Thursday, April 03, 2008

VILLAGE SHOPS




VILLAGE SHOPS


One of my favorite pastimes is seeking out small communities known for their clusters of antique and specialty shops. About 8 years ago, my mother-in-law and I first discovered historic Franklin,TN, approximately 15 miles south of Nashville, because of an article in Southern Living Magazine about the towns antiques district. Then Romantic Homes featured a shop there, The Iron Gate, where you can find everything from elaborate chandeliers, Rachel Ashwell linens and candles to a massive Virgin Mary statue from an old Catholic church. It's one of the most wonderfully eclectic shops in Franklin and we try to at least take a turn in there with each trip. Click on the Iron Gate link at the side bar and take a peek..... On our way to Franklin, we also discovered a town called Historic Glendale, KY. This township is literally nestled around a railroad track and is another great shop cluster community, though much smaller than Franklin. A great little shop in Glendale is called Once Upon A Country Road. It's located at the end of Penny Lane in a "Turn of the Century" pink cottage(Of course that holds a lot of charm in itself). The pictures above are from this shop. I like this place because of its lovely white furniture and whimsical painted signs. My favorite shop in Glendale is in a former Greyhound station and is literally filled to the ceiling with vintage linens, jewelry, and china. Early tomorrow morning, we're heading out once again for a weekend of antiquing in Glendale and Franklin and I hope to return with many more treasures and photos to share on the blog.

8 comments:

Lavinia said...

I would like to see a photo of the Virgin Mary statue from the old Catholic church. Is it stone, wood, or marble, I wonder.

Your browsing sounds like such relaxing fun. I like that sign: "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all".

To me, nothing says fresh feminine decor like white painted furniture. It looks good against almost any wall colour.

Enjoy what sounds like a great weekend ahead, and thanks for adding me to your blog list---I just noticed that today.

-Lavinia

Rebecca said...

Lavinia,

I love that sign as well:-)...

I believe the statue was marble. If it's still there I'll see if I can get a picture and post it when I get back.

Tess Kincaid said...

Don't you love to hunt for treasure in those charming little shops? We also have several small towns within a 60 mile radius that have clusters of shops. Always makes for an enjoyable day trip.

Tess Kincaid said...

Don't you love to hunt for treasure in those charming little shops? We also have several small towns within a 60 mile radius that have clusters of shops. Always makes for an enjoyable day trip.

Rebecca said...

Yes, I love the hunt. I also always come back from these excursions wanting to open my own shop. I do the same when I stay at a Bed and Breakfast but then the reality of running one and all the hard work involved sets in. Or so my husband reminds me.LOL!!! I get a taste of that with all the entertaining with the Tea Society but it's such a joy I don't mind the work at all.

Dorothy said...

Oh my Rebecca..."a girl after my own heart"...funny old expression :) ...I am completely in envy of your journey. I too am quite drawn to little communities that are chocked full of quaint little antique shops. More recently, I look for lovely old linens and lace...yesterday in just such a place as you mentioned, I found a bag full of old vintage bits of lace...all in pristine condition....Thank you for such a fun post today...Dee Dee

Lavinia said...

Hi Rebecca! I can't wait to hear about your adventures in antiquing this past weekend...I hope you had great weather and made a lot of great 'finds'.....

Rebecca said...

Hello Lavinia!

I had a great weekend and will post some pictures tomorrow and give details..Oh, did I ever come back with some goodies!

I've had the worst time trying to catch up, though. This day has been so hectic.

R