Shopping at Gatherings

If you are in Iowa, or just planning a visit, you have to put a stop at Gatherings in Anamosa on your list of things to do. We drove over yesterday, and I had a heyday finding some wonderful bread boards and mashers, all just a bit unusual, some I'll do a little of my handiwork to, some are so perfect as is. The store is the best primitives place I've ever seen. Most of my favorites on my blog list are great Eastern Iowa shops, every one is unique and wonderful. Gatherings will make the primitives lover need smelling salts, it is just prim heaven! Rug Cottage and Barntiques is just Iowa farmhouse at its best, an eclectic mix of country, primitive and cheery 40s decor, and of course, the rugs are gorgeous and you can't leave without a jar of jam and a teapot. Polly Ann's is another cheerful farmhouse mix of antiques, you just never know what you'll find, but always something to love. Simply Iowa, my girls immediately christened the Alice in Wonderland store, and this was before I knew about the Mad Hatter displays she does so well. The store is a wonderland maze of treasures tucked into corners, the most humble objects elevated to high art by her beautiful displays. Sisters Garden just plain makes me happy, they are also display geniuses, things you'd never think of doing are just magic, from the wine glasses hanging from the trees when you walk in, branches hung from the ceiling draped in fairy lights, chippy old furniture graced with early transfer china, little robins eggs in a teacup, it really is inspiring. In addition to being great stores, all the women who run them are so nice, it makes shopping even more of a treat. If I get some sunshine tomorrow I'll have new photos of the treasures I found and get to work on my little touch ups!