by Patti Nickel
Remember those days when shopping was actually fun? When you dressed up and went downtown to spend hours stocking up on everything you needed (and some things you didn’t, but wanted anyway). No? Then you missed out on the days before giant malls and Big Box stores turned shopping from a much-anticipated activity into a dreaded blood sport.
The good news is that Lawrenceburg still has the kind of downtown that people actually want to spend time exploring. With boutiques, coffee shops and dining spots galore, it offers something for everyone.
Sweet Mash Southern Goods, 101 S. Main
Co-owners Tamara Smith and Dawn Bogie are 21st century southern belles whose favorite scent is sour mash. They are happy to welcome you to their mercantile boutique where they specialize in small batch gifts for that special occasion – whether it be a wedding, engagement, graduation or just the fact that you finally got your garage cleaned out. In addition to apparel and accessories, the ladies have a curated selection of bourbons and Kentucky wines, along with top-shelf bar ware for enjoying the spirits.
Small Town Sass Boutique, 127 S. Main
Owned by the mother/daughter team of Teresa Hawkins and Brittany Metcalf, this shop – as its name implies – offers a treasure trove of fashionable attire that is as chic as it is sassy. There is nothing small about the inventory at Small Town Sass Boutique which features an assortment of all things feminine – clothing, accessories, shoes, bags and intimate apparel. Whether it’s a power suit for a business meeting or a cocktail dress for an evening soiree, you’ll find it here. Knowing that sassiness doesn’t depend on size, the ladies offer clothing from petite to 4X. As their motto says – “Be sassy in any size.”
A & J at the Ripy, 320 S. Main
Tucked away in a corner of the historic T. B. Ripy Mansion, this intimate boutique stocks an inventory designed to appeal to the ultra-modern (and ultra flirty) Kentucky girl. A (Amy Blackford) and J (Jessie Rodriguez) have their eye and their pulse on what today’s fashionista is looking for – whether it is a hot pink pajama set or a polka dot sundress. While outfitting themselves, shoppers can do the same for their baby, home and close friends as A & J also carries baby items, home décor and gifts.
Young & Thread LLC, 124 S. Main
If you are traveling the Bourbon Trail which passes through Lawrenceburg, and want to be sure you have a tangible souvenir of your good time, Martin and Jessica Young are happy to help. At Young & Thread, the creative couple can screen print and embroider clothing with your favorite Kentucky or Anderson County theme for you to take back home. In addition, they have plenty of specialty items touting the destination – bourbon-scented candles, anyone?
Simply Blessed Kids Children’s Boutique, 105 S. Main.
Can’t forget the kids while on a shopping spree and Simply Blessed ensures that you don’t, their motto being “where fashion meets fun for the pint-sized set.” This family-owned boutique specializes in children’s clothing suitable for those learning to toddle as well as those toddling off to their first day of school. With full knowledge that clothes don’t always make the kid, the boutique also has a wide selection of toys, games and books.
The Twisted Chord, 196 E. Court
Got a music lover in your life? If so, the Twisted Chord, “a small shop that supports big dreams” is a place you need to know about. Whether you fancy yourself the next Jimi Hendrix, Ringo Starr or Elton John, you’ll find your perfect instrument – be it brass, woodwind, strings or electronic. In addition, the knowledgeable staff can arrange lessons to get you started on your new instrument, or handle repairs for your current one.
Dawson & Friends, 201 S. Main
If you are one of those who loves all things vintage, yet still appreciates a bargain, this is the store for you. Locally owned by a mother/daughter duo who know a good lamp or velvet sofa when they see one, a visit to Dawson & Friends will be like suddenly discovering your grandmother’s well-stocked attic.
Southern Olive, 136 S. Main
Following the success of their Southern Olive gourmet specialty food stores in South Carolina and Virginia, Rob and Amber Gersham found the perfect home for their third location on Lawrenceburg’s Main Street. The couple’s Kentucky Southern Olive is located in the town’s former pool hall. Like the other locations, this one will be 100 percent gluten free, and will feature 75 different olive oils and balsamic vinegars, as well as a free tasting bar. An expansive gluten-free bakery offers items from apple cider donuts, to French macaroons, cupcakes and other delights. The location features a gourmet, gluten-free grocery store where, according to the owners, “customers will enjoy a concierge shopping experience.”
Heavens to Betsy Deli, 116 S. Main
How often have you heard someone loudly exclaim, “Heavens to Betsy” to express astonishment at something extraordinary? Don’t be surprised if you are the one doing the exclaiming after polishing off a piece of this bakery/deli’s made-from-scratch pies and cakes. If you prefer savory to sweet, know that Heavens to Betsy has a legion of fans who think their sandwiches are the best in the ‘Burg (check out the menu of weekly sandwich specials), and who love the unique offerings such as pretzel pannini, jambalaya soup and cornbread salad.
Off the Ground Coffee House, 105 S. Main
Off the Ground, the place to go for your morning jolt of java – from a simple black coffee in a mug to a double mocha latte with all the extras. You can choose from some 30 flavor shots to give your coffee a special zing. This locally and female owned coffee shop also has a full spectrum of food items from pastries and cinnamon rolls to breakfast sandwiches and quiches.
Coffman Station, 115 S. Main
Farm-to-table dishes served with southern charm in a comfortable environment is the hallmark at this full-service restaurant located in the Trail Suites Inn. Even the pickiest eater will find something guaranteed to satisfy in their wide range of lunch and dinner menu items at Coffman Station. Traditional favorites such as French onion soup, catfish and Kentucky Hot Brown are always popular choices, while for the more adventurous, unusual dishes such as jambalaya croquettes and breakfast risotto tempt the taste buds. Decadent desserts and a well-curated wine and cocktail list complement the meal.
Tastefully Delicious, 126 S. Main
A specialty grocery with a huge selection of Kentucky Proud goods: coffees, baking mixes, sauces, dips and pantry items. You will flip for the old-fashioned soda lane while exclaiming, “Oh! I remember this!” You can’t–and won’t want to– miss the wide selection of pies and baked goods made in-house.
So get out there and take a stroll, get your steps in and, as a bonus, you may even find yourself enjoying shopping again in Lawrenceburg, KY.