Welcome to
Curious Belongings
At Curious Belongings, we turn second hand shopping into an upscale experience. In addition to our one-of-kind antiques, we also provide a wide array of new goods for all your home design, personal curating and entertainment needs. Since 1951, we’ve served as the premier Antique Store in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We’re committed to providing unique, high-quality merchandise, backed by over 125 years of combined knowledge and experience in Crosslake, Minnesota. Come discover for yourself what makes us, curious!
Welcome!
Closed for the Season! Thank you all for a wonderful year. See you in the spring!
Call or email for an appointment:
218-831-3656
​
Store Information
Crosslake Location
36378 County Road 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
At our Crosslake location, the experience begins even before you step inside. Outdoors, we showcase an ever-changing selection of iron garden décor, architectural accents, patio furniture, and distinctive lawn and garden ornaments. While the exterior hints at what’s to come, the interior reveals the true depth of Curious Belongings.
Inside, you will find a thoughtfully curated mix of genuine antiques, fine glassware, furniture, distinctive lighting, architectural elements, and a wide range of home décor—both old and new. In addition we feature quality upholstery and decorator fabrics, barware and entertaining pieces, holiday décor, and timeless household goods selected for both beauty and function.
The lower level offers an additional layer of discovery, featuring hand-picked vintage and antique furniture, unique decorative accents, useful kitchen primitives, and our in-house library—a favorite destination for collectors, designers, and the simply curious.
​
Teddie and Austin are known for their deep merchandise knowledge and personal approach to customer service. With generations of experience, they take pride in understanding the history and craftsmanship behind each piece and enjoy sharing the stories that make these items truly special. Our inventory evolves continually, shaped by customer interests and our ongoing sourcing efforts. With new arrivals appearing regularly, no two visits to Curious Belongings are ever the same.
Looking for something specific or have a question? Please give us a call—we are always on the hunt.
​
Hours
Summer (Memorial Day-Labor Day):
Mon-Sat 10:30am-4pm; Sun 11am-3pm
Off Season (Sept.-Dec. and March-May):
Saturdays 10:30am-4pm; By Chance, or by appointment
Closed (January 1st through Mid-March)
Call for specific inquiries
​
About Us
Four Generations of Fabulous Finds
At Curious Belongings, our eclectic curbside presence may draw you in, but it’s our knowledgeable, welcoming service and thoughtfully curated selection is what keeps visitors returning year after year.
We are a proud fourth-generation, family-owned business located in Crosslake, Minnesota, just off the Whitefish Chain of Lakes in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area. A must-stop destination for locals and visitors alike, Curious Belongings specializes in genuine antiques, fine glassware, furniture, yard art, designer upholstery and decorator fabrics, holiday décor, and a carefully curated mix of vintage and new home furnishings.
​
Our story began in 1945, when Ted and Betty Ball opened the Birch Hill Inn resort and restaurant to serve the growing Crosslake community. In 1951, Betty expanded into antiques and opened The Tulip Antique Shop on the resort property, laying the foundation for what would become a lasting family legacy. Their daughter, Teddie Nelson, began taking over the business in the 1960s. In 1989, she purchased The People’s Store from Harley Lande, bringing together the Tulip Shop’s renowned glassware expertise with a respected collection of primitive furniture and establishing the business in its current Crosslake location.
The next generation soon followed. In 1997, Teddie’s daughter Victoria Rangel joined the business, and together they opened a second location, 202 Antiques on Main, in Crosby, Minnesota. In 2003, Teddie’s grandson Austin Nelson began learning the trade at just ten years old and went on to manage the Crosslake store beginning in 2007. As home décor trends evolved, the family reimagined the store’s identity, and in 2014 The People’s Antique Store became Curious Belongings—reflecting a broader, more curated offering. After 21 years in business and much discernment the family closed the second location in Crosby.
In 2025, Teddie, at the youthful age of 88 years old, passed the torch to Austin and his husband, Collin, ensuring the continuation of the family tradition she helped build. Teddie remains an important fixture and valued advisor, along with Victoria who will remain as an important business associate and support when needed. As we enter our 75th year, Austin and Collin are honored to steward the next chapter of Curious Belongings.
Today, four generations of expertise—and a lifetime of sourcing and travel—have made us into Minnesota’s largest single-family-owned antique and décor inventories. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing all that Curious Belongings has to offer.
Products & Services
Rentals
​
We offer our wonderful collection of products available for rent. Having an outdoor party or wedding? Our arbors and outdoor candelabras are perfect for those celebrations. Or want unique antique or vintage serving pieces we also rent those products as well.
​
Price varies depending on type of product. Inquire more information.
Appraisals & Estate Sale Pricing
​
We offer in-store or at-home appraisals. If you have a singular item that you would like professionally documented and appraised, make an appointment and we are happy to help. In-store cost: $99
​
For larger collection of items we offer in-home appraisals: $125/hr and min. one hour.
​
What is included in our appraisals is detailed history of the item, current retail market value, estate or garage sale value, and insurance/replacement value.
​
If you are planning on having an estate/garage sale we offer our services to help properly your price items. Our fee is $125/hr but often we can trade service for product.
