COUNTRY COTTAGE OF CARVER

204 N. Broadway St., Carver • 763-213-3268

The gist: This newer occasional sale mixes cheerful painted furniture with vintage home and garden pieces including a variety of tableware.

Don't miss: A peek at the vintage Mobil gas pumps next door.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.

HOW QUAINT

714 1st Av. E. (Hwy. 101), Shakopee • 952-465-3887

The gist: Nine dealers fill a two-story home plus its back and side yards with a mix of vintage and repurposed pieces.

Don't miss: Good selection of found handbags and refreshed vintage jewelry (and Customer Appreciation Party this Saturday with grilled hot dogs, burgers and potato salad).

Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Thu., 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun.

LINDA'S CELLAR

112 E. 2nd St., Chaska • 612-987-9898

The gist: Owner Linda Heger and dealer Judy Shackelford fill this spot with primitives and "rusty and crusty" vintage objects. One recent find: a stash of baking tins from the now-defunct city bakery.

Don't miss: The "digger room" for bargains.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Sat. (Open until 8 p.m. this Thursday in conjunction with Chaska's Night on the Town.)

MUSTARD MOON

300 N. Broadway St., Carver • 952-361-3282

The gist: Cozy lower-level space is a series of whimsically decorated rooms full of found and repurposed furniture.

Don't miss: Stock of old globes, flashcards and kitsch.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

SEASONS

300 N. Broadway St., Carver • 612-991-0625

The gist: Mix of primitives and repurposed pieces stacked high to take advantage of close quarters.

Don't miss: Candleholders made from gears and cast-off parts.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.

the nature of it

300 N. Broadway St., Carver • 763-476-6942

The gist: Chic mix with emphasis on garden-centric furniture and accessories.

Don't miss: More pieces in the garden out back.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Sat.

VINTAGE COTTAGE

116 2nd St., No.105, Chaska • 952-448-5800

The gist: Changing and eclectic mix spills into side yard in nice weather.

Don't miss: Vintage monogrammed linens; owner Julie Violet seeks them out.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. (Open until 8 p.m. this Thursday in conjunction with Chaska's Night on the Town.)

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

A well-manicured perennial park on Broadway in Historic Carver offers weary shoppers a respite under a shady gazebo. The Carver dealers have collaborated on A Day of Summer Delights from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; an $8.50 ticket includes box lunch, a fairy card reading, dessert and lemonade at a local perennial garden, door prizes and a small gift. Reservations only; tickets are available starting Thursday in the stores or by calling Mustard Moon at 952-361-3282.

WHERE TO EAT

Two suggestions for bar-and-grill fare: Harvey's at 220 N. Broadway in Carver makes a hearty smothered burger. In Chaska, work your way through a California burger with ample mayo while enjoying the patio at Cy's, 500 N. Pine St., at the old city mill.

GETTING THERE

Carver, Chaska and Shakopee are within minutes of each other. To start in Carver, try Interstate 494 to new Hwy. 212 west to the Jonathan Carver Parkway exit. Directions for several routes at www.omustardmoon.com.

Kim Yeager • 612-673-4899

Read the first installment in this series, plus tips and a video on shopping occasional sales at startribune.com/homegarden