Social Media Roundup: All Things EC
Once you’ve chosen to visit UW-Eau Claire, you’ll discover there’s more to the city than our beautiful campus. Beyond the UW-Eau Claire footbridge, there’s a bustling music and arts scene, delightful coffee shops, unique restaurants, amazing local businesses and many hiking and biking trails. There’s something here for everyone!
To get more acquainted with the city that you’ll soon (or already) call home, we’ve put together a list of local social media accounts that you can follow.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
1. Visit Eau Claire
Check out the various Visit Eau Claire social media accounts to learn what attracts tourists to our area. Their Instagram is filled with photos using the hashtag #CaptureEC. You’re sure to discover a new outdoor park or information about an upcoming event happening in Downtown EC.
Visit their Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages!
2. Pablo Center at the Confluence
Pablo Center is Eau Claire’s own destination for the arts! Each year, there’s a lineup of amazing concerts, plays and art displays. The best part is, there’s something for everyone.
Their social media pages outline upcoming events! And right now, they are hosting a variety of free virtual concerts and streams. Make sure you follow them to stay-up-to-date on the latest music and art happenings.
Visit their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages!
3. Volume One
Volume One magazine is a culture and entertainment magazine in the Chippewa Valley. It’s basically your guide to EVERYTHING going on in the surrounding area. You can pick up a free copy when you visit area businesses or check out their website and social media pages. We love that they highlight local people and the good things they are doing for our community, as well as ways you can give back and get involved.
Visit their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages!
Did we mention they have their own store? That’s right—you can visit the Local Store and check out an array of goods produced by local makers. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
4. Downtown Eau Claire
Downtown Eau Claire, Inc. (DECI) is an alliance that works to create a vibrant downtown that everyone can recognize, appreciate and enjoy. Tune into their social media channels for information on local businesses, downtown development projects, and more.
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook!
RESTAURANTS & COFFEE
1. Eau Claire Downtown Coffee (ECDC)
If you choose to live in Haymarket Landing during your time at UW-Eau Claire, then you won’t be far from this coffee hot spot. Located in The Lismore Hotel, ECDC offers some of our favorite drinks. And don’t forget about their tasty breakfast treats and lunch offerings. They’re also just a few steps away from Pablo Center and Phoenix Park.
Feed your cravings on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
2. SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar
Another amazing option for coffee is SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar. It is located downtown and is a full-service bicycle repair shop, craft coffee bar, and all-around creative lounge. A perfect place to grab a pick-me-up before hitting the trails.
Follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!
3. Mogie’s Pub
This restaurant is located on Water Street, so when you’re craving a good burger, sandwich, salad, or their infamous Spuds, you’re only a short walk away.
Check them out on Instagram and Facebook!
4. Ramone’s Ice Cream
This vintage ice cream parlor serves up old-fashioned ice cream, shakes, malts, and pies. Trust us — you’ll visit this place more than just a few times. The smell of fresh made waffle cones is enough to make you fall head over heels. BONUS, they’re a short walk from Phoenix Park. You can grab your ice cream and go for a lovely stroll.
Check them out on Instagram and Facebook!
5. Northbound Supply Co.
Northbound Supply Co. is many things wrapped up into one small shop. It’s a coffee bar and apparel and adventure goods retailer. Also, they sell doughnuts every Saturday. That’s right—they bring in Bogart’s Doughnuts from the Twin Cities every Saturday morning. You can stop by, pick up a dozen doughnuts, and grab your cup of coffee to kick off the weekend right.
Follow them and put in your doughnut pre-order on Instagram and Facebook!
6. Olson’s Ice Cream
Olson’s has been around since 1923. It started in Chippewa Falls and just recently made it’s way to Eau Claire. Located in the Haymarket Landing area, this ice cream shop has a lot going on. They sell coffee, waffles, and tons of other yummy treats.
Give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook!
7. The Nucleus
The Nucleus is located on Water Street and started as a small cafe with just a few tables. Now, it’s a breakfast, brunch and lunch tradition in Eau Claire. A great place to bring your parents when they’re visiting or to grab brunch with your roommates on Sunday morning.
Make sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook!
8. Star Cup
If you enjoy milk teas, fruit teas, fresh fruit smoothies, protein options, slushies, or espresso, then THIS is the place to go. Star Cup is located downtown near Phoenix Park and in Oakwood Mall. Slide through their drive-thru and grab a treat!
Check them out on Instagram and Facebook!
