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...