First in the series Occasional sales offer home decor bargains

Where: 18 First Av. NE • 763-245-1927

The gist: 15 dealers mix shabby chic, primitives and the occasional new piece.

Don't miss: Pretty china plates; funky wearables in the far back of the store.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Sat. June 4-6; noon-4 p.m. Sun. June 7.

Where: 609 Soo Lane • 763-684-0124

The gist: Buffalo's founding occasional sale co-owned by Rose Darden and Barb Pursley. They require their 16 dealers to remove items that haven't sold after two sales, so the inventory stays fresh.

Don't miss: Darden's exquisitely staged entryway, where beauty intersects with humor.

Where: 705 2nd Av. NE • 612-850-9768

The gist: Architectural salvage predominates, but plenty of repurposed pieces too.

Don't miss: Bulk bins of bathtub claw feet, doorknobs, etc.

Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thu.-Sat. June 4-6; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. June 7.

Where: 32 1/2 Central Av. • 763-684-1254

Don't miss: New accessories and custom pieces from reclaimed materials mingle at the Atelier upstairs.

Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wed. June 3; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thu.-Sat. June 4-6; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. June 7.

Where: 605 Soo Lane • 612-581-8010

The gist: Two levels of second-hand shopping in a former bowling alley.

Don't miss: Used patio sets, a house specialty.

Where: 18 Central Av. • 763-682-4701

The gist: Bi-level shopping with large furniture pieces; The store is named for the owner's daughters.

Don't miss: Online catalog at www.thethreesisters buffalo.com.

Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wed. June 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.-Sat. June 4-6; 9 a.m.-noon Sun. June 7.

While not technically an occasional store, the Nickel Antiques -- in a big white barn just north of Highway 55 -- houses wares from 40 dealers, many of whom also sell to occasional sales. A thriving Art Guild showcases the work of local artists; don't miss the individually decorated fiberglass bison (pictured above) -- à la the Cows of Chicago -- throughout the town.

Try the Loaf & Ladle's excellent homemade soups and sandwiches made to order at 200 Central Av. Among other home-grown options: the filling lunch fajita special at Rancho Grande on Highway 55 West. Or enjoy the sandwich and cranberry pasta salad on the patio downtown at BJ's Deli, 2 First Av. S. Indulge in a bag of locally made Buffalo Gals pecan toffee, too.

It's a 45-minute drive from the Twin Cities. For a scenic drive through hobby farm and orchard country, take Highway 55.