VACATION WEEK
Wed., Aug. 7, 2013
Page 17
Imaginuity, where visitors play
Formerly known as Whoops, specialty toy store Imaginuity houses a selection of toys, educational products, games and puzzles at locations in Minocqua and Manitowish Waters. Owner Kay Hatch and her daughter and manager, Jessica Hatch, fill the shelves with products that encourage creativity and inspire curiosity for all ages, including adults. “We go on special buying trips to find cutting-edge, imagination-driven toys and games,” said Jessica Hatch. “We are always adding new products.” With customers that vary in age from infant and up, Imaginuity has fun, educational and challenging games for all ages. A unique feature of the store is that they have many interactive games on display so visitors can try before they buy. “Playing is always encouraged; it’s very handson,” said Hatch. Also offered are art supplies, books, science kits, outdoor and active play items and a large selection of puzzles. The Hatches put an emphasis on choosing products that are stimulating and educational and engage players in learning while they’re having fun. Imaginuity carries a large assortment of games for children, families and adults. “We’re finding that board games and family games are making a comeback,” said Hatch. This store isn’t just for kids. Adults will find many fun party and table games for any gathering including card, dice and word games. A new game is PicWits, a multi-player game similar to Apple to Apples where players choose their own picture for a caption card that is drawn from the deck. Each round a judge chooses which picture they think best matches the caption. Whichever player has the most matchups in the end wins. “I always shop here,” said one customer. “You can’t find these unique toys or their quality anywhere else, and I also support buying local.” Imaginuity has more than 300 products that were made in the United States and some from other countries such as Germany and Denmark. A popular new product, made in Denmark, that they carry is Plus-Plus. It is a building set similar to Legos, except that the pieces are designed to fit together at
Fine Coffee & Tea Espresso Bar Smoothies & Frappés WIFI HOT SPOT
2 Locations: 108 Hwy. 70 East St. Germain (715) 479-9402 474 Hwy. 70 East
In the St. Germain Bakery
Manager Jessica Hatch shows off some of the games offered at Imaginuity in Minocqua.
(715) 477-2121
DRIVE THRU OPEN 6 A.M.
108 Hwy. 70 East St. Germain (715) 479-3492
more angles, allowing for endless shape-building possibilities. Plus-Plus offers creativity with shape, color and form, and can also strengthen motor skills. The staff is eager to help customers find the perfect game or gift. Imaginuity is located in downtown Minocqua at 225 W. Front St. and is open at 9 a.m. daily until 6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Fri-
days, and Saturdays, and until 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays (mid-June through August), and 5 p.m. Sundays. The Manitowish Waters location at 68 Highway W is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Each store offers a unique shopping experience for play with a purpose.
COMPLETE HARDWARE STORE
Awarded “Restaurant of the Month” by Discover Wisconsin
Family Owned Since 1973
• Hank’s Paint Products
One of the First Pizzerias in the North
• Power Tools
• Stains
FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1972 YOUR HOSTS: THE REIDS
Home of the “World’s Best Pancakes and Burgers”
Hours: 6 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Sun. 6 a.m. - noon (breakfast only) Closed Tuesdays 426 Hwy. 70, St. Germain, Wis. 715-479-8737
Hwy. 70, St. Germain, Wis. BOULDER JUNCTION 715-385-2300 ST. GERMAIN 715-479-5930
(12 mi. west of Eagle River)
(715) 477-1200