7/2/2021
Come find out about Westside Provisions, an upscale collection of restaurants, boutiques, and treats. Cross the bridge as a train passes underneath, and marvel at the restoration of these old buildings.
Westside Provisions: The Best Little Secret Shopping District Ever
Today I’m just sharing something I love with you. If you’ve already discovered it, you know why. If you haven’t, you’re late!
As the world begins to open its doors back up, we suddenly realize we can choose to go somewhere. And I’m remembering some sweet Sunday afternoons after Church, driving over to Westside Provisions to have lunch and walk around.
The architecture is stunning. Not modern design, mind you.
No, it’s my favorite thing: Old buildings that have been given some love.
It’s captivating. There’s so much brick and metal, a bridge over a train track, fun stores you don’t find on every corner, and peace. Pretty plants, covered areas, and something new around every bend. And it doesn’t hurt that there’s ice cream.
Ice Cream
It’s Jeni’s. The shop itself is an experience. Somebody is there in the shop making the ice cream cones! And the flavors are beyond exciting. You’ll actually love it all even more if you read their backstory.
Actually just read this: the description of the Skillet Cinnamon Roll Ice Cream. 😋
(Did I say they are baking ice cream cones right there?)
Brown Butter Almond brittle. Brambleberry Crisp. Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet. Sweet Cream Biscuits and Peach Jam… I should stop.
SHOPPING
What does that even mean anymore?
Like, seriously — what does that make you think of?
What if it’s the rushed masked sanitized trips to the grocery store in 2020?
😐 I’m ready for that to join my distant memories.
It also could be the long-ago memories of relaxed mall-strolling with a friend. Maybe with a purchase or not, maybe with lunch or not.
Or the memory of finally getting that thing you love — the great headboard you found, or the antique pitcher, or the pants/shoes/whatever that fit like a dream.
I hope shopping makes a comeback, and I hope you go. And I hope I go.
Westside Provisions: What’s so great about it?
It has been some time since I’ve been to Westside Provisions. More stores have opened up, and I think the parking area has been increased.
And all that only adds to the attraction.
Duck into a few shops and take in the displays. There is something so …inspiring… about seeing something done well. Furniture and accessories, household items, handmade things, healthy ideas, all there to inspire and supply you.
And it’s not just the merchandise. In some of those boutique shops, the employees actually portray the values of the business in what they wear, and how they greet customers. Whether it’s upscale, natural, modern, or home-grown, everything seems to point to having it all in place. There’s a mood for everything, right? Scented candles, baked goods, music, or more elaborate appeals to our senses are subtly wafting about.
And as you are tantalized by all this, you are continually admiring brick walls, wood floors, metal structures, each preserved and worked around.
I truly admire the visionaries who design the transformation. Structural elements are addressed, aesthetics, and even light fixtures and green spaces.
Just looking at the story being told is captivating for me. A brick-and-iron structure that was once a bustling factory, later abandoned, and now transformed into living space, restaurants, and stores.
What To Do At Westside Provisions
I found a beautiful look into this little shopping district that captured exactly why it’s so great. It’s a topic by Rachel over at JustPeachyBlog.
She’s got that lovely lifestyle that just draws you in. And although she was attending a fashion show when she mentioned WP, she did a great job of showcasing the surroundings. Her pictures are gorgeous.
Here’s a directory for the area. Maybe you’re like me and you want the info before you go. (Get those must-do’s on the list, right?)
More Than Shopping
Isn’t it always more?
If I said picturesque, you’d know why.
In fact, I can’t think of a better place to have a photo session.
And if you’re just going to look around, I bet you’ll find a spot to stop and take a selfie. Or maybe get a cute image of a little one with ice cream dripping down an elbow.
Even if you don’t take a picture, it’s such a great place to plan a special day out with somebody you care about. The restaurants are exactly what you need for a special lunch or dinner.
Thanks for indulging me today.
What to do?
Pick a day to spend with someone you love.
Go somewhere and really talk. Really connect. Really see.
“Are we really too busy?”
It’s what I’m asking myself.
Thank you for visiting! At GFP company is always welcome!
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Are you on Pinterest? That is a crazy fun place! You can find so many helpful things. Take a look at what I’ve saved for you! A lot of things that never make it to the blog. Here are my Pinterest pins, and I have lots of categories/boards if you’re looking for something specific.
-Grammye
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I’m Grammye, and I’m collecting and sharing ideas that can help you embrace the life you have.
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What’s the tip of the week? Thanks for staying to read it!
It’s about creating a setting for something. And the tip is this:
Treat important discussions as an event.
Whether it’s with your children, your mate, your parent, a friend, co-worker, anyone.
If you’re talking about something of great importance, choose the place to do it. Get dressed, go there, and discuss.
Why?
Because important discussions become memories. All five senses are involved.
You know this.
Think about elaborate proposals: Some are over the top with the setting, the photographer, even an audience. Because it’s important.
For your planned discussion, you don’t have to make it a performance or a photo op. But what can you do to create a memory?
When the moment is important, consider framing it with beauty for all the senses.
Wow. That sounds like a plan. I may have to say it again.
🙂
Now go have fun!
💖
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