Yessiree, Folks, Spring It Is

    I just returned from my morning stroll along Main Street. It is, indeed, SPRING. The more courageous flowers in the sidewalk planters are popping their little periscope heads up to check the weather. It could still snow next week, but today we must celebrate the warm sunshine. I like to do that by visiting my favorite shops along Main Street, giving a howdy to the folks behind the counters, and checking out what’s new.

   And there is much new here this Spring. Not only are there new items coming into my favorite shops (that would, of course, be all of them), but we have a great new one opened at 103 West Main called 103 Vintage Market. The beautifully chalk-painted furniture gives the shop a French cottage ambiance and wait till you see the collectables…and the clothes.

   Clothes. That reminds me, who knew Florence was such a fashion Mecca? You have to see this to believe it. You can at The Spring Fashion Trunk Show and Tea, 1 pm at the Elks Lodge on April 15. Tickets are available at Heartland Antiques and Gifts and Willie’s Antiques and Collectables (see ads on this page for phone numbers). Flesh out your Spring wardrobe with a vintage hat or some great new outfits. Trust me, there are now five shops in Florence with great fashion finds.

   We now have Turmeric a new Indian restaurant joining the Jade Chinese restaurant, Ito’s Japanese restaurant, Quincy’s Steak House, The Aspen Leaf Bakery, Steele Smokin’ B-B-Q, Papa’s Pizza, Two Sisters and Rosebud Café (both serve good ol’ American cuisine), The Pour House Coffee Shop (the essential coffee house), and our own Florence Brewing Company. I could go on with this list, but you get the idea.

   Coming up next month – just so you can pencil it in – from May 12th through May 28th Florence will honor the Armed Forces by exhibiting the artistic talents of active duty, veterans and retired military personnel in Colorado in the windows of participating merchants. Not only 2 and 3 dimensional art will be displayed, but the reception on Saturday, May 12, will feature music, readings, and other performing arts. If you would like to participate or want information, call 719-372-1016 or email mvh876@gmail.com .

   Also, the 17th Annual Florence Merchants’ Car Show is coming up May 20. Be in it or just come and enjoy (free) the 5 blocks of vintage cars, trucks and hotrods. Yes, I said 5 BLOCKS, both sides of the street. For info email: info@florencecoloradocarshow.com or call 719-671-6186.