Since its recent store-front opening in 2020, the Wonders of Nature Cafe in downtown Eau Claire has attracted crowds from young to old — anyone searching for a relaxing coffee shop.

Wonders of Nature Cafe — 416 S Barstow St. — is a host to a variety of baked goods and drink options all centered around the infusion of cannabidiol tinctures, oils and butter.

Cannabidiol, also commonly known as CBD, is a chemical compound derived directly from the hemp plant and is often used for its medicinal benefits in stress relief, muscle relaxation, insomnia and many other related issues.

The shop is owned and run by Chris Buske, who has a professional background in herbalism and alternative medical practices with CBD.

Jasmine Bynalder, manager of Wonders of Nature cafe, said she offers one-on-one guidance to patrons on which products — either including CBD oil or not — will satisfy each individual’s cravings. 

“We take pride in using natural and organic ingredients. When you shop here you’re not only supporting local, you’re supporting the Earth,” Bylander said on the cafe’s website. 

This “eco shop” prides itself in offering products that use natural ingredients or are sourced from local vendors in the Eau Claire area. 

Their coffee roast comes from Soul Brewed Coffee, a roastery in Fall Creek, Wis. Each bakery item is made in-house by Bynalder and cafe employees. 

The food and drink is not the only place where Wonders of Nature sources locally. The cafe collaborated with local ceramic shop Sunset Hill Stoneware to produce the mugs patrons can drink out of for in-house orders, according to the cafe’s Facebook page.

Walking into the cafe, patrons are welcomed with an open atmosphere  — credited to its large storefront windows that face Barstow St. 

The environment is also home to a variety of earth-based decor — from plants to nature landscape photography — which adds to the natural theme present in the business. 

The list of their baked-goods offered in-store includes:

• Molasses cookies
• Brownies
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Muffin varieties (berry, blueberry, chocolate, etc.)

Any menu item is offered with or without an additional CBD infusion to taste and health benefits. Many of the baked good items are supplemented with CBD herb butter, or the classic oil used in other store products. 

Additional CBD flavor shots for drinks are 75 cents each. Drinks are offered in 12-ounce and 16-ounce measurements. 

The list of their in-store drinks includes:

• Drip coffee and french press coffee
• Lattes with a variety of flavor shots (caramel and more)
• Cappuccinos
• Berry smoothies
• Pressed juices

The cafe and CBD shop has been recognized as the second best CBD retailer, according to the “Best of the Chippewa Valley” reader poll in 2021. 

The cafe currently offers distanced in-house seating, following the City of Eau Claire mask ordinances, or take-out mobile orders.

During even the coldest of winter days, the employees’ smiles and the relaxing hot beverages served are sure to keep patrons warm and wanting more of the Wonders of Nature Cafe.

Nelson can be reached at [email protected].