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Story Archives: Area tapped for top 10 list; Antique Alley hosts open house Sunday


Area tapped for top 10 list; Antique Alley hosts open house Sunday
posted Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 @ 9:52 pmE-mail Story E-mail Story | Print Story Print Story 
The Monroe/West Monroe area has been deemed one of the top 10 places in the South to shop by travel writer Rebecca McCormick, who featured the area in the May/June 2008 issue of Southern Traveler.

The Monroe/West Monroe area was included with cities such as Jackson, Miss.; Atlanta, Ga.; Orlando, Fla.; and Birmingham, Ala.

"We are excited to be included in this list," said Alana Cooper, executive director of the Monroe-West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Recent travel studies have shown that shopping is the second most popular activity of our visitors. And our area offers many stores, shops and boutiques where both visitors and residents can indulge in a little retail therapy."

In her article, McCormick, a travel writer from Hot Springs, Ark., wrote, "To find the best values for which the area is known, you'll want to invest enough time to browse more than 40 outlets, including seven antique malls and 15 individual antique stores, plus 20 specialty shops for home décor, jewelry, clothing, collectibles and more."
She said for additional savings on "high-end decorative accessories, furniture, and rugs," shoppers should visit Paul Michael Company in Monroe.

"And while you're there, drive through Monroe's Historic Garden district to inhale the delicate fragrance of blooming magnolia trees. That's a free bonus no shopper should resist," McCormick stated in her article.

Antique Alley merchant Jackie Green, who also serves as the marketing coordinator for the Antique Alley Association, said the exposure the area received in McCormick's piece should help draw more shoppers to the region.

"It makes me feel good and I think we are presenting something over here that's a positive influence on our community," Green said. "We have a lot of good shops with a variety of things, and it's not just antiques. When you hear Antique Alley, you'll just think of antiques, but there's a lot more over here."

Green says Antique Alley often receives visitors from all over the country as well as world travelers.

"I always ask people where they're from," Green said. "I had a lady in here recently from Sacramento who said she found out about us from the library. We have a lot of outside people come here, and you never know who'll walk in."

"I had a woman from Scotland here not long ago," Green added.

He said one of the special things about Antique Alley is it offers more than just items. Many of the patrons will be flooded with memories when they walk into the stores.

"I told a lady one time when she came in that this store was going to bring back some memories because she was sure to find something her mother or grandmother used to have," Green said. "We don't just sell antiques; there's plenty of memories wrapped away in here."

Antique Alley will host its Spring Open House from 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The association expects 4,000 to 5,000 people will participate in the event, which boasts special sales at the shops and refreshments for patrons.
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