Downtown Woodstock Shops Put “Spring” in their Steps

Go Be Free on Main Street

Here’s the scenario: There are short-sleeves, little umbrella drinks, and flip-flops in your very near future. So why spend your Saturdays trapped in a stuffy, enclosed mall when you can be free with the sun on your face, strolling through shop doors propped open to let in the spring breezes? If you haven’t had a look around downtown Woodstock lately, you’re in for a nice surprise. These Main Street proprietors have rolled out the welcome mat for Spring (and you) in a huge way.

1. Outspokin’ Bicycles

Beginning March 17, the staff of Outspokin’ Bicycles has ushered in weekly spring road rides every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. and and a beginners’ riding group on Saturday mornings at 7 a.m. Both groups depart from the Hickory Flat Publix on the corner of Highway 140 and East Cherokee Drive. What’s great about riding with (and buying from) these guys is being able to witness the pure passion they have for what they’re doing. Their knowledge is not rooted in any text book, but from their real experience riding on the roads and trails of North Georgia.

2. Linden

Woodstock’s own purveyor of French and English antiques, Linden is also the go-to spot for garden parties and planting advice from horticulture enthusiast Laurie Prentice. Laurie specializes in planning outdoor parties for both young and young-at-heart in her landscaped courtyard outside of her downtown boutique.

3. Bella Boutique

Bella Boutique, located next to the downtown gazebo, is opening its doors for two weeks in April (March 31-April 3 and April 7-11), which leaves plenty of time to stop in to find that perfect beach bag or accessories for all those spring get-togethers.  Besides handbags, they also carry clothing, jewelry, scarves, and shoes — all guaranteed to keep you prettier than your mall-shopping neighbors.

4. Honey Butter

Honey Butter’s extensive spring line is a treasure trove of style. From new sun dresses to coordinating clutches, shoes, and jewelry, this Woodstock boutique has your spring wardrobe covered.  As always, they are offering the “buy-two-get-one-piece-free” on special on jewelry, and they also invite you to book after-hours “discount shopping parties” with your friends.

5. Val’s Happy Shack

Touted as Woodstock’s premiere place to find “hip trends for real people,”  Val’s Happy Shack has stocked its racks with styles ranging from hippie chic to classic style. A friendly and helpful staff always welcomes you here, and besides clothes, they also offer jeans fittings, jewelry by local artisans, original art work, and home shopping parties.

To see more photographs of our Spring Shoppers Guide or find out what’s going on in our community, become a fan at our new Facebook Page Long Live Saturdays!