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Toy Town in Casper, Wyoming.

Celebrating 38 Years in Downtown Casper: The Enduring Charm of Casper’s Toy Town

Novelty toys and games can seem so sparse in a technologically driven society. While this isn’t necessarily a problem for our younger generations, highlighting a store that takes us back to our childhood and recognizes the fun, kinesthetic part of playing and learning with new toys is incredibly exciting.

If you are new to the downtown Casper area or have yet to stop into the beloved Toy Town, you will be welcomed with the smiles and knowledge of this Casper toy store’s employees and owner. While this store features new and exciting toys fresh in the market, you will also find some novelty items here, such as the iconic LEGO® sets, Barbie dolls, puzzles (of all shapes and sizes), and even Lincoln Logs.

Inside of downtown Casper's Toy Town toy shop.

With over 38 years in downtown Casper, Toy Town has witnessed various seasons, shifts, new construction, and the normal turnover of business. They are a fan-favorite not only by our locals but also with the passerby tourists our town draws in throughout the year.

The 38-Year Journey: From Past to Present

The owner of Casper’s Toy Town, Dalene Lockhart, started her store with her family in mind. After her son was born in 1984, she realized how difficult it was to find the perfect entertainment, learning, and fun toy for her infant.  By trusting in the vision, Dalene went “all in” on her new toy store by finding the perfect products, building their mission statement and brand values, and working as hard as she could to launch a spot for those looking for a great toy, game, or activity in the downtown Casper area. Once 1985 rolled around, it was time to open to the public.

Dalene first opened shop where the current Wind City Books is downtown. After three years there, they relocated to where the current Cadillac Cowgirl is until 2015. They then moved to Wolcott Street, which is where the store is still located to this day. This store has never lost its charm through all the moves and changes our beloved Casper has experienced in the last 38 years. There exists a huge sense of loyalty and adoration by its customers. This store has also been named a “generational toy store,” for they have established a presence long enough to see babies grow up and eventually return to the shop for their children.

Dalene also shared with us that since opening and experiencing the changes in marketing and advertising over the years, social media and an online presence alone have been a big opportunity for this small business. You can find Casper’s Toy Town active on both Facebook and Instagram. They also have a great website for information about the business and the many in-store toys, brands, and items they carry!

Peek Inside the Toy Chest

There are numerous brands of toys and games for children (and even adults) of all ages! Whether shopping for a little/loved one or browsing to fulfill a collector item, you can find it all at Casper’s Toy Town. The owner mentioned that when choosing the product line she features that season, she ensures they fill a unique niche that might be missing in our Wyoming town.

Toy Town has various stuffed animals, building items, puzzles, dolls, and more for the little ones. For the collectors or adult gamers, you will even be able to find 18+ games in the store, Funko Pops, and other collectible brands and items. Dalene shared that many of her customers’ “go-to” products are jigsaw puzzles, Go Fish, and other family-friendly/group games that unite everyone. 

In a market with numerous toys and activities always being created for children and other individuals who enjoy them, choosing the perfect toys that fit the Toy Town toy chest is difficult. However, the owner mentioned that there are various criteria she follows to choose the perfect addition to her store:

  1. It must have play value (even on the level of collectibles).
  2. It must teach something (think problem-solving skills, for example).
  3. It must add to the enjoyment of life!

When looking at these three necessities, you will see that nearly all Toy Town items have their own special or unique details about them that you just can’t find anywhere else. While you won’t find any local items in Toy Town, you will find the most dependable, loved, and trusted brands for your loved ones here. All you have to do is come and see it all for yourself!

Holiday Magic: Gifts, Games, and Glee

When going into any major retailer or chain store, finding many products that are the same or don’t have a unique spin is inevitable. That is why we see our Casper’s Toy Town as a treasure for holiday shopping, especially if you are unsure where to begin your gift-giving for the younger generations.

Many toy manufacturers today are still geared towards building a more hands-on and play-related product, even in a world built on technology and nearly instant communication and information. The physical world demonstrates the need to know how to do things with our hands, solve problems, and build skills. At Toy Town, many toys are chosen from this basic principle. If this sounds up your alley for what you are searching for regarding holiday gifts and surprises, you will be pleased to find various construction toys, stuffed animals, and awesome “stocking stuffer” novelty items here (they even have yo-yos!).