These are just a few of the many AMAZING restaurants and coffee shops in the area. Please don’t stop exploring and remember to support local when you are able!
LOCAL SHOPPING
1. Odd Humyns
A pair of UW-Eau Claire grads opened up Odd Humyns on 209 N Barstow Street in 2019. Their shop is dedicated to providing an inclusive, accepting, and collaborative space where all are welcome + loved. They carry unique apparel, apothecary, and other gifts for “all the weirdos out there.”
Check out their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages to browse through all their goods and stay up-to-date on special events. You can even order online!!
2. Tangled Up in Hue
Tangled Up in Hue is an art collective that supports over 100 artists. They sell a variety of handmade products made from different artists. Think handmade jewelry, screen printed t-shirts, wall art, pottery and SO MUCH MORE. This arts market located on 505 S. Barstow Street is something you won’t want to miss while you’re in EC.
Check out their Instagram, Facebook and Etsy pages for more!
3. Hello Adorn
If you’re looking for local handmade jewelry, then look no further. Hello Adorn is located downtown and also sells online. The business is run by husband and wife duo, Adam and Jess Gardner. They left their careers in the demanding world of corporate finance and insurance to find happiness by starting a small business in Eau Claire. We LOVE their jewelry!
Check them out on Instagram and Facebook!
4. Red’s Mercantile
Eau Claire native, Becca Cooke, started up Red’s Mercantile not only to sell “stuff,” but to create a gathering space for women in the Chippewa Valley. Her store hosts events and works to connect women in authentic ways. We love what she’s doing to make a difference in her hometown.
Check out the goods that Red’s sells and stay connected to events on Instagram and Facebook.
5. Raggedy Man
Raggedy man is located on the corner of Barstow and Main, in downtown Eau Claire. You can stop by and look through the unique gifts that are geared towards all occasions, including baby showers, house warmings, weddings, and birthdays. The store is ADORABLE and you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your friends and family members.
Give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook!
6. Blue Ox Running
Blue Ox Running was started by UW-Eau Claire grads, Adam and Alicia Condit who are also lifetime runners. They have a ton of knowledge and experience when it comes to running. Stop by their store to get fitted for the right shoe or connect with community members during one of their group runs.
Stay connected with the Eau Claire running community via Blue Ox on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
7. Ambient Inks
Ambient Inks is a merchandise production and design company that helps bring projects to life. They’ve previously designed merchandise for the Eaux Claires festival and other music tours. And they don’t stop there. They create designs that go on posters, tote bags, stickers, and much more. You can shop for many of their designs online.
Connect with them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
PLACES TO STAY
1. The Lismore Hotel
While not open right now, The Lismore Hotel is a lovely place to stay when visiting Eau Claire. If your family is planning a visit to Eau Claire this next year, keep The Lismore top of mind. Even better, it has a restaurant (The Informalist), a bar (The Dive) and a coffee shop (ECDC) right inside.
Visit them on Facebook and Instagram!
2. The Oxbow Hotel
Another great hotel option is The Oxbow, which is also located downtown. The hotel pays homage to Wisconsin via craft cocktails and food at their restaurant, The Lakely. Plus, you’ll find a record player in each of the rooms and you can rent trail/river gear during your stay. Did we mention that your pets can stay here too?
Please note that they are currently closed due to the pandemic.
Follow them for updates on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
FOOD TRUCKS
1. Holy Donuts
This tasty truck was brought to life by Myron Marko, a 16-year-old from a small town in Wisconsin. You’ll see his mini donut truck parked in Phoenix Park and other areas around Eau Claire.
Give them a follow on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!
2. SmokeStream
Another amazing food truck in Eau Claire is SmokeStream. They say they were inspired by bit city eateries, small town kitchens, mom’s home cooking, and backyard grilling. They’re serving up tacos, sliders, and mouth-watering meats. This is another truck that you’ll see in the Phoenix Park area on a regular basis.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
3. Live Great Food
Live Great Food offers a scratch menu that showcases all the rarities in the Northwestern part of Wisconsin. Some of their menu offerings from the past have included the “Corn(Brat)Dog,” “7 Grain Veggie Burger,” and “Tempura Pickles.” They are new to the Chippewa Valley, taking over the old Locavore food truck.
See where they’’ll be next on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!
As we said earlier, these local businesses are just the tip of the iceberg in Eau Claire. Make sure you follow them on social media to get better acquainted with the area and learn what it’s like to be a part of this amazing community. And let us know if you have a favorite local business!
