It’s hard to believe but October has come to a close.
My favorite month of the year is over but it transitions nicely into the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, just like the two businesses I visited this week.
With the recent news that unemployment in the state of Tennessee and DeKalb County is at an unprecedented low, it’s even more important to give credit to our local businesses that provide quality services and products right here. There’s a section in today’s paper titled Try DeKalb First which features many of these and with the holiday season upon us, things appear to be going well.
Griffin’s FRUIT MARKET - 316 W Broad St. - 615 597-5030 - Mon - Sat: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun: 5 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Griffin’s caught my eye with its colorful fall display of pumpkins, gourds and apples in baskets each time I drove down Broad Street and I knew it would make a great photo as well.
In full pumpkin-spice-latte mode, I stopped by to find owner Jennifer Mitchell selling produce to gentleman I found out was from Lebanon. Surprised, I asked how he found out about the business.
“I stop by here every time I am nearby,” said Darren Cook. “I’ve been coming here for years and always stop.”
Mitchell has been in the business for some 45 years now, attributing the start to her father.
“My dad was really smart,” she said. “One day he said they needed a produce stand and found this property and it was his first business of this type but he knew what he was doing.”
From locally-sourced honey, seasonal produce and plants and flowers in the spring, it’s not just locals who know the quality of Griffin’s Produce. In business since 1973, it’s a special gem for Smithville shoppers. They also handed out clues during our Great Pumpkin Hunt this year as well, so you could buy a pumpkin and get clues to find a pumpkin at the same time. Now they have the Christmas candy in as well!
Poppie’s Boutique – 660 W. Broad St. - 615-318-1440 – M-F 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and 9-6 Saturday
Visiting Poppie’s I first noticed the classic Airstream camper parked out front. I was told it was owners Hunter and Sarah Collins’ first store. How cool is that? In any case, it was Thursday when I dropped by and was told they were going to put up the Christmas decorations on Friday. Since they’re open Saturday, I stopped back in and it was worth it to get a first glimpse of the holidays.
Poppie’s, I’m told, has three locations now. I assume they all have similar items and I definitely saw a few I would add to my own Christmas list. It’s not just a women’s shop if you’re wondering. I liked the “Love your Melon” brand beanies for sale. Made in the USA, the brand is dedicated to giving a hat to every child suffering from cancer including supporting non-profits.
“We just got in tons of new winter arrivals,” said Poppie’s employee Chloe Cripps. “We have been seeing people coming in for early Christmas shopping already.”
With brands like Home Décor, Dave’s Candles (locally made), Volunteer Traditions and Live Oak, they also sell mission items made by local charities like headbands.
There’s even a house brand called Sarah Collins shirts to choose from.
With Unisex items, jewelry, and even Christmas ornaments, there’s something for everyone. It’s a definite five-star shopping experience.
