For such an old, OLD town (almost 200 years), I was surprised to find so many ultramodern designer boutiques. I love to view the technique of blending the historic with the contemporary, which Weston has done superbly. It enhances the effect of both.
I started my shopping day at the Visitor Center to get ideas. Victoria Campbell, the Director, told me their building used to be City Hall in the early 1800’s, where slaves were auctioned. The weight of that thought stilled me. In that moment, I realized that hearing or reading about an event is vastly different from standing on the site where it occurred. The physical act of being present in the location intensifies the awareness of what happened. I wanted to experience that sensation throughout the rest of my day in Weston, where its past is easily discernible in its present.
I began at Main Street Antiques, where the shop proprietress, Verna, is also a local author and one of the town historians. I asked Verna about Weston’s past, and she suddenly turned the shop over to her sister and led me out on an impromptu tour. My love for small towns will never wane, as these folk are so friendly and quick to be helpful. Verna took me down to where the edge of the Missouri River used to flow. There she pointed at a row of buildings that she said was once deemed Hell’s Half Acre.
In 1862, the white building on the corner was the Empire Saloon, with a bordello on the second floor. Today it is Florilegium, a posh yarn boutique. I stood for a long time looking up at the second story windows, imagining those brothel girls during their lives on this Wild West frontier. For most of them, it was not a job of choice. Many had no options. They lacked education, training, and support. For them it was always, only about surviving. Once in the profession they were dubbed “soiled doves” and unworthy to integrate with society in any other type of career. They were usually trapped in the brothels for life. Many began as young teenagers. Their clients were rough, filthy, dangerous men of the era. I can’t imagine the hopeless terrors they experienced. I learned about brothel women in Atchison, Kansas, and penned an article about their lives.
I needed a coffee and a soothing place in which to ponder. I was lucky to discover Weston Coffee Roastery. It is warmly inviting and cozy. Their beans are roasted on-site, and are organic. of single-origin, and imported from multiple countries. That is significant to me, so I enjoyed my latte even more!
I moved on to peruse the Farmer’s House, which is a non-profit that helps empower those with developmental disabilities. It is a brightly beautiful boutique. Everyone benefits when we all buy here. This is my favorite type of shop. They do such important work in our world.
A few doors down is Adams Mayfair Co., where I loved the bottle-display of jewelry, and the beer for dogs (non-alcoholic, of course). The shop dog enjoys the near-beer. Look at that endearing face. The shop owner said, “think about it: if you are drinking with your dog, then your are not drinking alone”. This is a fun and clever shop to visit.
Nearby is Else-Wares. Brittany Romero, the owner, explained that the shop name represents the theme of the boutique, which is to cause you to feel as if you are elsewhere, but you are just not sure where. That is exactly how I felt upon entering. It is elegant and enchanting. There are artistically displayed shelves of European housewares, international gifts, wines and liqueurs (spotlighting French and British). Brittany offers tastings in vintage glasses, of which I partook.
I purchased the St. Germain, which is similar to a delicate simple syrup and is health-fortifying, because it is made with elderflower blossoms.
I can’t wait to bring my friends and visiting guests here. It is a highlight of the region.
Another regional highlight is just down the road. Two in one town! The Celtic Ranch offers Celtic wares downstairs. I bought one of these chic Harris Tweed hand purses, in honor of my Celtic ancestors. I stepped towards the back and discovered a spiral staircase.
A spiral staircase in a historic building is an exciting lure for me. I couldn’t wait to discover where it led.
As I alighted on the second floor, I was entranced by the Whiskey Snug. The owner even honored his cherished dogs in magnificent photos on the wall. So you know this is a good place!
I enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Avalon Cafe. It was a perfect day to eat out-of-doors on their deck which overlooks the narrow, historic Main Street. Afterwards, I browsed through several more charming boutiques. Weston is a shopper’s wonderland. I look forward to doing my Christmas shopping in Weston!
I finished my day at McCormick on Main, a renowned local distillery. I learned at the town historical museum that in 1886 this site housed O-Dowd’s furniture store on the first floor, and an undertaking establishment on the top floor. Wouldn’t the strong embalming odors seep down into the fabrics of the furniture?! Weston is endlessly fascinating. Read about the past before coming to enjoy all Weston’s eras so wonderfully integrated in our modern age.