Local Color

From the beautiful old courthouse on the square, to great eateries and quaint shops, Crown Point, Indiana, “the next town over”, is one of my favorite places to visit.

Majestic Victorian homes are sprinkled throughout the older part of town, and businesses like Papa's Deli, Old Green Shutters Antiques,  Scoops Ice Cream Parlor and The Front Gate dot the square, making Crown Point a great place to spend the day.  Treasure hunters will enjoy two large antique malls and numerous small shops within walking distance of the square, as well as six thrift shops nearby.

The town also boasts the old Lake County Jail, made famous by John Dillinger’s escape in 1934 (using a gun carved from wood), and even more famous as the place where Johnny Depp recently filmed the movie, “Public Enemies”. Both events were a pretty big deal to local history. ;)

Johnny waves to the crowd just outside the old Lake County jail. I just remember being irritated that my favorite thrift shop was closed for a week as a result of filming. Priorities people.

 OK, moving on...

The ever changing inventory at Old Green Shutters, at 118 S. Main Street, is always worth a peek. The owner has exceptional taste and her displays are a great way to get new ideas for your own home.

I love their selection of lace and linens.

Got a bright idea?

 

 

 Need a piece or part for your latest project? They probably have it.

Another great display.

The real reason I adore this shop. TO DIE FOR HATS!

Lace on Parade.

The Button Cabinet

From Rustic, to Pretty...

There's just so much to love at Old Green Shutters.

While I was visiting Old Green Shutters, I met the energetic owner of a shop from just across the square. Marilyne Hamstra, of Dutch Girlz Dezigns, at 125 N. Main, took me on a tour of her gorgeous new shop, which offers floral and interior design services.

One of the things that makes Marilyne's shop so incredible, besides the sheer beauty of it, is that she & her son did everything you see themselves. They took it from a huge empty warehouse to an elegant and charming retail space. Marilyne's background "flipping houses" as well as her experience in restoring one of Crown Point's historic homes, lends itself to her latest endeavor in interior design.

While the overall feel here is elegance (rather than primitive)...the rich colors and dark patinas appeal to my sense of history and beauty.

A large turn of the century pram, filled with dried hydrangea, is a focal point in the window display.

These old instruments, situated just so, were perhaps my favorite display in the store.

Looking for an experienced interior designer with impeccable taste and the energy to tackle the big jobs? I'd call Marilyne.
Just looking for a relaxing afternoon? Visit the wonderful array of local shops in Crown Point, Indiana. 
Until next time...

Hidden Jewels

Today I want to share one of my favorite local haunts with you. I’ve seen a lot of primitive and antique shops over the years, and we are very fortunate to have one of the best I’ve ever visited, right here in my own hometown.

Spring Run Farm is located on the outskirts of town on the Jensen family farm. The setting is just lovely…you’ll find the shop surrounded by beautiful flower gardens, farm fields and mature trees. The shop’s striking mix of perennial plants comes from neighboring business, Gardens on the Prairie, which is right next door. If you’re a gardener, or just enjoy beautiful gardens, you’ll definitely want to stop in. Both businesses are located on West 169th avenue, just north/east of Lowell, Indiana.

Spring Run features a fabulous blend of early antiques (the real deal), one of a kind hand-mades, primitive décor and garden accents. I really love that the shop has something for every budget…from high end antiques and heirloom quality art, to the ever changing bargains in their sale area.  I highly recommend making Spring Run a destination if you’re ever in the area.  You can thank me later.

Although they don’t typically allow photos to be taken inside the shop (to protect the privacy of their artists), proprietresses Elaine and Angie Jensen, graciously allowed me to do so earlier this summer. Of course they both insisted that the shop wasn’t at its best on the day I was there. Personally, I’ve never seen a “bad day” in this shop.

This patriotic vignette greets customers as they come through the door.

 They do an amazing job with display, wouldn’t you agree?

The shop carries an extensive line of textiles, linens, and window coverings.

Always a fabulous selection! Great colors!

A wonderful early cabinet filled with new textiles.

All handwoven in the USA.

A duo of early painted firkins and a new primitive doll.

Another picture perfect vignette featuring a great old chippy farmhouse cupboard.

Candles displayed in a reproduction apothecary.

This miniature antique cabinet might just be my favorite thing in the shop. Just look at those colors!

Here's an early stepback cupboard with solid doors in a wonderful faded yellow paint.

This very primitive table setting features reproduction yellow ware and antique accessories. Love the faux fireplace!

An early child's or hired man's bed filled with reproduction pillows.

Spring Run Farm is open Thursday-Saturday from 10-4 pm, and is closed January-March.

I hope you've enjoyed the tour. Do stop in if you get a chance, and tell them I sent you! Until next time...