| We're in the Neighborhood! |
| Just around the corner... |
If you haven’t been in the Lakeview area for awhile, all the change taking place might surprise you. While some of the businesses I write about below have been around for years and years, some are just a few months old. Lots of people are unfamiliar with how much we have in a four (4) block area, just about everything you could want or need for your garden and home.
For your convenience, I have links to all the businesses mentioned.
FRONTERA is ….
located in an old battered warehouse on 3rd Ave. South between 30th and 31st Street (look for the turquoise doors). Inside you’ll find an eclectic mix of pots, tables, etageres, trellis’, candleholders, funky garden art, and TONS of good “stuff”. Nolan Graves is my wild, crazy, fun-loving friend who opened the doors 11 years ago. His new business partner, Greg Wilson, keeps tabs on the inventory (and Nolan) and makes sure the store runs smoothly. Frontera is a great place to knock around, hunt for hidden treasures and chat with the nice folks who work with them. If you find a container you want planted, drive around the corner and we’ll help you with your selection and pot it for you. Please tell Nolan I said hello.
Fronterairon.com 3022 3rd Ave. South 320-1900 Mon-Sat. 10-6
TSITALIA IMPORTS is…
a new addition to the neighborhood, located on the corner of 32nd Street and 5th Avenue South. George Sarris, owner of the Fish Market, has partnered with Ann Schniper to bring us imported food and hard goods from the Mediterranean. Wonderful Greek pots, hand thrown by folks whose families have practiced this art for generation after generation, are displayed on the outside. These reproductions are perfect for use in the garden for container planting or as a fountain. Fired at 2500 degrees, I assure you these pots will not break easily. Be sure to head inside where the antique Turkish and Greek urns and olive jars are displayed alongside beautiful copper sinks, bells, pitchers and pots. And don’t miss their food selection! Need help with planting your container? Drive around the corner and we’ll be delighted to help you.
www.tsitalia.com 501 32nd Street South 324-0179 Mon-Fri 7-5 Sat 10-3
HOTHOUSE DESIGN STUDIO is…
an upscale florist owned by Mandy Majerik. She has been recognized on the local, national and international level for her flower artistry. Interest in improving the quality of her client’s lifestyle led Mandy to include scented candles, work by regional artists, Storypeople by Brain Andreas (a personal favorite), diffusers and unique home décor for sale in her charming space. Hothouse services include wreath making, holiday décor, permanent botanicals and delivery. While you’re in the area drop by her place and wander around- I know it will be a pleasant experience.
www.hothousedesignstudio.com 518 29th St. South 324-2663 Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 8-12
THE ARBOR/ELEGANT EARTH is…
your destination if you’re looking for anything concrete- pots, fountains, statuary,
pagodas, birdbaths-you name it- they are in abundance. The new owners, Peyton King and Chadwick Stogner, have added new inventory, culled the old inventory, straightened up, cleaned and redesigned the display area. I think they have done an excellent job and encourage you to stop by and take a look. If you find a pot you want but need it in a different color or finish, Peyton or Chad will be happy to assist you. Then bring it around the corner and let us help you with a selection of plants that will further enhance your pot. We’ll also be happy to help you landscape around your new fountain or statue.
www.elegantearth.com 3401 5th Ave. South 251-0203 Mon-Sat 9-5 Sat 10-3
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PEPPER PLACE is…
the brainchild of Cathy Crenshaw, a Birmingham native. She believed if you gathered related businesses together in a special place and advertised the convenience of one stop shopping, customers would follow. And what success she has achieved! Pepper Place is now a destination shopping area for anything related to home and lifestyle. The old Dr. Pepper building now houses an array of businesses specializing in art, furniture, bathrooms, kitchens, fabrics, and antiques. Other buildings that stood empty for years and years have been renovated and are full of unique and interesting shops. Another plus are the excellent restaurants and bars in the area. Cathy’s idea has blossomed and a MUST-see when you’re in the area.
An added bonus is the Farmer’s Market held each Saturday beginning in April and lasting ‘til October.
