During my recent trip to Indiana, when I mentioned to a colleague that we should meet for dinner and some kid-free shopping, I was disappointed that her suggestion was to meet here:
Don’t get me wrong, these are some of my favorite stores, but they look exactly like they do on the east coast. It’s more exciting to see some local color away from home. I grew up in Elkhart and Bristol, so I know the locals hang out in places like Shipshewana, a big Amish and Mennonite shopping area. The country look isn’t my style at all, but you tend to find high-quality, American made goods there. Hoosiers also hang out at Meijer and Menards, two chains we don’t have on the east coast. But I was looking for special little shops, places maybe the locals hadn’t found yet.
My first stop was Lucky You in Elkhart, Indiana, selling quality used home decor. This store is huge. I found several things my clients would have loved, including this gently curved Norwalk sofa.
There was a great mix of older pieces and high-end new-ish accents in great condition.
They even had a vintage clothing section in the back, where my little one spied this fun and romantic “birdie” lamp.
My next stop was Decorating N 2nds. I spied several stylish pieces in this smaller, but stylish store.
Gary, the co-owner, recommends walking one direction twice, then walking the opposite direction twice to see what other great finds might be hiding.
That is, in fact, how I find some of my best catches in special boutiques like this.
You’ve gotta love a store with a mascot.
We went for ice cream at the retro-style Stone Soup Emporium soda counter and stumbled on another decorating source.
I love that you can get antiques, ice cream, Fruit Hills wine, massage, and bail bonds for true one-stop shopping. This place is chock full of smaller home accents and gifts, with a few furniture finds tucked in.
Bonnie Barrett, the owner, is an accomplished artist who sells her holiday silhouettes worldwide, when she’s not serving ice cream.
I’d love to hear what my Hoosier readers think of these spots, or maybe they can share some other gems I didn’t get to.
Now that the kids are older, I’m back to travelling, so if you’d like me to come work some redesign magic at your home, please email to book a date. I could fix you up with new or like-new fab finds from these stores in just a day! Please share this post with your Greater-Elkhart area friends.
