Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Window Shopping in Vicksburg

We had a little relief from the oppressive heat and humidity yesterday morning, and I headed for downtown Vicksburg to do a little window shopping with my camera before the shops opened. The quaint historical shopping district lines Washington Street for several blocks and is home to an amazing variety of shops, ranging from a few that look like they are straight out of the 1950s, to several beautiful upscale gift and clothing shops.

Washington Street

The buildings themselves are architectural wonders, with ornate iron and wood trim, and elaborate tile-patterned entrances welcoming you to shops that have long been gone.


This one is a work of art, composed of tiny tiles to create a mosaic pattern. Doesn't it look like a rug!

You don't see many shop entrances like those these days, not even at multi-million dollar shopping villages.

Now, are you ready for a little window shopping? You can click on the pictures to enlarge them, if you'd like to see the windows up close.

The first shop on my tour is Sassafras, a gift shop full of southern hospitality and beautiful accessories for your home. Established 18 years ago, it occupies two adjoining circa 1876 buildings.

Next to Sassafras is Peterson's Art & Antiques, which features a mix of new and old fine quality accessories and furniture. They also have an extensive art gallery featuring the works of local artists. I have a few of my photographs displayed at Peterson's and have actually sold a couple of things.

I've got to go back and get some of those Brown-Eyed Susans in the top left corner of this picture! They will be perfect for Fall.


One of my favorite shops in Vicksburg is The Cinnamon Tree. I love their home and garden accessories and every time I visit them, I can always find something I need, want, or have-to-have. They also have a wonderful selection of Vera Bradley items, lamps, candles, bath accessories, jewelry, and adorable outfits and shoes for children.

I love the reflection of the Mississippi flag in this first picture.

I'd like to have one of these little linen guest towels.



My next stop was Art and Soul, a unique shop that was once featured in an article in Southern Living. Art and Soul "salvages the past with one-of-a-kind gift and home accents ... an unleashed creative atmosphere offers affordable raw elements like beads, feathers, and architectural salvage to make your own inspired creation; or you can rely on Art and Soul to manage every detail of your hand-crafted gift or home accent."

The building itself is a work of art. Notice the stained glass over the windows ...

Isn't this arrangement gorgeous!

And I love this cross and pendant ...

I'm going to finish the rest of my window shopping tomorrow. I hope you will join me then to see more of the unique and quaint shops that are just one of the many, many reasons why ...

8 comments:

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

Janie, loved my tour with you this morning. Vicksburg is a beautiful jewel in MS's crown. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Molly

Tonja said...

I'm getting gas in the car, and putting a few Diet Dr Peppers in a cooler, taking a change of clothes...and heading that way!!!!! I LOVE the quaintness of that shopping area. How nice that they have preserved it! I love the mosaics and names embedded into the entrance of the stores. I just hear those shops calling my name!

Beth at Aunties said...

Janie,
I loved shopping with you and getting to know Vicksburg. What a beautiful quaint town it is! I was anxious to see what you bought at Cinnamon Tree this tiem:) It is aplace I know I would love to really visit sometime.
~♥

nancygrayce said...

I'm coming with Tonja! :)

Deb said...

what a fun place to shop...you really did a great advertisement for the shops...

midnight macaroons said...

I enjoy visiting your blog very much. You always have the best photographs. Truly an amazing eye. My husband and I will be moving to MS this fall. I can't begin to explain how happy we are to come home to the South. We've been in TX for almost 6 years. Your pictures makes me want to speed up the process.

Charles Bell said...

Thank you for posting your terrific images of down town.

RachelD said...

What a wonderful chronicle of time-as-it-was, as well as the new.

I've always loved the magical thresholds, whose bright tiles hold great promise of all the good things to come. Somehow the merchants knew that those beautiful stepping-stones would bring in eager shoppers, and I think the beauty of the entrances lent as much enticement as the array of merchandise.