'Farewell' From South Dakota Lauriebelles-Closing Tea Shop Soon

It's officially the end of an era for one of South Dakota's most popular local boutiques.

Lauriebelles opened their doors 13 years ago, and now owner Laurie Karlson is ready for her "next chapter."

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In a surprising announcement posted on Facebook, Laurie Karlson is calling this era the "Lauriebelles Farewell Tour' as she gets ready to close this journey in her life. But she has nothing be gratitude for the entire Sioux Empire and beyond.

"Over the last 13 years, I have poured my heart into this business. There has been blood, sweat, tears, laughter, and more lessons than I could ever count. Along the way, I've built invaluable relationships, created beautiful memories, and had the privilege of connecting with so many incredible women across the country.
When Lauriebelles began, my oldest son wasn't even in school yet. Today, he's preparing to leave for college at the end of this year."

So What Happens Now For Lauriebelles During 'The Farewell Tour?'

The Lauriebelles in Downtown Sioux Falls already closed its doors earlier this year. But there's still time to get your favorite clothes and accessories from Lauriebelles.

An in-store sale at the Tea location is already underway. The store will officially close on Wednesday, July 15th.
Final sales for the website will begin next Wednesday, July 1st.
The storefront inside the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls will remain open "for the foreseeable future."

You can see more of Laurie's announcement and message here.

The Sioux Empire's local shopping options are getting slim. Hopefully, local boutiques like Lauriebelles will call the 605 home.

I'll miss Lauriebelles! I loved shopping there. Looks like I have to stock up now while I can, sorry to my husband and our closet in advance (haha).

Gone But Not Forgotten - Iconic Sioux Falls: Whiffer's Sandwiches

The Merriam-Webster definition of iconic is "widely recognized and well-established." That would definitely describe Whiffer's Sandwiches which used to call North Minnesota Avenue home.

The gone but not forgotten sandwich shop was located in an old house at 1133 North Minnesota Avenue. It served sandwiches to Sioux Falls from November 1978 until the summer of 2020.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

South Dakota's Weird Exotic Animal Laws Are Amazing

Have an interesting pet or looking to get one? Check this out from South Dakota Exotic Animal Laws before you go trying to adopt one.

You will need a zoo permit to harbor a raccoon dog. That's a real species. It's a small wild dog with a black facial mask and long fur, native to the forests of Asia.

Gallery Credit: Danny V