Main Street Broken Arrow

This chilly November morning found me on a rapidly growing Main Street for an enjoyable day with my mother and a friend. Broken Arrow's Main Street has undergone some serious revitalization over the past six months. Starting on June 10, Broken Arrow started refurbishing and restoring their Main Street one block at a time, and the result is amazing. In addition to some loyal Main Street business owners, whom Broken Arrow can probably thank for helping to initiate the transformation, their Main Street now has some new attractions that make it a hopping spot from morning to night. In fact one shop owner said that where before she would lock up her store at 5:30 in the evening and be one of the few people still in the area, now she can return to her shop in the evening to grab something she forgot and find the street lined with cars.

A lovely aspect about Broken Arrow's Main Street is that there's a little something for all of your needs from clothes to body care to decor to kitchen and pantry items to chocolate (which as a independent chocolatier for Dove Chocolate Discoveries I am all over) to great eats and entertainment.

Their Main Street has a couple of traditional stores with vendor booths--one where you can find antiques and resale and one where you can find new, boutique items. On the Corner was our first stop this morning. Owner, Ashley Colston, is a friendly and knowledgeable host. She has a beautiful store

 full of boutique items from need-to-have Broken Arrow gear, if you live in Tiger country, to baby clothes and nursery items to jewelry and blingy hats to scarves and gloves. All in all it's the type of shop a girl, no matter how young or old, is going to love--and it's probably a good thing my seven-year-old daughter wasn't with me or I may not have had any money to spend in any other shops after that one.

Southern Magnolia represents what I traditionally think of as vendor booths. They have over 37 vendors selling largely resale, antiques, and hand-crafted items. It's a store where you could spend a significant amount of time looking at all the merchandise in every nook and cranny, and this time of year it's even more spectacular as many of the booths are decked out in Christmas splendor. It's a wonderful place to find that one-of-a-kind piece you have been looking for. Beyond it's merchandise, though, Southern Magnolia offers another feature that has helped to keep Main Street busy past 5:30 and even on Sundays. On the second floor, spanning the front of the building is the Rose Room, an event room that is available for bridal showers, baby showers, birthday parties, company gatherings, and more for a reasonable $99 for four hours. In addition to this, they have a beautiful milk glass collection that can be rented for your hosting needs. Definitely wonderful extras that keep the place busy morning, day, and night.

In addition to these stores offering a variety of merchandise for a variety of needs, there are also several home decor and personal care boutiques. The first one we stopped at today was Hollow Tree Gifts. Not only were we treated to an array of great giftables but we had an enjoyable time visiting with JoAnne, who has owned her business for more than thirty years. Her little shop is very quaint and organized by line to make it easier for customers to find their favorite products. I have to confess that most of my time was spent smelling all of the delectable soy candles she had for sell. I even had to come home with a Black Spice Rum and a Pumpkin Spice Ale drizzle for my Scentsy. Equally "scentsational" are her glycerin soaps that she cuts into individual sized bars each day when she opens her shop. Each block has a different design and a different scent and is perfect for a stocking stuffer or a gift.

Nearly two blocks down and on the other side of the road from Hollow Tree Gifts is another great gift shop that I almost missed because I was running out of shopping time. I'm glad I didn't, though, because Bella Vita has a wide array of items to offer as gifts. From home decor and kitchen and dining ware to soup and dip mixes to lotions and soaps to jewelry and accessories, it has a little bit of everything to offer. Like many of the other stores it was decked out for Christmas, and walking into it's back display room was like walking into a Christmas serenity room. There they had a vast array of wintry decor and in a corner peaceful fountains gurgling against the soft Christmas music playing in the background. If I had a room in my house like that one, I would probably never leave it. I would say the store is worth the visit just so you could enjoy the magic of that room, but if you go in there, I guarantee you'll find something you love and just have to have, too.


Of course, when it comes to gifts, we all like the unique, and when we're giving something to help others remember us, we want something that represents who we are. 1907 is a charming boutique that offers both of these great gifting elements. 1907 sells a variety of shirts commemorating the great state of Oklahoma and provides many other stylish gift choices that are made in Oklahoma and, therefore, support Oklahoma artisans. It also offers trendy clothing that, while not made in Oklahoma, is made in the U.S.A. 

