Our favorite shops across the south

Southern Living, Spring 2001 by Griffin, Eleanor

Salisbury Pewter

Photographer Meg McKinney Simle loves Salisbury Pewter and its seconds room. Look for fine-quality julep cups, trays, vases, candlesticks, and serving items. 2611 North Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, Maryland, (410) 546-1188.

FABRIC

GDC

This find is one-stop shopping for fabric, furniture, and accessories. In fact, we furnished most of our Brookgreen Cottage (see page 106 in the September 2000 issue of Southern Living) from GDC. Our favorites are the designer-- quality fabrics at pocket-friendly prices. The furniture is casual, ideal for the relaxed look of a family room. 975 Savannah Highway, Charleston, South Carolina; (843) 571-1027.

Lewis & Sheron Textile Company Our Homes editors almost always stop by Lewis when they're in Atlanta. With one of the largest decorative fabric displays in town, the shop is a must visit. They have a generous swatch policy, but smart shoppers bring measurements and order their fabric while there. With an extensive trim department and made-to-order service, you can stretch your dollars and your time in one stop. 912 Huff Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30318; 1-800-835-4833.

Making Ends Meet

About halfway between Louisville and Lexington, this fabric shop is located in an old house in the historic district of Shelbyville. You'll find three floors of fabrics, with a great selection of designer fabrics at discount prices. The silk prices are especially smooth on the budget. 701 Washington Street, Shelbyville, Kentucky; (502) 633-5427.

Rutherford's

Although this shop is well-known for a tasteful selection of fine furniture and accessories, we're partial to its outstanding fabric and trim selection. Designer and to-the-trade-only, big-- name fabrics are displayed on bolts in their own section of the store. Prices, while not usually inexpensive, are well discounted from retail. 5647 West Lovers Lane, Dallas; (214) 357-0888.

FURNITURE

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

If you love the sleek, simple lines of Shaker furniture, make a trip to the gift shop at the restored Shaker Village, about 28 miles southwest of Lexington. You'll discover a modest but extremely well-made selection of chests, nightstands, chairs, and stools in rich Kentucky cherry. Each piece is handcrafted and brings instant character to a room. (Tip: Make reservations for lunch at The Trustees' Office there, and don't leave without sampling a slice of their lemon pie.) 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, Kentucky; (859) 734-5411 or 1-800-- 734-5611.

Summer House and Tiger Mountain Woodworks

Highlands' smart shopping district brings you a choice of everything from English antiques to mountain-- crafted pieces. We love the Summer House's handmade twig furniture that feels just right for a retreat tucked in the mountains. (Tip: If mountain native is your look, stop by the The Custom House, 442 Carolina Way, for hand-forged black iron accessories.) 2089 Dillard Road, Highlands, North Carolina; (828) 526-0028.

Winterthur Museum Store

Winterthur, the elegant home and garden of Henry Francis du Pont, is now a mecca for students and lovers of fine decorative arts, antiques, and architecture. We love to bring home a piece of history from the outstanding museum store. It offers many fine reproductions of the original furniture. (Tip: If you're not in the Wilmington area, visit the branch store in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.) Winterthur, Delaware; (302) 888-4822.