Places 'Yule' Love: Harrison Brothers | Arts & Culture

The time has come for shopping! I always have a list of people to buy for and this year is no exception. For those of you who have everything wrapped under the tree and are relaxing by the fire, what is your trick?  I honestly end up every year running from store to store trying to find the perfect gift for Mary Sue Peoples.

However, if you don't love those treks through the mall only to find out they don't have the right size, the correct color, or the cuddle me cutie you wanted I have found the perfect store!

The Harrison Brothers is a gem in downtown Huntsville located on the South Side Square.  It is the oldest operating hardware store in the state. (Happy 115 Years!) The Historic Huntsville Foundation is what helps keep this treasure intact by staffing the store with a manager, volunteer clerks, and keeping the building preserved.

But let me tell you, this is not just a hardware store.  This place is amazing and you honestly go back in time (without the DeLorean going 88 mph and a flux capacitor). The original cabinets, creaky floors, and 105 year old cash register transport you. You feel relaxed and want to meander down the isles and look at all the items.

Lost your marbles?  Don't worry they have a wonderful selection of marbles, nostalgic toys, and old time candies.  They also have all the items for your country cooking.  You can find beautiful cast iron cookware along with gadgets for your kitchen.  I bought my parents a corkscrew that looks like a key that they love! There are also items from local businesses like Belle Chevre (can you say make your own cheese kit + Tasia's new cookbook!). 

Of course, I love the art in this location.  They feature glass makers, potters, knitters, and various crafters to fill the shelves with wonderful one of a kind gifts. If you are hosting a holiday party and don't have something fantastic to put the food you worked hard to cook on, check out Harrison Brothers. They have the prettiest platters and you can always find something for the season.

Harrison Brothers also has beautiful window dressings that they deck out each year (watch out Macy's!).  I talked with some of the volunteers who had been there since the late '80s and another from the mid '90's.  It's evident the people who are volunteering love this place. So take a trip back in time and grab that gift for Mary Sue Peoples at Harrison Brothers.

If you want to make an event out of it, check out Twickingham's "Spirit of Christmas Past" