Street Savvy: Downtown Franklin
SHOP
Leggings-as-pants are only okay topped with an extra-long tunic, like, say, from Anna’s Style Boutique (1). Children’s clothing by Jak & Peppar takes up a sizable corner of the shop, as does jewelry with a conscience by Good Works and The Shine Project, which provide support to underprivileged children. 108 W. Jefferson St., 739-3111, annasstyleboutique.com
PLAY
Is there a better name for a kids’ store than Toodleydoo Toys (2)? Customers love choosing a trinket from bins of pint-sized party favors. Owner Debi Pierson hosts after-hours coloring nights for adults and parent–child playtime. 1 W. Jefferson St., 346-7529, toodleydootoys.com
MARVEL
In addition to refurbished estate furniture, The Marshmallow Monkey (3) specializes in whimsies and oddities, like tub-shaped soap dishes, bulldog salt-and-pepper shakers, and an elevator lift from Thailand—courtesy of a European buyer. 41 W. Monroe St., 494-6020, themarshmallowmonkey.com
GRUB
It’s not a misspelling: Greenwood native Jason Tapp is the owner of Greek’s Pizzeria & Tapp Room (4), part of a boom of independent restaurants near Franklin’s courthouse square. Families pack the house on weekends, while 30 craft and domestic beers on tap keep the bar’s TVs surrounded by sports fans. 18 E. Jefferson St., 739-3900, greekspizzatapproom.com
WATCH
Hats off at the historic Artcraft Theatre (5)—before the traditional pre-show Looney Tunes cartoon, a World War II newsreel plays the national anthem. The following applause sets the stage for a wallet-friendly evening (a family of four can fill up on drinks, candy, and locally grown popcorn for less than $20). This month, catch A League of Their Own and the 1934 rom-com It Happened One Night. 57 N. Main St., 736-6823, historicartcrafttheatre.org
ACCESSORIZE
Brick Street Boutique (6) is stocked with trendy separates, and the large wooden countertop displays Bourbon & Boweties bangles, Moon & Lola monogrammed necklaces, and earrings made from fishing spinners, handcrafted in Plainfield. 34 E. Jefferson St., 739-0525, brickstreetboutique.com
SNACK
Northsiders make the trip down I-65 just for the gluten-free goodies and soups at Suzy’s Teahouse & Bakery (7). Sample something out of the ordinary from the wall of 70 teas and tisanes, and grab a berry “pie bite” to go with it. 25 E. Court St., 739-0800, suzysteahouse.com
BRUNCH
On Saturdays, take visiting relatives to Court Street Cafe (8). Space is tight, but locals don’t mind rubbing elbows over granola-crunch pancakes, housemade sausage gravy, and the kids’ fruit bowl with a “banana dolphin.” 39 E. Court St., 739-0208, courtstcafe.com
“The last thing I bought was lunch at Benjamin’s. Their claim to fame is the roasted-red-pepper soup, but I love the blueberry- crumble coffee. It’s not always on the menu, but when it is, I have to run over and get it.”
—Molly Frische, owner of Brick Street Boutique
LUNCH
Franklin College students flock to Benjamin’s Coffeehouse (9) during finals, but the chalkboard menu of hot breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, and soups draws an all-ages crowd. Don’t miss the saucer-sized cookies in the dessert case. 49 E. Court St., 736-0048, benjaminscoffeehouse.com
Scented “mandles,” $9.99 at Middle Davids Candles
GIFT
Middle Davids Candles (10) sells “mandles” in scents such as bacon and cash among more traditional choices. The second-generation owners pour their soy candles onsite and also carry handcrafted goods (pottery, jewelry, scarves) from Indiana artists. 152 E. Jefferson St., 738-3886, middledavids.com
PICK
Salvage Sisters’ Antique Market (11) feels like the perfect garage sale. Each of the 26 vendors carries a hodgepodge of finds: antique chairs, holiday decor, repurposed window casings. In the very back, great vintage jackets and hats hang out alongside Navy Copper string art. 398 E. Jefferson St., 736-4353
DO GOOD
Shopping fair trade was never so fashionable. The smooth-as-silk goods at ByTavi (12) are the result of one Cambodian woman (Tavi) who took a stand against human trafficking. Since receiving a sewing machine from a Greenwood Christian organization in 2008, she has empowered women in her southside community to turn out the beautifully printed clothing, crossbody bags, and key fobs at this house-turned-boutique. 436 E. Jefferson St., 851-8854
