The Gallery upstairs in The Blue Victorian features different artists' work monthly, downstairs is filled with gifts, toys and antiques.

Baby Yellow Duck is filled with unique toys, apparel and books for infants and children.

The Secret Garden Gift Shop's selections are so varied you will enjoy looking through this whimsical shop.

If you are a chocolate lover you will enjoy a stop in to the Three Chocolateers Chocolate & Coffee Shop.

Stay Tuned... Elizabeth will be updating her article shortly. Since this article was written, there has been many new shops opening along Main Street.

A Gift is Special When it Comes from the Heart...of Main Street

By Elizabeth Ann Bernitt

I don1t remember arriving in Jeffersonville for my first walk down Main Street, but it was the early 70's and I was very young. I am not really sure when the childhood tradition of buying my mom her Mother's Day present at the pharmacy in town began, yet it is a fond memory. I would approach Jesse Abel, the pharmacy owner, with pride and confidence and he would help me count my money to pay for the silver or porcelain trinket I had selected for her. The pharmacy was the only place in Jeffersonville that I felt I could find just the right gift for my mom or whomever I needed to buy a gift for.

Well, times they are a changin'...

Jeffersonville, a shopper's paradise?

Perhaps not! But, it surely does beat the mega-mall, strip mall and discount store facades that crowd so much of our nation's once beautiful and quaint landscapes. Take a moment to walk down our main street. In this, "need it yesterday" world, you will see how much the Village of Jeffersonville has to offer. The laid-back attitudes and friendly atmosphere are sure to take you back to a time when Main Street America was the best choice for all of your purchases.

You could start your journey on the corner of Route 52 and Maple Avenue and from here you can see a breathtaking sight: The Blue Victorian. It will welcome you to Main Street. This recently renovated Victorian reaches toward the sky as a shining star for our village, while a mere two years ago it was an eye sore. Owners Maurice and Greg have opened this majestic Victorian as a gift, antique and art gallery. The Blue Victorian offers work by local artists and authors as well as a wide array of unique gifts and home furnishings. The owners have tastefully selected a myriad of items to fill this spacious Victorian with charm and warmth.

Just around the corner and slightly off Main Street you will Peters' Auction Barn. For anyone who loves restoring antiques and breathing new life into nearly anything pre-owned, a tour through here could take half a day. It is large and neat and there are treasures to be found. The Peters' always seem to have something new coming in the doors.

Right next store is Mike's Mattress Barn can provide you with so much more than mattresses. Mike has a small showroom on the second story of this renovated barn. The lower level houses his craft shop, where bedroom furnishings and cabinetry are skillfully constructed. As you continue your stroll, The Good Earth, a health food store, is a definite must-see. Viewing this homeopathic haven as only a health food store is much too narrow a view. Proprietor, Roberta, provides a relaxing and nurturing environment in which to peruse her shop. Any holistic, health or homeopathic product you could desire is either on the shelf or graciously researched and ordered for you.

Once you saunter back to Main Street, you may feel a bit adrift because you are so relaxed. Please stay alert-you don't want to miss the sign directing you down the driveway to the Baby Yellow Duck. Andrea, the owner, has created a lovely, airy environment to enjoy while you are shopping for the tiniest people in our lives- babies! Words just cannot express the joy this shop brings. Tiny shoes, outfits and soon-to-be heirlooms decorate the walls. It makes me cry out: "Where was this shop when my daughter was new!" It is a thrill to have this quality children's shop so conveniently located. Andrea mentioned that she would be expanding to include items for children up to 6 years old.

Three doors down, The Secret Garden, more than a gift shop, has a storybook type of feeling to it. Scented soaps, candles, glassware and antiques catch your eye. The selections are so varied that you may get lost in the menagerie that owner Sue has lovingly selected for her customers' gift-giving needs. The warm and friendly banter makes every visit to this whimsical shop a pleasure for even the most pragmatic shopper.

The pharmacy of my youth is directly across the street. The current owners, Joe and Darlene, have added their own flare to the gift selections. Their stock includes Lucite items, collectable sculptures, fine frosted glass, along with gifts and decorations for every season. They also own The Other Store, a video rental store, which carries party supplies as well as stationery, children¹s toys and a plentiful supply of arts and crafts materials.

Jeffersonville Hardware sits to the east of the pharmacy and the sign there says "Plumbing, tools, nuts & bolts, screening, small appliances, electrical, paints, rinse and vac rental, glazing and vacuum cleaner bags." The store nearly includes everything, even the kitchen sink, or, at least the parts for one. Be assured that owner Russ provides our area with even more, from gardening accessories to winter sleighs to gas cans to custom cut keys. The list seems endless so stopping by will help you understand the volume of this store's stock.

The village has one grocery store, Peck's Market, which is well stocked for their size and have an amazing meat department with knowledgeable butchers that are willing to order and cut the finest selection of meat for you. Peck's offers in-store baked goods, store-made salads and a variety of fresh deli items.

The newly named West Village Building is home to The Starving Artist Gallery. Resident artist Michael Randels shares his tie-dyed vision with a pure funk flare. The experience in this gallery is a jolt back to the days of our local Woodstock concert era. This artist1s work including personally sewn creations and tie-dyes (from tapestries to socks) are all for sale, as well as custom designed and painted signs. This constantly metamorphosing business, with its heart always centered on art, music and Woodstock, will stir up your nostalgic feelings. For the best surprise of all, peek around back to see Michael's vision of music in our village. A newly constructed stage, complete with sound and lights, will present all types of performances planned to keep our feet tapping through the warmer months.

Yummy, is all I need to say about The Three Chocolateers also located in the West Village Building. Krissy, Melissa and Dan never fail to tantalize the senses with their specialty chocolates. These Chocolateers prepare a wide range of hand-dipped chocolates as well as other creations to tempt every palate. They also have specialty teas and coffees that adorn the shelves. Already-made gift boxes as well as lots of confections by the pound are all available. Don't forget to take a break and enjoy some of their extensive assortment of refreshments, both hot and iced. The sweet, fun atmosphere will keep you running back for more.

The actual sidewalk may have ended but only a few steps away there is Justus Tire and Alignment. Ed, Rich, Ed and Virginia are always ready and able to help you in your search to solve your tire, muffler and brake needs. Their business needs to be recognized since "hometown" and "friendly" are words that this business seems to define.

Directly across the street from Justus Tire and Alignment is E & H Fire Extinguishers Inc., offering one of the most needed services to all of us, home safety devices including fire extinguishers sales and service. They help to provide a bit of safety for everyone. Also, if you happen to be in the market for a fire truck, ambulance or rescue vehicle, Ed and John will be glad to help you with your vehicle purchase needs and outfitting.

Next door to E & H Fire Extinguishers Inc., is the beautifully restored building housing Mullally's Pub & Restaurant (including a fully supplied liquor store).

There are many new businesses opening in the Jeffersonville Area Chamber of Commerce (JACC) membership area and there are a seemingly limitless number of items that can be purchased in this hometown. A brief walk down our Main Street just proved how much we have to offer right here in Jeffersonville.

My mom is moving back to Jeffersonville, I know she would never tell anyone why. However, now that there is more than just Jesse Abel¹s Pharmacy, I have a feeling, it might just be for the shopping!

Beth Bernitt is the owner of Mane Street Styles, a hair salon, just outside the Village of Jeffersonville and is an independent demonstrator for Stampin¹ Up!©.

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