While our downtown toy store is not hosting any more holiday events through the rest of 2023, you must catch the major celebratory happenings in August and November each year. They usually host LEGO®-building competitions and a “play day” with various activities and games so kids, adults, and collectors can come in and experience the various specialties that Toy Town offers their community. To honor their prices year-long, they don’t make any big shifts in pricing during the holiday season; however, you will find “specials” tables throughout the store to snag some deals as you finalize your Christmas shopping this year. 

Holiday shopping for all ages can be a unique experience when you enter the store. Toy Town offers some “branded” Toy Town products that make another great gift option for the collectors in your close circle. Their LEGO® options are unlimited, and they have some awesome “World’s Smallest” items to check out! These gifts are unique to this store, and the branded Toy Town products cannot be found anywhere else. Whether you’re coming in knowing exactly what you’re looking for or have no idea where to start for a special someone, you can guarantee that this team will have all you are looking for with your time spent during the holidays in downtown Casper.

Toy Town’s Role in Downtown

Because of their 38-year presence, Dalene has found that her Toy Town is a “destination store.” Each visitor has a unique experience! This local shop gets involved in our Casper events and likes to be a place of “insight and knowledge” for passersby and visitors.

As downtown Casper “vets,” we love talking about the customer experience when you visit this toy store. They have incredible stories and anecdotes for each product, know their product’s functionality and use, and let the experience be in the hands of the customer.

What the customer wants, the customer gets, and we are happy to witness so many involved shoppers and supporters of our local Toy Town!

A Final Reflection on This Casper Wonderland…

Rooted in years of experience and a deep love for the Casper community, Toy Town stands as a beloved mainstay, unwavering in its commitment to meet its loyal customers’ evolving needs and desires.

The moment you enter Toy Town, you are enveloped in an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm and knowledge, thanks to a team of staff who are as passionate about play and education as they are about customer service. Each visit to Toy Town this holiday season is an opportunity not only to find that perfect, delight-sparking gift but also to immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of our community.

Toy Town resonates with the spirit of Casper. In this space, every interaction – selecting a gift, discussing the latest toy trends, or simply enjoying the festive ambiance – connects you more deeply with our home. Join us in a celebration beyond the holidays as Toy Town continues to unify the people of #MyDowntownCasper year after year.

The Mustard Seed Home Gifts and Garden in Casper Wyoming decoration and home accents store

Moving Mountains With Casper’s Mustard Seed Home, Garden & Gifts!

If you’ve strolled through downtown Casper before, chances are you’ve caught wind of the buzz surrounding Mustard Seed. A discerning eye with a passion for design has meticulously selected every item in this charming store, offering a delightful blend of home goods, apparel, and garden treasures. From captivating home accents to gourmet delights and curated collections tailored for those who aspire to turn their homes into masterpieces, Mustard Seed will have just the right touch for your unique style.

Not only does this store feature all their timeless but season-inspired pieces at all points during the year, the holidays are well-spent in this store, for it is its owner, Sharla Norvelle’s, favorite season to decorate for and pick items for display is the Christmas season.

Holiday decor accents at Casper's Mustard Seed in downtown Casper

Holiday Decor Extravaganza

Sharla shared with us that she adores the holidays in Mustard Seed. You can find all things “sparkly” and “shimmery,” just a few of her favorite “styles” that raise the bar entirely regarding home decor. She loves the spirit of the Christmas season. Adding that little “holiday flair” with matching glass reindeer, themed Christmas trees, and even a few rustic branches for the mantle are great examples of elevating the elements of your home during this time.

Sharla mentioned that she also has a few special ways to give back to her loving Casper family during the holiday season. To be up-to-date on what deals you can snag in-store, follow Mustard Seed’s Facebook and Instagram updates today, over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend, and as we approach Christmas. We noticed that Sharla’s team already announced a store-wide 15% off for Black Friday, so don’t forget to take advantage of this as you’re shopping for all of your loved ones in downtown Casper.

