With just a few weeks left until Christmas, now is crunch time for shoppers in rural Georgia. And while it is true that you can get just about anything from Wal-Mart or Amazon without even leaving your house these days, small towns throughout our state boast small, locally owned businesses that offer an awesome variety of gift ideas while supporting rural economies.
One dot on the map that has become quite the draw for antique and boutique shoppers alike is the tiny town of Woodbury. Located in Meriwether County with a population of just over 1,200, Woodbury’s lively Main Street is home to multiple shopping and dining spots. In fact, it’s a safe bet there’s something in Woodbury for everyone on your list, and you can park the car and walk from one shop to the next.
Start your stroll at High Cotton Antiques and Uniques at the east end of Main Street, but give yourself ample time to explore the former industrial building’s various nooks and crannies. Decorators drive from far and wide to browse for just the right piece here and across the street at Resurrect Antiques, and with decidedly different inventories and atmosphere, neither store will disappoint. Don’t miss the boutique portion of Resurrect, where clothing, jewelry and other accessories are offered. You’ll find Frankly, My Dear Antiques and Home Furnishings just next door and filled with wonderful items for the lover of all things “eclectic and whimsical.”
Making your way west along Main Street, you’ll find two more treasures: The Blackbird Café and Sandtown Antiques. Open for lunch and supper Monday through Saturday, the Blackbird hosts live music every Friday night. The menu features American favorites with a twist, so you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy, and at very reasonable prices. Visit on Friday or Saturday night for steak specials.
Another unique and lovely shop is Sandtown Antiques, located at the corner of Main and Dromedary streets. Open Tuesday through Saturday, this shop may have antiques in its name, but it is altogether different from the others on Main Street. Sandtown is a picker’s paradise with a wide range of furniture and décor styles and home accessories.
Just around the corner from Sandtown is Paparella’s Pizzeria. Paparella’s family-friendly menu includes a variety of pizzas, sub sandwiches and salads served for lunch and supper. Add one of their decadent desserts if you have more walking to do.
The Gathered Warehouse, located just off Main Street on Durand Street, is one of two brand new shopping spots in downtown Woodbury. The shops tagline, “home goods vintage and new” sums up their hand-picked, artfully displayed inventory. Opening just in time for Christmas shopping for the little ones on your list, A Little Southern Boutique offers “clothing for the country-raised child,” from tea party dresses to hard-to-find toys. A Little Southern also offers an online boutique from which the downtown destination grew.
If you happen to be in Woodbury during the spring, summer or fall, stop in at The Fruit Stand for fresh, seasonal produce, peach ice cream or a BBQ plate and enjoy it at the clean, sunny picnic area on site. Or hop across the corner of Main Street and Millarden Road and grab a bite to eat at the Flint Grill. This fast-food-style diner is a local favorite and is open seven days a week.
As you can see, there is plenty in downtown Woodbury to fill a day, so treat yourself and plan a trip there to take it all in this Christmas season!