WLM Shopping Guide | Page 11

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 29