The more you read The Girl on Main, the more you will discover that a close second to shopping for me is eating. I love to go to a Main Street and find restaurants thriving and drawing business to the area after normal shopping hours. I have long been a fan of The Main Street Tavern and follow them on Facebook. The ambiance is classy yet intimate and the food is delicious. While I would recommend anything on the menu, I am always drawn again and again to their croque monsieur. With its thick slices of ham and creamy cheese, it is magic to my taste buds. Having been a fan of Main Street Tavern for so long, though, I decided for this trip I might try something new for lunch, so we stopped into McHuston's, a book shop and Irish eatery. While my mom and friend opted for sandwiches, which they found delicious, I couldn't stop in a place touting Irish cuisine and not get shepherd's pie. I have to say that I was not dissatisfied. It was delicious and the perfect lunch for a cold November day.

After lunch, though I didn't have time to hit every store on Main Street in Broken Arrow, before I left I made sure that I did hit one--Nouveau L'Atellier du Chocolat. What seems like ages ago they used to have a store in Tulsa that I had the opportunity to visit once or twice before they moved out to Broken Arrow. For the longest time, I thought they had just closed, so I was thrilled when I stumbled upon them a few years ago on Main Street. Thus, there wasn't any way I was going to leave Broken Arrow without visiting this lovely piece of chocolate heaven. While I didn't indulge in one of their handmade chocolates, I did order a s'more hot chocolate and started a list of items I would have to come back for when it came time to stuff some stockings and to make goodies for friends and family. For Nouveau is not just a great little shop to buy chocolates ready-to-eat; it is also a great shop to by chocolates for tempering and making your own truffles and candies as well.

While it would have been nice to make it into every store Broken Arrow's Main Street had to offer, sadly there is only so much time during the day. But I encourage you to stop in and check them all out the next time you're in the area. You'll find a wealth of merchandise to pique your interest and to bestow upon your friends and family. And with Black Friday and Christmas right around the corner, it's a great time to become familiar with all they have to offer. So be sure this holiday season to invest in your community, support your Main Street organizations, and shop local.

Claremore--Clearly the Place to Be

(Clockwise from top left) Coffee mug bike rack outside of Vintique Charm, train mural outside of Bike-About Bicycle and Repair Shop, fall decor outside of Dorothy's Flowers, the interior of The Grapevine, egg salad sandwich and loaded potato soup from She Brews, the downstairs interior of Boarding House Books, the exterior of Savannah's Boutique, an antique booth inside The Willow Tree.

 Finally, a day arrived when football and cheerleading, as much as I love them, weren't dragging me from one town to another, and I could do something else I love--browse our downtown stores with my seven-year-old daughter.

In Claremore, our downtown or Main Street district is on Will Rogers Boulevard, and since I moved here in 2004 it has evolved tremendously. At the time of my arrival in the community the Main Street was vastly empty save a couple of antique stores, the local favorite Dot's Diner, and Ann's Cleaners.

As I walked down the street today, though, with a crisp autumn chill in the air, I found myself smiling contentedly at the store fronts around me, not just because there are a number of them to choose from, but because they offer such a variety of options. It's easy to come and spend a pleasant Saturday afternoon here in Claremore on our Main Street, and to help you see just how pleasant it is, let me walk you through a day.

First of all, come a little early and enjoy breakfast in one of our Main Street restaurants. For early morning fare, you can find a reasonable and delicious meal at long-established Dot's Cafe or at the 50's-inspired Boom-A-Rang Cafe. Both offer a variety of breakfast items that will leave you satisfied without lightening your wallet so much that you won't be able to enjoy spending some money downtown.

 Once you've satisfied your morning appetite, hit the streets for a great day of shopping. For years, it seems, our Main Streets have been associated with great antiques, and that still remains true for Claremore. If it's antiques you're after, we have a number of stores that will keep you busy looking for the treasures of years past.

