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Tuesday May 12, 2015 Edition
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Ambling Down The Main Street & Finding Treasures

Inside Neat repeats.
photo by Cookie Steponaitis
Inside Neat repeats.
Rainbow Room.
photo by Cookie Steponaitis
Rainbow Room.

photo by Cookie Steponaitis

photo by Cookie Steponaitis
Hannah Hurlburt, owner of Good Witch.
photo by Cookie Steponaitis
Hannah Hurlburt, owner of Good Witch.

Tuesday May 12, 2015

By Cookie Steponaitis

Every town has a pulse you can feel at key juncture points where people come together for a number of purposes.  And in Middlebury there is no sweeter way to pass a sunny afternoon than ambling down Main Street and encountering the heartbeat of Middlebury, its people. It does not matter at which end of the street you start on, there are people to see, clothes to examine, books to explore, cuisine to try and a variety of crafts and art that is diverse and rich in talent and variety. Everyone finds their own special spots and today this reporter stopped by a few of her favorites. Just off Main Street on Bakery Lane is a historic treasure. At Neat Repeats the clothing changes every month and it is displayed with skill and love and at the heart of Neat Repeats is a group of volunteers who have created a model for success.  Neat Repeats opened in 1990 and is a nonprofit that carries clothing, accessories, housewares and other items. All profits are returned to the community in the form of grants. The work is done by generous-minded and dedicated volunteers; the shop thrives on donations from the community and in its first seventeen years awarded over 1.3 million dollars in grants back to the community. While the vibe of Neat Repeats is community, the retail catch of the day was a great blue sweater and shoes.
     Searching diligently for a couple of gifts for people with upcoming birthdays, this reporter went where you are guaranteed to find everything you need including a mixture of sterling silver jewelry, gifts, scarves, handbags and women’s accessories, The Rainbow Room has been a must see for over thirty five years. On this bright and sunny day, the surprise find was great Smoky Mountain boots and turquoise earrings. Sharing with the staff my budget I was quickly shown different pieces in my price range and encouraged to handle them and to ‘take my time.’ Another hallmark of the Middlebury Main Street is the sense of time to shop and browse and inside the Rainbow Room at 72 Main Street where each display holds colorful and unique items the staff takes time to let you browse and assists you in your choice of items.
    Skihaus is located at 6 Merchants Row and has been a must see for over fifty years in the Middlebury downtown. While many people associate Skihaus with skis, snowboards, bikes and apparel, it is the staff and shoes that keep this reporter stopping by to see what is new and to exercise a little retail therapy. While casually looking through racks of wonderful clothing, it was fascinating to see the diehard winter people there talking about blasting pillow lines, cruising trails and jibbing rails, and talking with the staff to plan ahead for the winter season most of us feel we just escaped. Another heartbeat of the Main Street is the conversation and time spent with each customer. There is a dialogue, a sharing of ideas and stories and if a sale occurs that is great, but if not you are made to feel like family and you know you will be back.
     Next, with lots of photographs to frame and a new pattern for knitting in my bag, Ben Franklin was next stop. Ben Franklin has been located at its anchor spot on Main Street for over fifty years and the building and store is representative of the concept of Americana. You are reminded of being a kid again when entering inside with an emphasis on fun before technology. Whether it is the shiny marbles of childhood, an incredible craft section, eye catching and professional framing or just the knowledge and smiles of the staff, Ben Franklin is a mecca for those beginning a craft or mastering their newest piece. Browsing through the whole store once, this reporter anchored herself in the framing section and spent almost an hour choosing a frame. The yarn and patterns for knitting took another hour and the bags went to the car bringing a smile to the face and the promise of projects yet to be undertaken.
     Just a couple of steps more and you are up to the storefront of the Good Witch where inside are costumes for any party, event and a myriad of fabric waiting to be designed  into your ultimate costume. Stopping by the Good Witch is a fun escape mixing modern fashion, retro costumes and the capability to design to meet the most futuristic designs with ease.
     Before the sun sank too low on the horizon and the end to a delightful May Day came to a close, this reporter had spent some time, found some treasures and answered the original question she pondered at the beginning of the adventure, where is the pulse or heartbeat of a community? It is in the actions and smiles of people located together in groups like the downtown. What do you get as you amble? Treasures, trinkets, time, talents and most of all the attention of people who desire to have you return. While you are on the Main Street in Middlebury you are treated like family which has us returning finding our favorite spots to shop, talk, eat and thrive in our Champlain Valley home. Curious or in need of retail therapy? Come on down, the ambling is just fine.


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