‘The coolest store ever’: Outdoor travel boutique opens near Ancestor Square

ST. GEORGE — When a shop’s tagline reads “Quite possibly the coolest store ever,” you know you have to see it for yourself.

Rise & Wander owner Monica Bracken smiles for the camera outside her shop in St. George, Utah on March 8, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Rise & Wander owner Monica Bracken poses outside her shop in St. George, Utah, March 8, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Rise & Wander is an outdoor travel boutique that opened in November 2022, and owner Monica Bracken said it was something she felt St. George needed.

“The best part about owning the store is just the great people we’ve been meeting from all over the world,” Bracken said. “And we get to share what Southern Utah is all about and the beauty that we have in our surroundings.”

Customers will find a wide variety of apparel from hiking gear to dinner attire. The shop includes Utah touristy items, products from local makers, a pet section, a snack and treat area, a children’s section and more.

“The kid’s section is fun,” she said. “These are things I’d pick up if I was on vacation to bring home to my grandkids. There’s really something here for everyone.”

Items for sale at Rise & Wander line the walls of a historic house in St. George, Utah on March 8, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Items for sale at Rise & Wander line the walls of a historic house in St. George, Utah, March 8, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Many of the items such as men’s clothing are on the higher end and include brands like Howler Brothers, a Texas-based brand that sells through their flagship store, online and exclusively to boutiques.

They also take pride in supporting brands that give back, including a dog treat company that donates a bag to the shelter for every bag purchased. Other companies inside the shop give back to state and local parks, and if they find similar companies, Bracken said they “jump all over them.”

Rise & Wander is a dog-friendly store, and the company’s logo features Bracken and her husband’s dog — Redtick Coonhound. Once their pup completes his hike for the day, he can be seen lounging around the shop. Rise and Wander invites furry friends to shop the store with their owners and enjoy free dog treats and a water bowl. 

Located next to Ancestor Square, Rise & Wander is inside a historic house built in 1910 and home to the Authentique Gallery for 18 years, where Brackewn was the art director. She had the idea for Rise and Wander for years before it came to fruition, and she’s excited to share the store and history with travelers and locals alike.

Items for sale at Rise & Wander line the walls of a historic house in St. George, Utah on March 8, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Items for sale at Rise & Wander line the walls of a historic house in St. George, Utah, March 8, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Both Bracken and her husband grew up in St. George and have deep roots in the community, and she said they know some of the best outdoor recreation spots. Every week they feature “Wander Wednesday” on their Instagram, highlighting different hiking or biking areas for others to enjoy. They love sharing and encouraging outdoor adventures both in person and online.

Outside Washington County, the couple loves to travel in their RV and has found inspiration for their store from the many places they’ve visited.

“We’ve always loved the desert,” Bracken said. “We love St. George and the mountains. We missed some of the old-time St. George places like Dick’s Cafe, so we’re trying to bring that western desert feel back into St. George a little bit.”

The grounds surrounding Rise and Wander include a front yard with trees over 100 years old, various other vegetation and a pergola. Bracken said she foresees it being a place to walk around and enjoy live music.

Items for sale at Rise & Wander line the walls of a historic house in St. George, Utah on March 8, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Items for sale at Rise & Wander line the walls of a historic house in St. George, Utah, March 8, 2023 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“I envision there being someone on the porch playing the guitar, and we want to create that,” she said. “We really a boutique for everyone. We’re for the outdoor adventurer or just someone who wants to travel and relax. It’s everything we love in one space.”

For more information on Rise & Wander, visit their website or follow @riseandwanderco on Instagram. Visit the shop in person at 199 N. Main St. in St. George next to Ancestor Square.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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