The time has come for shopping! I always have a list of people to buy for and this year is no exception. For those of you who have everything wrapped under the tree and are relaxing by the fire, what is your trick?  I honestly end up every year running from store to store trying to find the perfect gift for Mary Sue Peoples.

However, if you don’t love those treks through the mall only to find out they don’t have the right size, the correct color, or the cuddle me cutie you wanted I have found the perfect store!

More than Hardware

The Harrison Brothers is a gem in downtown Huntsville located on the South Side Square.  It is the oldest operating hardware store in the state. (Happy 115 Years!) The Historic Huntsville Foundation is what helps keep this treasure intact by staffing the store with a manager, volunteer clerks, and keeping the building preserved.

But let me tell you, this is not just a hardware store.  This place is amazing and you honestly go back in time (without the DeLorean going 88 mph and a flux capacitor). The original cabinets, creaky floors, and 105 year old cash register transport you. You feel relaxed and want to meander down the isles and look at all the items.

Find your marbles

Lost your marbles?  Don’t worry they have a wonderful selection of marbles, nostalgic toys, and old time candies.  They also have all the items for your country cooking.  You can find beautiful cast iron cookware along with gadgets for your kitchen.  I bought my parents a corkscrew that looks like a key that they love! There are also items from local businesses like Belle Chevre (can you say make your own cheese kit + Tasia’s new cookbook!).

Of course, I love the art in this location.  They feature glass makers, potters, knitters, and various crafters to fill the shelves with wonderful one of a kind gifts. If you are hosting a holiday party and don’t have something fantastic to put the food you worked hard to cook on, check out Harrison Brothers. They have the prettiest platters and you can always find something for the season.

Harrison Brothers also has beautiful window dressings that they deck out each year (watch out Macy’s!).  I talked with some of the volunteers who had been there since the late ’80s and another from the mid ’90′s.  It’s evident the people who are volunteering love this place. So take a trip back in time and grab that gift for Mary Sue Peoples at Harrison Brothers.

Make it an event

If you want to make an event out of it, check out Twickingham’s “Spirit of Christmas Past” Luminaries and Home Tour Saturday, December 8th from 5pm – 9pm.  If you want to check out the home tour it’s $15/Adult, but there are free events downtown too, like Harrison Brothers open house, caroling and refreshments at local churches downtown.

Shop at Harrison Brothers Hardware

Location:
124 South Side Square
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-536-3631 or 866-533-3631 (toll free)
Email: info@harrisonbrothershardware.com
Visit their website here
Hours:
Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday from 10:00am – 4:00pm

Beth Ridgeway

Beth Ridgeway lives in Madison with her husband, Justin. Supporting local talent is something that is near and dear to her heart. It was in High School and College that she found her passion for the arts. While she can’t draw a stickman, she loves to perform. She is a ham that loves to meet people and find out their stories. Being the daughter of a librarian, she is constantly reading and writing. She’s also a coal miner’s daughter (like the song J). Beth has two great loves in her life, her husband and her chocolate toy poodle, Cappuccino “Ccino” Ridgeway.

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