The Neighborhood Gem: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Unique Finds: You’ll discover a curated selection of items unavailable at larger retailers. I found useful things like EZ-Glide stick-on chair/floor protectors, something I’d never seen at a big box store. The Carriage House shop next door offers handmade and fair trade home and garden decor, kitchen textiles (towels, tablecloths), gloves, robes, and rugs – a truly unique shopping experience.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Expect friendly, helpful staff who are more than willing to assist you. Pat and Jeff, the owners, are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. They’re happy to offer advice on everything from plants to unclogging drains, creating a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
• Support Local Businesses: This is a fourth-generation family-owned business, a true neighborhood institution. Shopping here directly contributes to the local economy.
• Convenience for Small Projects: It’s the perfect place to grab those unexpected odds and ends – tacks, screws, etc. – saving you a trip to a larger store. They even offer weekly knife sharpening pickup through Pro Edge.
• Charming Atmosphere: The store itself has a delightful, old-fashioned feel. There’s even a friendly store cat, Shadow, to greet you!
• High-Quality Merchandise: The store prides itself on selling only quality supplies. They don’t stock shoddy items.
• Potted Plants: The hardware store boasts a nice selection of potted plants.
• Key Making Services: Keys are made by hand on-site.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Limited Selection: It’s a small shop, so you won’t find the massive variety of a big box store like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
• Location: Its appeal is definitely tied to its neighborhood setting; if you don’t live nearby, the drive might not be worth it for everyday hardware needs.