Shopping in Port Washington

After studying genetics at UW–Madison’s College of Agriculture, Gwen Condon opened a garden and landscaping center in the hopes of making local exteriors more beautiful and fashionable. Gwen began traveling to shows in Germany, England, and Italy in search of gifts and garden accessories. Her shop quickly grew into an inspirational garden, where customers wander paths lined with seasonal plants, from spring flowers to fall mums to winter killer tomatoes. The knowledgeable staff makes sure to clearly label each plant with lighting and water requirements.

Additionally, customers can show photography of their yards to Garden Gate Nursery staff to get tips on plants, shrubs, or trees that would thrive there. The garden tamers’ most popular service is what they call the “Please Come Stand in My Yard” consultation, a house call in which they scope yards and inspect any problem areas before sharing their ideas and recommendations.

At Metro Eye, Drs. Amy Jankowski and Kaelyn Zaporski strive not only to outfit their patrons with precise prescriptions but also to educate them about their overall eye health and proactively assess their ocular condition. The doctors' digital eye photography helps to detect any signs of ocular diseases and the hideout of renegade bands of eyelashes, and an epic refraction system maps corneal topographies for a highly accurate prescription. Located in the historic Third Ward amid charming brick buildings and geometric street lamps, the minimalist optical lounge’s contemporary interior provides a streamlined contrast to its surroundings. Natural light floods in through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the built-in display shelves, which encase more than 1,000 designer frames waiting their turn to balance atop equally stylish noses. The optical stylists spend ample time discussing their art with each client, helping them to find frames that match their personal style while satisfying any parrots living on their shoulders.

The family-owned Garden Mart took root almost 20 years ago in Pewaukee before transplanting to Mukwonago in the spring of 2006. Inside the nursery, countless plants stretch toward the sky, including deciduous Japanese oshio beni maple and Weeping Norway spruce saplings that harbor ambitions of one day blotting out the sun. An ample garden nurtures annual and perennial flowers such as rabbit-resistant lamb's ear, drought-resistant honeysuckle, and daffodils. The Garden Mart also pays close attention to indoor and outdoor fauna, with accessories and fish to fill koi ponds, as well as a complete stock of pet items such as cat litter, pet shampoos and conditioners, and holistic Canine Caviar pet food.

Within Stephanie Horne Boutique's spacious interior, with its exposed-brick walls and hardwood floors, shiny racks beckon to fashionistas with a plethora of stylish women's attire from such reputable brands as Hale Bob, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Lolly. Window displays at the Brookfield and brand-new Third Ward location show off colorful dresses from Analili and Glam, and mannequins allow customers to imagine how they'd look like wearing a pair of Domino jeggings or a silvery robot street-performer costume. Chunky bracelets and jangly necklaces add a touch of glittery grace to outfits, and wedge shoes and high-heeled boots from Cynthia Vincent clothe feet in runway-strolling style.

Authenticity is key at E-Collectique Runway Boutique, where every previously owned dress, necklace, and satin pump is marked with a verified designer or vintage label. Pristine white walls surround high-fashion women’s wares that range from items from current lines to vintage pieces that date back more than a century. Shoppers can peruse clothing and accessories from couture designers such as Balenciaga, Chanel, and Gucci, as well as ready-to-wear styles from makers such as American Apparel and Ralph Lauren.