Our favorite shops across the south

Southern Living, Spring 2001 by Griffin, Eleanor

Tag along with the Southern Living Editors as we share some of our favorite places to shop in the region. The criteria: shops that feature distinctive accessories with style and a Southern accent.

One of the fun things about being an editor here is that you get paid to discover and write about the best of the South. At the end of each trip you come home with story notes, plus matchbook covers from restaurants, crumpled notes, business cards from shops, and an occasional illegible scrawl of a friend's must-see shop or attraction.

We asked our Homes, Gardens, and Travel editors to share favorite shops they've discovered during their travels. We've also tried to bring you stores that are the sources for many of the asked-- about looks you see in Southern Living. The businesses that follow caught our attention with their distinctive array of items or artwork that reflects comfortable Southern style. Extra points were given, of course, for shops featuring Southern artists or products.

With 17 states to cover, we apologize if we missed your favorite, but we hope you'll discover a new favorite on our list. Happy shopping.

Eleanor Griffin

ANTIQUES SHOPS

David Tims Antiques

Don't let the modest exterior fool you. Step out of your car and into some of the best furniture bargains you'll find in the Middle South. Owner David Tims has filled several buildings with a wide array of gently used and antique furniture. We are especially fond of the huge selection of armoires, sideboards, and other large pieces, ideal anchors for the young collector or homeowner. Located on the corner of Hardwick Road and State 34, Cropwell, Alabama; (205) 338-7929.

Heritage House Antiques

Homes Editor Julia Hamilton, a native of Greenwood recommends this special store located in a small, restored house. 311 East Market Street, Greenwood, Mississippi; (662) 455-4800.

Richard Saunders Antiques

Within an hour and a half of Kansas City, Missouri, the historic district of Rocheport is an antiques-lovers dream. Plan to spend a day visiting shops such as Richard Saunders, which features American country antiques and more modest collectibles. 201 Columbia Street, Rocheport, Missouri; (573) 698-3765.

ARCHITECTURAL FRAGMENTS AND SPECIALTY HARDWARE

Southern Accents

A treasure chest of old hardware and architectural fragments salvaged mostly from the Southeast, this is the place to come if you're looking for vintage doorknobs or other household hardware for a restored home. 308 Second Avenue, Cullman, Alabama; (256) 737-0554.

ART GALLERIES

AfrJaMex

Discover a lively mix of African, Caribbean, and Mexican decorative items and art at this shop in the bustling River Market District. 305 East Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas; (501) 372-3460.

Bennett Galleries and Company

This is one of our Homes editors' favorite finds in Knoxville for great-looking home accents, lamps, and art. 5308 Kingston Pike, Knoxville; (865) 584-6791.

SoBo

Named for its location on South Boston Avenue in the SoBo district of Tulsa, this gallery has artwork for a wide variety of tastes. 1730 South Boston Avenue, Tulsa; (918) 584-7000.

BUILDING MATERIALS AND ACCENTS

Bevolo Gas & Electric Lights

If you've ever admired the wonderful hand-riveted lanterns that add so much character to the French Quarter, we've got the source for you. Owner Drew Bevolo, whose grandfather used rivets to make long-lasting lanterns, can design one for you. 521 Conti Street, New Orleans; (504) 522-9485

Goodwin Heart Pine

Looking for authentic wide-plank pine floors? Goodwin Heart Pine locates the real thing in the form of river-recovered old-growth logs and offers it in two grades. Expect to pay at lot for this one-- of-a-kind quality, but know the wood will repay you with the warmth it adds to your rooms. 106 SW 109th Place, Micanopy, Florida; 1-800-336-3118.

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

1617 Wynnton

Associate Travel Editor Cassandra Vanhooser recommends this store that "overflows with treasures including antiques, original art, furniture, architectural accessories, bed and bath linens, and plants for the garden." 1617 Wynnton Road, Columbus, Georgia; (706) 324-4121. Blenko Glass Company, Inc.

The decorative glassware and stained glass made at Blenko are signature products of this shop in West Virginia. Located about 30 minutes outside of Charleston, just 2 miles from Exit 28 on 1-64, its factory store and outlet are worth the detour. You'll immediately recognize the distinctive glassware, pitchers, and vases that you see in fine department stores, in mail-order catalogs, and on public television. Fairground Road, Milton, West Virginia; (304) 743-9081

HeyDay

Less than an hour from San Antonio is the restored village of Boerne. One of our favorite shops is HeyDay, filled with whimsical furniture and accessories. We especially like the colors of the Southwestern furniture by Houston artist David Marsh. 615 South Main Street, Boerne, Texas; (830) 249-4951.

Mississippi Crafts Center

Just off the Natchez Parkway is a fabulous find for handmade pottery, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind items made by craftspeople from Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Associate Features Editor Tommy Black likes the unique selection. Located on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Jackson, 1 mile east of I-55, Ridgeland, Mississippi; (601) 856-7546.