Polish Pottery Bowl from booth at Sailor's Antiques

Starting on the west end of the downtown shopping district, browse the stalls of the Hudson-Metcalf Antique Mall. Then cross the street to Sailor Antiques where you'll find antiques, candy, and, one of my personal favorites, Polish pottery. Continuing westward, on the opposite site of the street you will find The Cranberry Merchant, which is one of our long standing antique stores, only changing names with a change in proprietorship within the past couple of years. It's numerous stalls could keep you sifting through antiques and collectible for hours. Back across the street Homeward Bound offers large amount of space for browsing as well, while smaller antique stores like Now and Then Coffee House and Antique Mall and Fat Pants Alley offer smaller, cozier atmospheres for shopping.

After all of that antique shopping, you'll have worked up an appetite, so take a break for lunch; but there's no need to get in your car and drive to a restaurant. Boom-A-Rang is open all day and Dot's is open until 2; or for different fare, try She Brews, a lovely little coffee shop that serves sandwiches, soups, and salads with a lovely inspirational verse on the side. I enjoyed lunch with my daughter there today, and can attest to how delicious their egg salad sandwich and loaded potato soup are. If soups and salads aren't quite what you're after, though, a block down and around the corner, you will find Perry Dogs, where you can load up your hot dog with virtually any topping you can think of. 

 With lunch taken care of, now you can, if you're a woman, indulge you're feminine side, or, if you're a man, buy something special for, or just wait in a comfortable chair for, that special lady in your life. In the past couple of years, several boutiques have popped up on our Main Street. One of these is The District on Main. It offers upscale women's and men's clothing and women's accessories, including brands such as Brighton, Kendra Scott, and Southern Marsh. They also carry a beautiful selection of jewelry as well as trendy picture frames and some home decor. And if you're an evening shopper or like special events, like their Facebook page to stay up-to-date on their monthly Ladies Night Out event and on special fundraisers they do for Safenet Services.

 Another popular boutique to visit is the crisp, minimalist interior of Hillary's Boutique. Here, you'll find on-trend clothing items for teens and women. They offer an eclectic array of dresses, tunics, leggings, and skirts, including cute spirit clothing for supporting your favorite team. And if you find yourself running out of time and can't spend enough time in the store, don't worry, like many of our other clothing boutiques, you can shop Hillary's on-line as well.

Next to Hillary's Boutique is Savannah's, with a warm interior and an eclectic line of boutique style clothing as well. While both stores carry on-trend styles, their product lines differ, so it's definitely worth it to visit both stores.

 In the same block as Hillary's and Savannah's, but tucked away on the corner in the Will Roger's Hotel, is a new boutique you don't want to miss. While proprietor, Danielle, is still accumulating stock, she has trendy tunics, dresses, sweaters, and jackets that would compliment any wardrobe.  Shortly, she should have a selection of children's headbands and scarves, with matching scarves for Moms, with the idea of eventually branching into boutique children's wear as well. Now, if the clothes are great but jewelry's more your thing, then check out her selection of Pink Panache pieces. The only store to carry the line in Claremore, it offers stylish cross necklaces and earrings that are bound to get attention.

Stay up to date with The Burlap Closet on Facebook

Another recently opened store on Claremore's Main Street is The Burlap Closet. The rustic signage and interior are immediately inviting. Once inside you can find a variety of clothing pieces for tweens, teens, and women, as well as a variety of appealing accessories to complete your new look.

One of the nice things about the clothing boutiques in Claremore's downtown district is that while there are several of them, they all have something different to offer from demographics to styles to price points.

Now, I know that while I'm a fashionista and could spend all day in the clothing boutiques, many of you are looking for something more, and that is what makes Claremore's Main Street worth shopping. It has plenty to offer. If you're looking for a blend of items you could shop stores such as Vintique Charm, the Grapevine, and The Willow Tree. These stores have booths that carry everything from trendy skirts, dresses, and tunics, to statement jewelry pieces, to handcrafted items, to crafted soaps and candles, to re-purposed furniture, to home decor, to antiques.