2800-2900 2nd Ave. S. 205.802.2100
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE is…
a place where I covet most of the inventory. For those of you looking for just the right piece in your garden, don’t miss this shop. I am so incredibly impressed with the innovative design incorporated into the new location. Sensitivity to the environment led to rain water collection and storage, an updated watering system, a roof that reflects light and plans for a roof garden. An addition was created using all salvaged materials plus huge rollup doors to lessen the need for air-conditioning. What a guy! Please go by and visit--Roy deserves our support.
www.architecturalheritage.com 200 28th St. S. 322-3538 M-F 9-5 Sat.9-2
ABSCO FIREPLACE & PATIO...
has also been in the neighborhood for years and years. When I shop there, I discover items for sale I didn't even know I wanted or needed. If you're looking for something for your patio or fireplace, stop here before you go out of the neighborhood.
www.abscofireplace.com 616 29th Street South 251-8254 Mon-Fri. 9-5.
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MATT JONES GALLERY is...
just down the street by J.F. Day. Lovely, lovely, lovely art where I spend time each week absorbing the work of the many different artists on display.
www.mattjonesgallery.com 2830 6th Ave. S. 205.521.6656
J.F. DAY & CO.....
of course, has been around forever. Great people will help you with windows or patio rooms. Or, just walk through and get ideas.
www.jfday.com 2820 6th Ave. S. 205.271.7300
PORTRAIT BROKERS OF AMERICA...
moved from Crestline Village to across the street from J.F. Day. Striking portraits on display provide a perspective on the talent of the artists.
www.portraitbrokers.com 2801 6th Ave. S. 205.877.3447
LORETTA GOODWIN GALLERY is...
tucked in between Portrait Brokers and the French Market. I love that you walk through a garden to enter the front door. Well-known to area residents, various rooms are filled with the work of local artists. An engaging gallery that encourages you to stop in, browse, and enjoy..
www.lorettagoodwingallery.net 605 28th St. S. 205.328.1761
RICHARD BROWN
Home of Richard Brown Fabrics. The space is much larger than it appears, stretching back and to the side. Talk with Rick about your Interior Design needs. Be prepared to "ooh" and "ahhh".
611 28th St. S. 205.202.5968 Fax 202.5969
ROBERT HILL ANTIQUES...
specializes in French antiques and art for the garden. In rooms that vary in size from huge to intimate, the antiques are tastefully displayed with compatible pieces that make you want to take the whole room home.
www.roberthillantiques.com 3029 3rd Ave. S. 205.326.0088
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RAGS...
If you haven't visited Rags, put it on your list of things to do! Authentic Italian food awaits you in an intimate setting. And they serve a fabulous brunch on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Located next to Lou's on 29th Street, be sure to ask them about their beignets. When you taste them, you'll think you're in New Orleans!
728 29th Street South 205 327.7247
GREEN CENTRAL STATION...
Nancy Tran has her store on 7th Avenue South and 27th Street. Wander in and find every item you might need for a picnic, environmentally friendly merchandise and other good stuff. Please welcome her to the neighborhood!
2717 7th Avenue South 205.202.4056
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GARDENER'S GALLERY...
Located in the old Wildflower space at Pepper Place, this is Charlie Thigpen's shop. Employed by Southern Living for 30 years, Charlie has opened a plant and gift store which I feel is a nice addition to the neighborhood. When you visit him, please tell him I said "Hello".
2805 2nd Avenue South 35233 205.328.1000
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CHRISTOPHER GLENN, INC....
Not in our neighborhood, but definitely a place to visit for fountains, containers, and antiques. Chris and Glenn are knowledgeable and extremely helpful. The outdoor display always beckons, coaxing me to spend more time and see what's around the bend.
www.christopherglenninc.com 2713 19th St. S. (Homewood) 205.870.1236
OTTO'S BARK & STUFF...
Pine straw, bark, topsoil and Libby’s mix.
410 Old Columbiana Road 823-2730 Hours Spring: 8-5 Mon-Fri Sat 10-3
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