Tour the Square
Sashaying on up the street, we find an elegant storefront housing Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio. Upon entering this delightful shop, you will be met by the greeter, Katie, a precious black and white puppy. Since 1999, Pam Richardson and Barbara Crews have been beautifying ladies with Merle Norman cosmetics and skin care, Vera Bradley bags and luggage, and jewelry. A recent addition is free facial steaming. They also offer brow waxing and a men's line of skin care. Specialties of the store are Willow Tree angels, Tyler and Wood Wick candles, and Vera Bradley flip flops, beach, pet, and sport accessories. Also, a line of sleepwear, "nightsweatz," for middle-aged ladies is in stock. Other services include makeovers for proms and weddings and tux rentals. The newest beauty offering, mineral make-up, is also available. Their hours are 10:00 until 5:00 Monday through Friday and 9:00 until 2:00 on Saturday.
One of our new businesses, Bedtime Memories, is next door in the Patterson and Knapp building. Sporting a newly renovated storefront, this children's furniture store makes a lovely addition to our square. At this location since September, 2006, the business is owned by the Harrington family, comprised of parents and three sons. They market painted and stained children's furniture including bassinets, round cribs, "built to grow" cribs, toddler beds, twin beds, "Sunday Funnies" collection, and lofts. They will also customize the furniture, if desired. Artwork and custom bedding are available. Visit this delightful shop from 9:00 until 5:00 Monday through Saturday. Be sure to see the "playhouse loft".
Founded in 1874 and still at its original location, we arrive at Moore Drug Company. Pharmacist Robert Graves has been working at Moore's since 1959. Their hours are 8:00 - 6:00 Monday through Friday except for Wednesday when they close at 5:00. On Saturday, they open at 8:00 and close at 1:00. In addition to the pharmacy, they stock Carlton cards, Fenton glassware, frames, crystal, and gifts. Russell-Stover candy and Home Town graduation gifts personalized with the Franklin-Simpson logo are popular. They have recently added a digital photo scanner and printer. The fountain in the rear of the store is now available for rent.
At 120 West Kentucky Avenue, we find a darling shop specializing in children's clothing. Pistols 'n Petticoats was established in 1977 and is celebrating 30 years of business this year. Owner Karen Hester offers children's clothing in sizes preemie through 16 for girls and preemie through 20 for boys. Approximately seven years ago, Karen added a shoe department carrying Born, Stride Rite, and Robeez shoes in sizes infant through size 6. Ralph Lauren and Lily Pulitzer (infant through size 16 for girls) are new lines she stocks for your little ones. Along with clothing, Karen also has gifts, books, and toys including the ever-popular Hello Kitty line. Corelle and Lee Middleton dolls are also available for purchase. Another of Karen's specialties includes baby gift registry. Expecting moms may come in and select the color and style of attire they prefer. Along with infant cribs, bedding is available to coordinate with the baby's room. When you visit Karen, you will find friendly service, free gift wrapping, a play area for the children, and whimsical murals adorning the walls. Pistols 'n Petticoats is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Continuing our journey to the east, beautiful wood entrance doors welcome us to Sew Fine Customs located at 114 West Kentucky Avenue. On the square for over four years, Debby Keeton Null is the proprietress, working side by side with her husband, Tom. Debby and Tom do all kinds of custom embroidery, monogramming, and screen-printing. They can help you with corporate gifts, logos, personalized gifts, pens and pencils, photo mugs, photo quilts, and photo tee shirts. They also carry down pillows and bedding, duvets, fabrics, towels, and baby gifts including linen bibs and bonnets. She will monogram any of these items for you. Debby has pet bed inserts and will make covers with monograms, if desired. Specializing in custom bedding, pillows, and window treatments, fabric books are available for your perusal. You can even bring in your quilt tops and Debby will machine quilt them for you. There is no minimum quantity but there is a $10 minimum on embroidery. Sew Fine Customs is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 am - 5 pm and Saturday from 9 am - noon. After hours appointments are available, also.