I planned a day off on Saturday. A day off from the sorting and organizing. A day off from cleaning and moving preparation. It was time.
My goal was the Coach Outlet in Medford at the Medford Outlet Center. When I arrived I was shocked that it no longer was in the space that it had once occupied. I stopped in at Bath and Body Works because, well, I was there so why not. I asked about the Coach store and found out that it was a pop up store and only there for a few months. I was a little bummed as I had gotten an email with all kinds of great sales going on.
So I decided to meander around a bit and see what there was to see and surprise of all surprises there was a new shop (and not a pop up one) that had appeared since my last foray to the outlet mall. Owner Nicole Winter has found the perfect combination of fun, whimsical and functional items to feature in the newest shop on the block. 
Urban Finds and Bistro is conveniently located in the left side of the complex when you drive in the entrance and I was thrilled to find such a wonderful place. It is funky and eclectic, fun and quirky all at the same time and boasts a variety of items including kitchen ware, clothing, jewelry, re-purposed and salvage items as well as decorating items that can not be found anywhere else. I absolutely fell in love with the store and thanks to a helpful employee, Colleen, I was made to feel right at home and enjoyed whiling away a lot of time looking in every nook and cranny.
I could have really spent a lot of money in this place but I tried to reign myself in. I did buy some sweet coasters to use on our back deck at our new house. 
And I managed to find some really fun herb markers for the herb garden that I am finally going to be able to have again.
From kitchen items to jewelry to clothing – you can find a little bit of everything at Urban Finds.
Whimsical art created by different vendors make this a great place to shop for gifts.
Who could resist some of these wonderful things? I think this could quickly become a very favorite store.
I shopped and then hit some more stores and then decided that the trip would not be complete without a trip to the Bistro side of Urban Finds and Bistro. The menu is varied and delicious. 
Tucked away in the far left corner of the store I was hard pressed to find a seat because it was a very popular place by the time I got hungry. But I was so glad that I ordered the most delicious Southwestern Chicken Salad served in an Avocado Bowl. Seriously? Why did I not think of this? It came complete with a slice of artisan bread and small bowl of beefy chili. 
Amazing! The one complaint I have had about the Medford Outlet Center has been the lack of any place to stop for a bite. Well, I will complain no more. I think this place is going to be a favorite of not only mall goers but anyone who makes it a destination. I was thrilled with the freshness and the taste of my lunch and it was reasonably priced as well.
My only regret is that this was my last trip to the Medford Outlet Mall but at least I can share my love of this new place with my readers and encourage any of you who are traveling I-35 to make a stop at exit 48. I don’t think you will be disappointed if you decide to take a few minutes to check out Urban Finds and Bistro. I know I wasn’t.
19 Comments
Leave a commentI’m overdue for a trip to the outlet mall so thanks for the wake up call. I’ll check out the new shop and plan on lunch, too. Like you, I’ve always thought they needed a restaurant on site. The stuffed avocado looks delish!
It really was a great store and yes—lunch is a must. That is why I shopped so long. 🙂 Had to make sure I could take that in as well. I just love shops like this one and I think it will be a real draw for the mall because it is so large and has such a variety. Let me know what you think when you go. Thanks for the sweet card and business card, btw. Love it.
We’ve driven by the Medford outlet a million times. I’ve always been curious if there any cool shops like this, or a nice cafe. Thanks for doing some investigating:)
There are some nice places that are standbys for me to stop at when I was going to and from the airport. The kitchen store was a must.
I haven’t stopped there in a long time… looks like I should !
You definitely should. It was such a great surprise to find this place and the bistro was fabulous.
What a fun (and cute) store. Now you didn’t load up on stuff to take on your move, did you seeing as you just purged? I bet it was hard not to do so!
I really controlled myself, let me tell you! It was a great place to get some fun things and I did pick up a couple gifts and those herb markers but I really was controlled which is amazing. Also there were no teapots that I saw…..that explains it.
Looks like a nice store…
It really is an amazing place. So much to see!!!
It is an amazing store. I wish I as hanging around just to shop here!
I am so happy you drove up to shop at the Outlet Center one last time so I could see you. Thanks for detouring a bit north to Faribault.
On Saturday Randy and I checked out the annual Barn Sale, just across I35 and a mile south of the Center on the east Frontage Road. We met Loren Martin, who has merchandise at Urban Finds. I was thrilled.
http://mnprairieroots.com/2015/07/18/if-you-love-vintage-check-out-this-rural-medford-barn-sale/
http://mnprairieroots.com/2015/07/19/shopping-at-the-pickers-market-part-ii/
You know how much I don’t like shopping. But I really would like Urban Finds, especially after perusing the Barn Sale. Time for a visit to the Outlet Center.
What an interesting store. The food looked delicious !!!
The food was really yummy and judging from how crowded it was when I was there the word has gotten out that it is a great find. I was so happy to happen upon it.
I can’t wait to check this place out! I’m not sure what I’m more excited about – the food or the merchandise. It seriously looks like such a cool place 🙂
I think you would really love this place. I spent a long time there but did not see it all plus the inventory is always changing so it is always evolving. The food was fabulous.
What a great place! It looks like my kind of store! I need to plan a trip back there soon!
You definitely need to. It would make a fun blogger trip, btw!
[…] calledread it here. when we lived in Iowa. Of course I wrote a blog post about the shop and you read it here. The Outlet Center at Medford was a short drive from our home and I found myself there often. It […]