Craftsman Cottage Opens Downtown

Pam Hertenstein and Sandra Marks

Two local business owners join together and relocate in Downtown Athens.   Kindred Spirits and Simply Yesterday Antiques are now under one roof named the Craftsman Cottage at 100 North Clinton Street.
   
Pam Hertenstein, owner of Kindred Spirits, and Sandra Marks, Simply Yesterday Antiques & More owner talked about the prospect of finding a place together in October. Spirit of Athens Executive Director Trisha Black recommended the building that would be a perfect fit for their business model and their doors opened on December 1.

“We felt our businesses complimented each other and would also fit in nicely with other stores and activities downtown,” said Hertenstein. “We are thrilled to be downtown. The exposure is incredible and we look forward to being a part of the community.”

Prairie Child Designs

Mudd Puddles Pottery

Kindred Spirits showcases locally made items from 40 different artisans across the Tennessee Valley.  Shoppers can find Sheer Pleasures products, artwork by DeAnna McNiell, Prairie Child Designs, work by internationally acclaimed Mark Moore, “Who, What, Where” art, Mudd Puddles Pottery, and much more.
   
“The handcrafted items carried in the cottage are made with quality materials just as the antiques were made many years ago,” adds Marks.
   
Marks has been buying and selling antiques for approximately ten years and she opened Simply Yesterday Antiques & More approximately one year ago. Simply Yesterday Antiques and More has eight dealers with their own speciality. Antiques include furniture, depression era glassware, and advertising memorabilia.
   
Marks and Hertenstein both emphasize the importance to shopping locally and supporting small businesses.
   
The Craftsman Cottage joins Shoe Gallery 2, 109 South Marion Street, that opened downtown in September and Little Texas Pizza Buffet, 202 South Jefferson Street, that opened December 20.  Casa Blanca Mexican Cantina and Inez’s Soul Food Restaurant will be opening downtown soon.
   
The Craftsman Cottage is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 256-998-2486.

DeAnna McNeill's mixed media

U.G.WHITE GENERAL MERCANTILE WINS THE CIDER CUP

Dawn Furline and Pete Woodward with the 2012 Cider Cup

Dawn Furline and Pete Woodward, U.G. White General Mercantile manager, accepts the 2012 Cider Cup for the winning recipe at the Sippin’ Cider Festival.  Second place winner with less than a point difference was CEI Books, followed by Crawford’s Gifts in third place.
   
The second annual Sippin’ Cider Festival which was held in Downtown Athens on December 8, 2012 and was sponsored by Spirit of Athens and Limestone Chapel Funeral Home.

“The Sippin’ Cider event is a way for us to thank downtown businesses by supporting Spirit of Athens with their annual contribution,” said Letisha Brinkley, SOA Promotion chair and event organizer.  “Successful retail and dining is one of the biggest draws to downtown and we want to celebrate the hard work they put into their business.”

Attendees were able to shop from 5-8 PM in participating businesses, take advantage of store specials, and rate the cider in each business. Those customers that voted on at least five recipes were entered into win a door prize donated by each business. 

Door prize winners are; Jack Warner of Athens won Luvici’s shirt and bottle of Big Jim's bbq sauce, Tyler Coggin of Gurley, a frame from Trinity’s, Alice Whitt of Rogersville, Scarves from Bennett's Clothing, Julie Shelton of Athens, won a necklace set from Claborn Specialties, Dwight Billions of Athens, Frame from Pimentos, Pam Hester of Athens, a Village Pizza certificate for a free large one topping pizza, Peggy Wright, Melissa & Doug toys from Belles and Beaus, Clint Coggin of Madison, Pablos on Market $15 gift certificate, Jonathan Colwell of Athens, Case knife from U.G. White General Mercantile, Brenda Jackson of Athens, CEI Books’ Tote filled with holiday items, and Davidson Crooks of Athens, Gray & Holt $25 gift certificate.

Entertainment during Sippin’ Cider included a live performance by Trey Morgan, train rides by the Athens Lions Club, visit from Santa, appearance by Scrooge and Dickens characters, marshmallow roasting fire pit and children’s crafts. 

The third annual Sippin’ Cider Festival will be held on December 14, 2013.

Kathyrn Flynn, Mac McAlister and Miranda Hudleston, members of the Mayor's Youth Commission, dress up as Dicken's characters.

SOA Volunteers help roast marshmallows