I LOVE to shop little consignment, thrift and antique stores for unique and electic decor to add to my home. When I got an email from Karen Bush, owner of Helena's newest business in Old Town, to preshop her store, The French Flea, you can imagine how she had to twist my arm. Not so much.
So off I went to The French Flea, a French inspired-but not limited to- consignment store of new and once loved items. Perfect example, the elongated chippy painted blue mirror with seashell design on the far left in the photo below, for $29.00 it came home with me!
Located in the historic buildings of Old Town Helena, the store excudes charm. Inside one will find gorgeous home decor items including furniture, accessories, original artwork, jewelry, vintage lamps and chandeliers, rustic lake and beach house finds and even a small section that stocks the perfect gifts for newborns-toddlers.
Owner Karen Bush is an experienced buyer and has a touch for creating the perfect vignette's with her shabby sheek and chippy painted bargains. (I told her she really should offer classes for creating those perfect touches in decor). Karen also has a booth in the Consigning Interiors mall that I love so much, but here in her own store, she is not limited in space and is able to fill it full of stylish and yet, affordable finds.
If Karen looks familiar to locals in Helena, it is because she is! She once had another store, The Cottage Touch several years ago, which was one of my favorite stores to shop. Even today I can look around my home and say "That came from the Cottage Touch, as did that...and that..." I was saddened when she decided to close The Cottage. But today is a new day....and I am delighted that she is back with a larger store with the same quality treasures.
The French Flea will hold it's grand opening on May 8th in conjunction with the Buck Creek Festival, a MUST family event! The festival features some fabulous bands as well as vendors offering a variety of items. The biggest draw....the duck race. For more information on the festival see the Buck Creek Festival website.
While you are shopping the area that weekend, be sure to drop in on my precious friend Judy at The Monkey Basket, a gift shop where you can find the perfect gift...and the perfect shrimp and grits. Drop by. I guarentee you'll buy some and be glad you did.
Wildflower Wax is the place to go to create and get in touch with your artistic side. Purchase candles, or hand pour your own. Purchase one of a kind jewlery and clothing.....and boots! Everyone needs a pair of boots to go with your summer sundress.
Hungry for lunch? Visit La Reunion Coffee Shop or the Depot for a delicious meal.
Helena Market Days will soon begin! Market Days are Helena's own farmers market where you can buy fresh off the farm vegetables, flowers and even cheeses. There is nothing better than buying local.
I am sure you will find much to come home with you too in our one of a kind shopping district. The French Flea is worth the drive to find interesting home decor pieces.....and make a day of it by visiting all of the Old Town businesses.
Mark your calendar....May 8th for the Buck Creek Festival !
The French Flea
Highway 261
Helena, Al 35080
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday from 11:00 - 6:00
Shrimp & Sausage Sauce Piquant
11 years ago
14 comments:
You could be a tourist agent! I want to visit Helena!
How exciting! I can't wait to visit!
Is she open now? I see a lamp with MY name all over it!
Omigosh Leigh! I could go crazy in a place like that. I can't imagine being asked to do a preshop! You are so lucky! How are you liking Idol this season? People say it's ho-hum this year, but I kinda like it. I'm rootin for Lee and Siobhan.
xoxo,
Kim
So many wonderful treasures. What a fun place to shop. I can't wait to see what you do with your mirror. Hugs, Marty
Looks like a great store. Wish I lived closer!
Jane
This is my kinda store!!!!
Kendra "Domestic Princess in Training"
What a wonderful shop! Be blessed. Cindy
How lucky are you!! And what a great buy on that mirror?? Fabulous store
xoxo Pattie
What a great place! Love the mirror!
That's my kind of place. Wish it were about 1,000 miles closer. :O) Loved the blue shelf on the left and the green ladder thingy. Sounds like a festival. Enjoy it and be sure to show us what else you find.
Thanks for mentioning us Leigh! We are all really excited about Karen opening, I have a mirror of hers in my guest bathroom that I cherish! She is very talented and artistic, perfect for Old Town!!!
Thanks for mentioning us Leigh! We are all really excited about Karen opening, I have a mirror of hers in my guest bathroom that I cherish! She is very talented and artistic, perfect for Old Town!!!
A preshop?!! a shoppers dream :) You got a great deal on that mirror.
I bet the Buck creek Festival will be a lot of fun.
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