By MARY LOU WILLIAMS / Guest Columnist

Main Street in Montevallo offers unexpected shopping treats. Books and wine at a coffee shop, pottery and jewelry at an art gallery, and “My Life in Dishes” are just three that I found recently.

Eclipse Coffee and Books is a popular spot for lunch or dinner in Montevallo and offers an award-winning milkshake, but don’t overlook it as a shopping spot! Books by local authors and a well-chosen stock of wines are just two ideas for gifts from Eclipse. Blue Phrog Gallery, across the street from Eclipse, carries the work of local potters and jewelry makers. A pitcher for a newly married couple, or a necklace for your sister-in-law are gifts in every giver’s price range that you can find at Blue Phrog.

Shopping at Serendipity on Montevallo’s Main Street is a veritable treasure hunt! On a recent visit I found dishes on the shelves of Serendipity like my mother had when I was growing up. I found the Depression Glass like we used when I was a young child. I learned from Bruce McClanahan at Serendipity that the pattern’s name was Cherry Blossom. When I was a little girl, I didn’t like these dishes at all. I wanted dinnerware like my friends’ mothers had, so I was so glad when Mother got Luray pastel colored dishes. They looked more like what I thought dishes for meals should be. Years later, Mother collected Currier and Ives at the grocery store and also started her pattern for “Sunday dishes.” The pattern was called Navajo and was made by Poppy Trail. Those were the years when she also collected Century Fostoria that she still uses today.

When I married I chose Antique Grape by Poppy Trail and Brown Jamestown as my everyday dishes and glassware. It didn’t take long for me to regret the choice of Antique Grape. I wanted more color and so bought Strawberry, also a Poppy Trail pattern.

All of these patterns and probably your “life in dishes” too can be found at Serendipity.

Drug stores, florists, and even the hair salon can solve your gift giving dilemma any day of the week right in your hometown.

Take advantage of the unique choices among your local merchants.

Mary Lou Williams is president of the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce. You can reach her at 665-1519.