The Mustard Seed will not participate in any downtown holiday business events… YET! Since they have moved from their original 1st Street location and are in their second year at 117 E 2nd Street, they are still working on grounding themselves there, building connections with the new foot traffic and neighbors, and building the storefront of their dreams. However, their doors will be wide open for new and recurring customers during the holidays, and they look forward to meeting more of the Casper community in the coming months and years.

Creating a Casper Community

The store’s owner shared a bit of her history and how it led to her two successful home goods stores here in downtown Casper since she started in 2017.

Sharla has always held a deep love for design, and as a natural-born creative and cosmetologist for 20 years, it was time for her to hang up her smock to focus on her passion for home design. She originally began doing a few side projects for friends and family before holding a few trunk shows out of her garage. She graduated from her home garage into her first store.

Since opening her original store and transitioning into a bigger store “a little down the way,” Sharla has felt nothing but gratitude for the supporters she has had and gained over the years.

I am blown away by all of the support from the Casper community. The support has just been amazing.

Sharla has relished the influx of new customers in her new location and witnessed the growth of her business and neighboring establishments. With enthusiasm, she shared the news of a friend opening a nearby bookstore and the neighborhood joy with the prospect of more stores and restaurants joining the community. The collaborative effort to sustain these businesses and foster community expansion is thrilling.

Being a downtown business owner has allowed Sharla to connect with other entrepreneurs. She mentioned to us that there is something incredibly unique about being a business owner from Wyoming and continuing to plant one’s roots in Wyoming when developing one’s career. She loves that Casper has a downtown community with plenty of heart and inspiration to continue to build this incredible area.

Like several businesses we’ve engaged with recently, Sharla also expressed her excitement for increased involvement. Identifying herself as a “mover and shaker,” she thrives on adapting to new trends, events, and developments. Anticipating an active role in community building, she is eager to explore opportunities for creating events as a business owner that will foster engagement here, too.

Your One-Stop-Shop for Home, Gifts and Garden

Sharla wants your experience to be just what you’d expect to find with a mustard seed: a hope that sprouts into a significant blessing! For any newbies to Mustard Seed or our seasoned visitors, you’ll experience something new and inviting when you walk in for the first time or the 100th time. The store should ultimately feel “like home,” with warmth, invitation, and embrace! 

To make that visit even more unique, Sharla wanted us to share a few “insider” secrets with all of you for visiting her store:

  1. Take each space at a time. Decorating a home can be challenging. Focus on one space, create your vision, and execute it with our in-store guides.
  2. Don’t rush the process!
  3. Don’t try to tackle too much all at once. Our spaces and interests are constantly changing, as Sharla mentioned earlier. It is essential to be mindful during this process and work with a team that makes you ready to face all your home decor wants head-on.

As for what you’ll find upon arrival? A little bit of all the things you love. The store’s owner shared that she is obsessed with throw pillows, so you will find plenty in-store to add that little extra touch to your home decor styling. You will also find pieces that may sway more rustic, artsy, eclectic, and even more clean and minimalist if that is your jive. To sum it up, Mustard Seed is great for expressing those “guilty pleasures” that come to our mind when we get on a decorating and styling spurt.

Holiday decor display in downtown Casper, Wyoming's Mustard Seed Home Gifts and Garden

Visit #MyDowntownCasper’s Mustard Seed Home, Gifts, and Garden, and let your inner designer out as you work with this incredible team. They wanted us to share as we concluded that they are incredibly grateful for your support over the last few years and look forward to welcoming you in and working with you, whether you’re a first-timer or a tenth-timer.

The Wild Lunch Market lunch spot in Casper Wyoming

Casper’s Newest Cinema Cafe: The Wild Lunch Market

We are calling all our Wyoming foodies to jump back in time and step into the wonderful Wild Lunch Market, our new neighbor in the downtown Casper area. Located at 124 E 2nd Street, this cute cafe is perfectly located amongst our downtown Casper natives, adding a quick pit-stop for your afternoon pick-me-up during your holiday-shopping stroll…

The Wild Lunch Market is a Hollywood classic, to say the least. Their menu items mirror your favorite timeless movies, such as Married to the Mob, Monsters, Inc., and The Terminator. Not only are the names tailored to fans of these classic films, but the backstory for this business owner, Bonnie Curtis-Odell, draws on an admiration for movies, creating her cafe based on her and her father’s love for Hollywood and other Hollywood-inspired cafes and stores from her childhood.

