Brookings Bakery is in the heart of Downtown. They offer fresh baked donuts and bread. The delicious burgers at Nick’s would not be the same without the Brookings Bakery buns. We chose a fritter and a French cruller and they both were soft and flavorful. The service was great and it felt like I was picking up treats from Grandma.

Pro Tip: Get a pack of fresh bread to take home!

Pasque is a small home goods store downtown. Walking in Pasque felt like walking into a Christmas Hallmark Movie. It smelled and looked like Christmas. My senses were satisfied. They have tons of things to purchase for yourself and others from ornaments to greeting cards. I purchased a beautiful snow globe style ornament and I cannot wait to gift it. I love that they have so many locally made items.

Pro Tip: Make a list of who you are shopping for. They have the perfect gifts!

The thing that surprised us the most about Brookings was the small casinos. Being from Minnesota we are used to only a few very large casinos but here there were quite a few small casinos in the heart of the city. We figured we better try our luck. Inside they keep the lights low and have just a few machines. They make fresh popcorn and drinks are available. We did not stay for too long as we are not big gamblers, but we did leave with more than we came with and that’s a plus.

Pro Tip: Bring cash

Dakota Nature Park is a nature preserve in Brookings. It is filled with several ponds and trails for the nature enthusiast. We saw several birds and small animals while there. If lots of walking is not for you you can relax on one of the many docks. Near the northeast corner of the park is the Brookings Country Outdoor Adventure Center, an indoor gun and archery range. The BCOAC has hunter safety classes and leagues for both guns and archery. Occasionally on your walk at Dakota Nature Park you can hear gunshots from this facility. The Dakota Nature Park also has equipment that people can rent.

Pro Tip: Dress in layers as you get warm walking.