ALABAMA GOODS and Other Huntsville and Madison Stores I've Recently Discovered

Are you planning to visit a friend or relative this summer who lives outside of Alabama, for whom you'd like to take a hostess gift? Do you have guests coming in from other states who are unfamiliar with the many charms of Alabama? Do you take pride in all of the entrepreneurs, artists, and creative people who live in Sweet Home Alabama? With any of these thoughts in mind or just because you love to find pretty things or familiar foods, I would strongly recommend a trip to ALABAMA GOODS at 2722 Carl T. Jones Drive in Huntsville. There are similar stores in Homewood and Hoover (near Birmingham), but the Huntsville store is nearest to North Alabama shoppers.

ALABAMA GOODS

EVERYTHING IN THE STORE WAS MADE IN ALABAMA! If you're an Alabama native -- like I am -- you will be so proud to walk around and appreciate the variety of products and artworks created here. Clothing, accessories, gourmet foods, jewelry, stationery, pottery, candles, Auburn stuff, U. of Alabama stuff, objects shaped like the State of Alabama -- you name it, they may very well have it.

SOUTHERN KITCHEN & HOME

Southern Kitchen & Home has been inside the Stovehouse complex on Governor's Drive for a while, but it recently moved into a much larger and more visible space, right across from Oscar Moon's Milkshake Bar and within sight of the outdoor space in front of the food shops. Merchandise is very attractively arranged with plenty of room for browsing. Spices, jams, charcuterie boards, home decor, coffee, tea, kitchenware, honey, and more are available. For some reason, I was particularly drawn to the Reusable Paper Towels. What a novel idea! I also liked the Create-Your-Own Candle bar. Check it out for yourself.

SHOPS ON MAIN STREET IN MADISON

There are at least a half dozen new shops facing the railroad tracks on Main St.in Madison, across from the very popular Main Street Cafe. I only had time to browse three of them when I was there last week.

Filthy Gorgeous on Main

Are you familiar with Kim Mulkey, LSU's women's basketball coach who is known for her eye-popping courtside outfits? Well, let it be said that she would likely find something to buy in this store with the attention-grabbing name -- Filthy Gorgeous on Main. There is a lot of bling on the racks and shelves.

South & Pine and Blue Apple Books

Two stores -- South & Pine and Blue Apple Books -- are connected from the inside. One focuses on home decor, while the other focuses on -- you guessed it -- BOOKS! I particularly liked the children's area and the section devoted to local authors. (Ahem!) :) Both are attractive and offer products in a wide range of prices.

One of these lovely stores is featured in my book coming out August 1st -- 100 Things to Do in Huntsville and North Alabama Before You Die, 2nd Edition. Can you guess which one?

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