Date: July 25, 2010 |
Headed north for a Razorback weekend? Planning a girls’ get-away to top off the summer? Or are you simply looking for a relaxing retreat? No matter your travel intent, we have the itinerary set for a change-of-pace tour, visiting charming antiques and collectibles shops in a handful of historic downtowns in Northwest Arkansas.
FAYETTEVILLE:
French Metro Antiques
200 W. Dickson St.
(479) 587-0804
The Hunt family travels to France three times a year to personally select each accessory and piece of fine furniture you’ll find in their charming shop, known for 17th to early 20th century antiques. From the French parterre garden outside to the gallery-like setting inside, a visit to French Metro is the closest thing to a walk down the Champs-Elysées this side of Paris.
French Quarters Antiques
11 N. Block Ave.
(479) 443-3355
Think chateaux when you visit French Quarters, direct importers of fine European antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. This shop near the downtown square offers items for every room in the house, complemented with new and vintage accessories and gifts.
Long Ago Antiques
1934 E. Huntsville Rd.
(479) 443-3435
This family-run shop features 16 rooms of furnishings, ranging from vintage to Victorian. Collectibles and accessories include glassware, stoneware and silver, and the store also carries a wide range of light fixtures.
Sara Kathryn’s Ltd.
600 N. Mission Blvd.
(479) 444-9991
Located in an early 1900s-era cottage in the historic district downtown, Sara Kathryn’s features an eclectic mix of mid-size American furniture, elegant glassware and European-inspired garden statuary.
The Gift House Antiques
525 N. Mission Blvd.
(479) 521-4334
Blooming plants and garden wares surround this century-old brick building across the street from Sara Kathryn’s. Inside, a mix of casual antique furniture plus vintage and new accessories and gifts await, creating a relaxed and intriguing place to browse.
The Tasseled Armoire
2227 S. School Ave.
(479) 667-7298
A new entry this year on the local antiques scene, this charming shop offers European and American furnishings mixed with colorful accessories—blue and white china, needlepoint pillows, custom lamps, vintage books and more. Owner
Donna Armstrong also opens the store by appointment for after-hours visits or small-group shopping parties.
Snack Stop:
Bliss Cupcake Café
112 W. Center St.
(479) 575-0575
Around the corner from French Quarters Antiques, Bliss’ made-from-scratch cupcakes are a tasty shopping-day treat.
PRAIRIE GROVE:
Antique Emporium
107 E. Buchanan St.
(479) 846-4770
Antiques and collectibles are showcased in this expansive downtown building dating back to the late 1800s and formerly the home of a Southern Mercantile business.
Daisies & Olives
129-135 E. Buchanan St.
(479) 846-1800
www.prairiegrovear.com/daisiesandolives
Located in the 110-year-old Beverly Theater building, this antique mall offers items in a wide range of styles—from primitives to shabby chic to glassware, pottery and more.
Southern Chic Antiques
116 N. Mock St.
(479) 846-4041
This 1904 building was once a mercantile and saddle shop, and now houses a range of antique furnishings, architectural elements and eclectic finds, including vintage uniforms. Check out the patio and deck for outdoor ironware and garden accessories.
ROGERS:
The Other Place
322 S. 1st St.
(479) 986-8991
This downtown shop offers a revolving mix of antiques, collectibles, vintage jewelry, textiles, furniture, glassware and more.
History Buffs:
Visit one of America’s most intact Civil War battlefields and two historic homes.
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
(479) 846-2990
This bucolic setting was the site for the 1862 Battle of Prairie Grove. Walking and driving tours are options, as is visiting historic structures in the Ozark village. Or pack a lunch to enjoy in the picnic area.
{AND DON’T MISS } If you have a chance to visit over Labor Day weekend (September 4-6), check out the 59th Annual Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair, a famed crafts show co-sponsored by the Arts Center of the Ozarks and featuring the creative wares of hundreds of regional artisans.
Trolley Line Bookshop
110 W. Walnut St.
(479) 626-1626
Nestled among the antique stores on Walnut Street, Trolley Line sells vintage and antique books, plus offers expert advice on collecting them.
Vintage Antiques
120 W. Walnut St.
(479) 636-3900
True to the name, Vintage Antiques stocks vintage collectibles and antique goods, including furniture, glassware, toys, pottery and china.
White’s Jewelry & Antiques
115 W. Walnut St.
(479) 631-8850
A mainstay of the historic downtown Rogers scene for more than three decades, White’s is renown for fine collectibles, such as photos, letters, stamps and coins, as well as antique jewelry.
{WHERE TO STAY }
Luxury meets history at a trio of downtown inns
The Dickson Street Inn
301 W. Dickson St.
(479) 695-2100
A 1890s-era home in the heart of the Dickson Street scene.
Inn at Carnall Hall
465 N. Arkansas Ave.
(479) 582-0400
On the University of Arkansas campus, an elegantly revitalized 1905 Colonial Revival building.
Pratt Place Inn
2231 W. Markham Rd.
(479) 966-4441
An 1895 home transformed into a gracious retreat with fine European antiques and luxurious décor.