To mention just a few of the delicious items she has created and tailored to her unique vision, here is your sneak peek at The Wild Lunch Market’s menu:

  • The When Turkey Met Pesto Sandwich: smoked turkey, muenster, red peppers, dill pickles, romaine, a side of Mustard League Mustard Sauce, and a side of pesto mayonnaise
  • The Yell Raiser: a chocolate raspberry jalapeno cake with chocolate frosting and a raspberry glaze
  • The Beauty and the Cheese Soup: Saturday beer cheese soup of the day

… and many more! If you want to start early, go ahead and take a look at their menu here. Some of their most popular items we also wanted to mention are the Hazed and Amused hazelnut tarts and the My Big, Fat, Greek Salad.

A Taste of Nostalgia

We have seen and continue to see many incredible businesses in downtown Casper and throughout our state, highlighting the rich histories many of us love remembering and honoring. Whether in food, art, or home decor, touching on these childhood moments is not a lost practice.

Bonnie shared with our downtown Casper team a little insight into where her love for her business first began:

My dad was a huge movie “buff,” and as soon as I was old enough to sit up, he made me his little movie-watching buddy. He passed away ten years ago, and he actually grew up in the town of Hollywood and loved the classic Hollywood delis that were everywhere. So, he raised me on all of his favorite classic deli sandwiches, which stuck with me when I started cooking and contributed to a lot of my recipes. Then, when I was trying to decide if I should make the jump and open my own place, I randomly found an old menu from my dad’s favorite deli when I was going through a box in my attic. I knew instantly exactly what I should do. The menu is now framed on the wall of my shop by the front door.

To say this business is built from the heart is an understatement. We are honored to meet with new business owners who bring their stories from inside and outside of Wyoming to life right before their eyes! While Bonnie did not grow up in Hollywood, she integrated her upbringing in Casper, Wyoming, with her experiences with her dad into The Wild Lunch Market, which ties in our Wyoming community and pieces of pop culture that are universally loved worldwide.

Aside from her love for movies, Bonnie has worked in the Casper service industry since she was 16. She recalled being a front-of-house employee at a local restaurant that experienced a loss in the kitchen and was called back there to pick up the pieces… Ever since that moment, cooking has not only taken away her anxiety, it has inspired her beyond her wildest dreams—perfectly fit for an owner of The Wild Lunch Market.

A Gem Built for the Casper Community

Bonnie has loved her experience thus far as a downtown business owner. She shared with us that her overall goal upon starting her business was to be the place for everyone. Our downtown Casper community is full of different businesses in all industries. There is no “one size fits all” when classifying each of them. However, one thing they all have in common is that their time is valuable. She wanted to create a lunch spot where anyone can find something they love at a great price and in a timely manner. So, if you’re looking for a nice place to sit down with friends and enjoy a delicious meal or a quick stop during your day, The Wild Lunch Market is just for you.

This small business owner has found a way to connect with all her ideal customers and has made incredible connections thus far with the neighboring businesses in her area.

There are some incredibly warm and encouraging people next door. I could not imagine having better neighbors.

As for the upcoming seasons, she is looking forward to another summer filled with new faces visiting Wyoming for its beautiful temperatures and even more incredible scenery, as well as the familiar holiday shoppers that are making their way to the downtown area for the Christmas parade, and all of their holiday needs! Bonnie also looks forward to establishing her roots as a popular lunch spot and eventually opening up with a bigger space, creating a drive-through window for all of the “on-the-goers” that need something quick and delicious, and partnering with other local businesses to keep her fresh grab-and-go items in their stores as well!

As for the Holidays…

With the cool Wyoming temperatures, we may hesitate to go outside and visit our local businesses. Nevertheless, we must support our locals by showing up and supporting their cause!

The Wild Lunch Market will be staying open late with hot cocoa and plenty of fresh cookies for this year’s upcoming Casper Christmas Parade, so be sure to stop in and check out all of their unique delicacies and get familiar with Bonnie, her best friend, and her incredible mom who have been so helpful in creating the owner’s dream business!

