Going Local-Hardware UpGrade

This hardware upgrade has nothing to do with your computer.

Instead, we are following up on one of the most magical places on earth.

Renfrow Hardware & General Merchandise in Matthews, 
a mere hour's drive from our location, 
and well worth the trip.

We mentioned this sweet treasure in a previous post 
(see it here).
Our summer vacations always included a visit to this extraordinary emporium.
Founded more than 100 years ago,

this tribute to the past is still thriving.

From the moment you enter its doors,

this place envelopes you in a warm feeling of quiet contentment.

It is a throwback to the days of old

when folks relied on the hardware store for just about everything needed to run their homestead
and stellar service was the gold standard.

The seed collection alone had me drooling.

They carry a huge selection of non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds.  
Some of the seed companies have been doing business with Renfrow  for over 50 years.

With spring quickly ushering its way in,

this trading post is the perfect place to find just what a gardener needs.

Employees are knowledgeable about growing in this region

and are happy to answer questions from inquisitive customers.

Along with this striking visual displayed at the seed counter,

I was given several helpful planting guides.

Being new to veggie gardening this far north,

I can use all the help I can get!

Bin after bin is filled with something wonderful to explore.

It would be easy to stay here for hours,
just peeking and poking through every nook and cranny.

On this cool winter day,

the heat stove felt mighty good to this shopper.

There's even a bench for those who need to take a rest

before tackling yet another area of this marvelous mercantile.
Although the selection of products is plentiful,
the store maintains its cozy, old school charm. 

Row after row of nuts, bolts and screws

ensure that you'll find what you need.

The organizer in me went weak in the knees.

Renfrow carries their own honey,

which is harvested at their off-site farm.

The farm also hosts workshops, classes and their own CSA.

(We hope to feature the farm in the near future.)

If you need it, they have it, 

and if they don't, they'll get it. 
Customer satisfaction is their goal.

One of the best features of this establishment,

is that they take pride in carrying a wide variety of USA-made items.

Even fishermen and pet owners can be satisfied here.

These are crickets used as bait or to feed exotic pets.

Many original pieces can be found inside,

fostering the vintage charm.

The nursery outside is just starting to hop.

Within the next few months,

it will no doubt be filled to the rafters with home-grown goodies.

Veggie starts were readily available,

for those of us who can't wait to get our hands in the dirt.

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and lettuce were a few of the choices on this day.

simple compost pile

store mascots

 

Even as we were leaving,

we were looking forward to our next visit.

What a blessing to have this link to the past

so nearby. 

Want to learn more?

Renfrow Hardware

Renfrow Farms

Also in this series:

New Library