Central Emporium — Local services in Arnolds Park

Not only was I followed around EVERY shop in this place, at 1 store, I was even followed into the next shop. I'm sorry I didn't look the part of "shopper with funds." I am here trying to enjoy my life before it drastically changes after the surgery I have scheduled for less than 48 hours from now! I do however, have cash on hand and multiple credit cards to make purchases with at stores that aren't charging $17 for a coozie! The reason I have funds to make purchases with is because I'm not a complete nincompoop who would pay $17 for a coozie! I digress, there was ONE shop who made me feel welcome as a customer so I did make a purchase at her store but be warned, this place and its shop keepers thinks awfully high of themselves and treats potential customers who "don't look the part" like complete...

It was a little disappointing. There were mostly clothing stores, which isn't lacking in the whole town. The store at the end was interesting with the kids items, but didn't go into the candy shop. It looked fine from the outside. The restaurant at the very bottom was okay, not great. The restaurant at the top was disappointing. There is no indication that they have to have reservations. We went in, it was pretty much empty, even though it had been open for an hour, and they told us that they were booked up but could seat us 3 hours later... um no. Oh well. I know not to...

Been visiting since I was a kid, and not a whole lot has changed in twenty plus years. The bars/restaurants have cycled a bit as have the store tenants, but the main premise is the same: the bottom bar/restaurant is the day drinker, with bar food and relaxed vibes while the upper restaurant is more dinner oriented, quiet, and upscale.

The stores are mostly all tourist type vendors, where you'll find no shortage of clothes to kitchenware with "Okoboji" plastered across it. For the best deals, wait until after labor day weekend, when the prices are slashed...