Also, in time for the holiday season, Bonnie will be featuring unique grab-and-go items, hot sandwiches, and mac-and-cheese flavors that are cycled out daily and weekly and even hold a little holiday flair as we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

Check out The Wild Lunch Market online or on social media, follow their page, and stay up to date with them. And if you’re ready to embark on a cinematic culinary journey, visit The Wild Lunch Market and discover the perfect blend of Hollywood nostalgia and Wyoming charm in every bite here in #MyDowntownCasper.

Providing Comfort in Our Community: Slumberland Furniture Supports Local

Over the years, the Casper community has been fortunate to have Slumberland Furniture as a locally owned and operated staple in our city. Not only does Slumberland provide high quality furniture and home décor to their customers, the store also goes above and beyond to give back to the people of Casper. Business owners that give back mean so much to our community, and we are so grateful to call Slumberland Furniture our neighbors and friends.

Slumberland owner Tony Hager has generously partnered with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and David Street Station during the last few months. The partnership began when Slumberland donated a brand-new, top of the line recliner to give away to a David Street Station fan. The store also purchased several gift cards from downtown businesses and allowed the DDA to give them away during live drawings to encourage spending locally this holiday season. Both giveaways reminded our downtown area just how much the merchants, shoppers, and explorers mean to Slumberland Furniture in Casper.

“We enjoy having our store in the heart of Downtown Casper because it really is the center of so much exciting change and growth over the past 10 years. We love all the new restaurants, businesses, and especially David Street Station. We have had opportunities over the years to change locations, but we really feel that downtown is the place to be,” Hager said.

Additionally, Tony and his team are proud to participate in the nationwide 40 Winks Mattress Program as well as their own mattress giveaway each year. The 40 Winks program is a charitable foundation that was setup by Slumberland as an organization back in 1993. When you shop at any Slumberland store, a portion of your purchase goes toward the 40 Winks fund that is used throughout the year in communities all over the nation.

Hager is proud to participate with our local Casper store. “Utilizing our partnerships with our bedding manufacturers, we use these funds to provide new mattresses to children in our communities that would otherwise be sleeping on the floor. As needs arise in our communities, each store can submit for funding from the foundations to make the mattress purchases,” Hager explains.

Slumberland’s generosity does not end with the national campaign. “When I started my own Slumberland franchise business, it was important for me to not only participate in the 40 Winks foundation throughout the year, but to also personally fund an event every December that would allow me to give back to Casper. This is our 8th year that I have been fortunate enough to provide 40 mattress sets and frames to children in the Casper community during the Christmas season. Over the years we have partnered with many great charitable organizations that have helped us in this process like Interfaith of Natrona County, Joshua’s Storehouse, and the Department of Family Services,” said Hager.

“Since 2017, we have been partnering with the Child Development Center on this local event and they have been wonderful partners. They have reached out to several other local businesses that have volunteered to deliver the beds, donate comforter sets and teddy bears to each child, and even provide meals for the families involved. This has grown to be a truly amazing event,” he adds. Through the mattress programs, both local and national, Slumberland Casper has positively impacted about 300 children in Natrona County.

When Tony sat down with the DDA staff to discuss ways Slumberland could get involved, it was apparent that Tony is passionate about supporting our local businesses and the Casper community. “I am happy to give back to our community in this way each year. This is a very real way people in Casper can see how choosing to shop local really does make a positive impact on their community by allowing local businesses like ours to support families in Natrona County,” Hager said.

This holiday season, considering shopping local with our friends at Slumberland Furniture. While Covid-19 has caused obstacles and shipping delays nationwide, our local Slumberland has been actively stocking up on their best sellers to ensure incredible prices on in-stock inventory before Christmas. Stop in today to see the amazing selection and low prices, all ready to go!

Some of the deals include:

  • Sofas starting at just $326
  • Sectionals from $799
  • Dining sets starting at $499
  • Power recliners from $225
  • American made mattresses starting at just $99 for a queen
  • 36-month zero interest financing
  • Free shipping on most orders
  • And so much more!

