Trip to Watertown

During our visit to the Inn at Evins Mill, we struck up a conversation with a couple from Nashville. They told us that they always love to stop in a little town off of highway 70, about 40 miles east of Nashville. Their description was captivating, so we had to hop in the truck and head over there to check it out for ourselves. We were glad that we did, because Watertown, Tennessee, is the epitome of a clean and proud, rural town of the south where you feel transported back in time.

We parked in the public square and explored all the great antique and gift shops they had to offer. Of course, we had our cameras in tow and snapped some pictures to capture the charm.

I was immediately drawn to a fine arts shop called Kalliepearl, and I was afraid that it was closed based on the store hours sign. But as luck would have it, the owner greeted us at the door and beckoned us in. For the next hour or so, we shared many laughs and stories with Dee Dee, a gal of irrepressible wit and spirit. She is like a girlfriend you have known and loved for over 20 years – never mind that you just met her a few minutes ago. Have you ever met magical people like that before? It is a rare treat.

Named after two of her sisters, she just opened up her shop in September and is working to get her web site set up. Dee Dee has quite a talent for creating beautiful jewelry, with a specialty in stone and metal work. She also displays in her shop a wide assortment of wares from local creative artisans. As a momento, I purchased a pretty little wood turned bowl for use in my studio.

After visiting with Dee Dee, we felt right at home in Watertown and hated to say goodbye to her so that we could explore the rest of the square. As a professed hugger of the championship variety, she hugged us mightily and promised to look us up if she ever came to Knoxville. This picture of her captures her cheerful spirit and pride in her new shop. We wish our new friend all of the best and hope to see her again sometime!

We had fun exploring the along the walkways of the public square, making sure that we stopped at the antique stores to discover some needed treasures.

Before leaving, we had a late lunch at Lulu's Coffee House. The food was delicious and the café was just as charming as the rest of the town.

On the way to the rest room at Lulu’s, I noticed a bulletin board for local community notices. The magic of our little excursion was complete when I saw this little story posted by resident Halle Tunks, age 7:

The Rabbit

One day Rabbit was hopping through the trees. Then his friend tertle came slomly runing through. Then they were getting hungry. So they saw some apples. It was very good. The End

Aren’t small towns great? Marty, my blog greeter rabbit, twitches his nose in total agreement.