If you're a reader, though, stroll down to Boarding House books. It has a warm inviting interior that just begs you to stop in and stay a while. It offers a wide selection of current releases as well as an immense selection of used books for you to peruse. Boarding House Books also supports local authors and offers frequent book signings throughout the year.

Next door to Boarding House Books is the Whittaker's other store, the Bike-About. This bike shop offers an array of bicycles and cycling accessories, as well as hosts rides throughout the year. If you like to ride, but maybe not bikes, jaunt on down the street to The Horse of Course, our local equestrian store which offers everything from clothing to tack to grooming supplies.

But if those are a bit too specific or maybe you're just wanting a gift or something to spruce up your home, we still have plenty to offer. The Cozy Cottage lives up to its name with its warm, cozy interior. It's one of those inviting places that makes you want to find a corner and just stay a bit. It offers a vast array of giftables and  home decor, as well as delicious smelling candles. Out West Home Decor also offers an enticing array of home decor and gifts, but with a Western flair.

When it comes to gifts, Claremore continues to offer up a number of choices. Adding to the eclecticness of downtown are Heins Jewelry, Wolf Gallery, and Waterfront Frame and Art, allowing you the opportunity to buy quality jewelry and collectibles or fine art, or to turn a memory into something tangible.

With so many stores to shop and such a variety of offerings, you'll find your day of shopping has just flown by, and quite possibly that you need to come back and finish on another day. So don't you think that, as the weather turns cooler, and our minds turn toward the people on our gift lists, shopping the stores in downtown Claremore would offer a nice selection of original items your friends and family would love and won't receive anywhere else? Take the time to come visit Claremore. We'll be glad to see you and you'll be glad you did.

You can follow many of the Claremore Main Street business on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Also be sure to follow Claremore Main Street on Facebook to keep up with our latest downtown events. If you would like to help your local Main Streets with their revitalization efforts and events, please, feel free to become a friend of your local organization and make a donation. As a non-profit organization, they could always use your assistance.

For on-line shopping check out:
districtonmain.com
www.hillarysboutique.com
southerncoutureboutique.com
savannahsonline.com

The Girl on Main

I love Main Streets, whether they're called Main Street, Broadway, Fourth Street, Fifth Street, or Central Ave. We all know what Main Street is, after all, despite any variations of its name. It's that quaint little street that runs through the center of town, lined with businesses built circa early 1900s, that for decades was the hub of activity in its town or city.

Sadly, with urban sprawl, businesses started to move away from our Main Streets and into shopping malls or centers, where, with numerous modes of transportation, customers were taking their business. And as the local business owners followed their customers, these beautiful tributes to a bygone era were shut up and left to molder.

Fortunately, in the past twenty-five years, our Main Streets have begun to be reborn and to take on new life. Small business owners have taken to restoring these buildings and putting in restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques on their ground levels, while turning their upper levels into either storage or trendy apartments that young and old alike are clamoring to rent.

It makes me happy to see these old buildings yawn and come back to life, because I have always found something exciting and Norman Rockwell-esque about strolling down Main with shopping bags on my arms, looking in windows and popping in and out of stores to see what treasures may await me.

And because I love Main Streets so much, I want to commemorate them. I want to ensure that they continue to breathe and grow and evolve. I want other people to find the magic in them that I do. That's why I wanted to start this blog.

Each month I want to focus on a Main Street in a different town or city, starting, of course, with my own, and to share with you all the wonderful businesses that have opened up on these streets and what they have to offer. I hope that  you'll in turn go visit these shops and restaurants and consider spending your money in them. After all, our Main Streets won't continue to thrive if we don't shop them. And with fall and winter, and the holidays those seasons bring, right around the corner, what a perfect time to start introducing you to local businesses where you can spend your money on original gifts you cannot find at your local shopping mall.

So, please, join me on my journey. And if you have a special Main Street that you feel needs to be visited and written about, by all means, let me know. I'd love to get over there. In the mean time, patronize your local businesses, and if you have a local Main Street Board or Foundation, see how you can help it out, too, whether through volunteering or through your donations, because these are the people behind the scenes working hard to keep their shop owners happy and to bring clients to these Main Street businesses.