Hugging Lake Michigan’s shoreline, Mequon combines quiet charm with upscale living. Officially given city status in 1957, the burb has grown into a community of over 25,000 people. But long before the shops and restaurants, the plentiful agricultural acreage appealed to the Potawatomi and Menominee tribes. Nature’s pull is still felt, from Virmond County Park’s scenic bluffs to Mequon Nature Preserve’s restored habitats.
Little Moon Children’s Boutique
Owned by a mom of two, the curated shop expands its focus beyond kids’ wearables to mom-care items, such as postpartum body products, fragrant oversize soap blocks, and candles in natural scents like heirloom tomato. 1505 Mequon Rd.
Interurban Coffeehouse
Pop in for an Interurban Latte (the secret’s the local honey) before hitting the 30-mile Interurban trail across the street – or sit for a breakfast sandwich at this light-dappled space in the new Foxtown Crossing development, with a very Mayberry feel. 11120 N. Weston Dr.
Celebrate this year’s winners of the Betty Awards!
Jonathan Clark House
Don your best prairie dress to tour this 1848 stone house of an early settler, now a museum adorned with mid-19th century furnishings. The tours (by appointment and led by a costumed docent) could include participating in period-specific chores or building a model farm. 13615 N. Cedarburg Rd.
Percy’s Fine Linens
Primping the guest room or scooping up European-crafted tableware for your next dinner party is a luxurious experience at this boutique founded in 1973 and located in Mequon since the 1990s. The selection of bedding from high-end makers like Sferra and Matouk is particularly sumptuous. 1410 W. Mequon Rd.
Mequon Public Market
Nine food vendors in a former firehouse means everyone can find something they’d like to eat. Some vendors operate other locations like the Screaming Tuna locals dub “Little Tuna.” Others are exclusively here, such as Boca Rica (Mexican with a flourish, such as mole-braised baby-back ribs) and Santorini Grill (a culinary love letter to the Greek island). Cooking classes are also offered. 6300 W. Mequon Rd.
Inside Picks
From Sally Vander Wyst, Mequon resident and owner of La Terre, a floral shop.
Roots & Stems Fresh Flowers
In the summer months, Brenda Schieble offers “U-pick” flowers at her family-owned farm, including sunflowers, peonies, tulips and zinnias. During the season, the farm also sells weekly subscriptions of bouquets for easy pick-up. “You bring your own scissors and bucket. That’s a hidden gem!” says Vander Wyst. 11627 W. Highland Rd.
Shop Privy
This woman-owned apparel and accessories shop at East Towne Square is a chic go-to that Vander Wyst adores. Stock rotates with the season – for fall, you can scoop up Big White Yeti candles, chunky-knit sweaters in bold colors and beaded statement necklaces. 1515 W. Mequon Rd.
Foxtown Heritage Meats
This butcher shop gets a lot of North Shore love for its house-made brats and cuts of meat sourced from artisan farms. And its reputation for quality is growing, says Vander Wyst. Drawing more and more clientele from the surrounding suburbs, the market has become “a destination,” she adds. 11120 N. Weston Dr.
