WLM | shop
Zach immediately put his skills to work in The
Wandering Hermit’s popular coffee bar. Seasonal
drinks, such as iced tea in the summer and hot apple
cider in October, November and December join staples
like lattes, chai tea and the Hermit’s wide selection of
additional teas. The coffee bar adds to the Hermit’s
atmosphere – relax at one of their many seating areas
with something new to read, your homework or some
friends for a chat. Enjoy a warm cup of something
fabulous along with the free wifi and warm atmosphere.
The Wandering Hermit’s location adds to the
fascinating and eclectic nature their name suggests.
Built in 1903, the building (located at 875 Gilchrist St.
in Downtown Wheatland) was originally the Wheatland
Hardware Store. Dan and Zach continue to lovingly
care for the building’s original pressed tin ceiling and
hardwood floors, which add a nice touch of historical
ambience to the diverse collection of items. Dan and
Zach also share the love of the building with a previous
soul – the ghost of Mr. George Milne, the hardware
store’s manager in the 1930s, is reported to keep watch
over the building and its current inhabitants.
You’ll notice The Wandering Hermit’s name continues
to read ‘Books & Gifts,’ and the gifts are a fun part
of the store. The Hermit gives Wheatland shoppers a
wide selection to cover more than just the readers on
their list. They specialize in learning games, toys and gifts for children. The
largest selection of Wyoming Made products in Platte County are carried
in the store, including an impressive selection of glassware etched with
Steamboat (Wyoming’s iconic bucking horse symbol for those unfamiliar
with the name); everything from glasses and cups to lamps and vases! (These
items are made by our friend Joe Hageman at Scrap Tree in Laramie.)
In addition, one can find Chugwater Chili (made in nearby Chugwater),
jewelry, tote bags and more in their Wyoming Made merchandise. The
Wandering Hermit is also the only retailer in their nook of the state to carry
Zap’s Smokeshack smoked cheese.
Dan’s inspiration came in offering a diverse and interesting selection for
Wheatland shoppers, and pushed for their store to open in November of
2014. “Our goal was to open in time for the Christmas shopping season,” Dan
says. “{We} felt that was important not only to us, but also to Wheatland,
as it offered another retail store where people who want to do so can shop
in our community rather than feel it is necessary to go out of town.” As they
prepare to celebrate their second anniversary in November, they’ve created
a local shopper’s haven that is definitely following that inspiration. But you
don’t have to be a Wheatland local to enjoy The Wandering Hermit Books &
Gifts! Be sure to follow them on Facebook, stop in when you’re next passing
through on I-25 (875 Gilchrist Street in Downtown Wheatland), or give them
a call for a special order need at 307.331.2887. W L M
www.wyolifestyle.com
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