant, connected, and filled with small businesses worth celebrating.

Ready to Explore?

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or searching for your new favorite spot, these beautifully curated small businesses are just outside your doorstep in Veridian Homes neighborhoods.