“Casper is a great community and I am proud to be a part of it. My wife Michelle and I were both born in Wyoming, attended the University of Wyoming and we are raising our 5 daughters here in Casper. This is our home and we feel it is important to give back in whatever ways that we can, and to help support the community that we love,” Hager concluded.

Thank you Tony, and the team at Slumberland Furniture Casper, for all that you do for our community right here in #MyDowntownCasper!

For more information, visit Slumberland on their website, Facebook, or in store at 111 Midwest Ave Casper, WY 82601.

Seeking Applicants for DDA Board of Directors

The Casper Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is seeking applicants for the Board of Directors. There are two seats available with terms expiring 6/30/21 and 6/30/23. Applications, including a Letter of Interest, will be received until October 18, 2019, 4:00 pm, at the offices of the Downtown Development Authority located at 341 W. Yellowstone Hwy.

Download the application here.

Please call 307-235-6710 or email admin@downtowncasper.com for additional information.

Experience Downtown Casper: Cowboy Up During CNFR

The “best of the best” is heading to Casper again and we are bringing the fanfare to Downtown Casper. From June 8th to 15th, the College
Nationals Final Rodeo (CNFR)
will be at the Casper Events Center to host over 400 cowboys and cowgirls as they compete for the top spot in their respective events. Whether you are new to town, just visiting, or have your roots planted here, this is an event worth seeing. We have a few places that you won’t want to miss out on during the rodeo and put them into the perfect guide, so you know what’s next on your schedule:

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Get Outside This Winter with Downtown Casper

Don’t let the cold weather and snow get you down. It’s time to get out and explore! It’s no secret that fresh air stimulates the mind and provides loads of other benefits, so we have some ideas to get you out of the house to enjoy the cooler temps while supporting local businesses!

42° North

Located on Center Street across from the America Theater, 42° North will help you step in to your next adventure. The local owners enjoy all things outdoor and were born and raised in Casper, so they have the expertise when it comes to your outdoor gear during any season.

Casper Mountain has great Nordic Trails and downhill skiing and 42° North offers all the equipment necessary to get on the trails. If you aren’t sure about the skis, you can try snowshoeing too! Rentals for snowshoes, back-country skis, and cross-country skis are available for children and adults.

Shoes for any sport or leisure activity can be found in this newly remodeled shop. When you want to take a hike or wander our city center, look no further to shoe those feet and protect yourself from the elements with the latest and greatest in active wear.

Wyoming Camera Outfitters

There is nothing like the beauty of Wyoming during any season, but something about the snow-covered landscapes warms our hearts. Wyoming Camera Outfitters (WCO) is the perfect place to help you capture your favorite features throughout our picturesque region. Specializing in camera sales, printing services, classes and workshops, WCO is a one stop shop for capturing your favorite moments in photos.

Not only does Wyoming Camera Outfitters sell the highest quality in cameras and equipment, but they will also teach you how to use the features on each piece of equipment you purchase. Boasting “old-fashioned service, with exceptional technical advice,” Wyoming Camera Outfitters won’t leave you in the dark when it comes to answering questions and providing support.

Not sure if you are ready to purchase? WCO even has rental equipment based on your needs. From lenses and cameras to lights and tripods, purchasing or renting a camera has never been so easy. All you need to do now is find your favorite Casper-area landmark and start saving those memories.

 

David Street Station Ice Skating Rink

Finally, if you haven’t been to David Street Station this winter, you have been missing out. Since the grand opening of the ice-skating rink in November, David Street Station has been hosting event after event to ensure that all of Casper can enjoy our downtown plaza all year long.

With only a few events left until the outdoor ice-skating rink closes for the season on February 15th, you will want head down there to see the rink for yourself. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children aged 4-12, and $2 for children 4 and under. Ice skate rentals are available for $3 if you don’t own a pair of your own. Areas to sit and watch the skaters or take a break line the outside of the rink and the fire pit and lamp warmers provide a break from the cold.

A last blast will be held on February 9th which will be a big party to celebrate a successful inaugural year and is sure to be a great time. The final event of the season is a Valentine’s Day Date Skate on February 14th, perfect to skate, cozy up by the fire, and enjoy a night with loved ones.

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