St. Francisville a hub for antiques, collectibles

• By CHAD HEBERT
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Jun 14, 2009

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Just a short drive north up U.S. 61 into an area dotted with plantation homes and gardens is a place where antique enthusiasts can get their fix away from the big city.

St. Francisville’s antique scene is made up of more than a half-dozen shops spread out within a mile of each other. This proximity gives visitors an opportunity for a daylong antique stroll.

“They’re spread out throughout town but not far away,” said Kitty Martin, executive director of the West Feliciana Tourism Commission. “Nothing’s really far in St. Francisville.”

Anyone wanting to browse antique stores in St. Francisville has quite a few places from which to choose:

• Avondale Antiques (only open third weekend of the month), 5877 Commerce St.
• Grandmother’s Buttons, 9814 Royal Street
• Myrtles Plantation Gifts, Myrtles Lane off U.S. 61
• Sage Hill Antiques, 5622 Commerce St.
• St. Francis Art & Antiques, 11914 Ferdinand. St.
• The Wine Parlor, 5720 Commerce St.
• Wolf’s Antiques, 5720 Commerce St.
• The Shanty Too, 11770 Ferdinand St., also has some antiques for sale.
• The St. Francisville Antiques & Arts Gallery, a co-op, has everything from paintings to collectibles to furniture.

“All are part of the St. Francisville Main Street Merchants,” Martin said.

Main Street is a state program that helps revitalize small downtown areas. Through the program, St. Francisville hosts special events to help get funds for local revitalization projects. The events also bring awareness to the area and its shops.

“It’s a great program,” Martin said.

One upcoming Main Street event is the Aug. 22 White Linen Night. This free event will be held throughout downtown St. Francisville.

There are also ongoing events downtown. For example, the Bayou Sara Depot Auction is held the third Friday of each month in the old Bayou Sara Train Depot building.

For more on what’s going on in St. Francisville/West Feliciana Parish, call the Tourism Commission at (800) 715-0574.

On the Net: http://stfrancisville.us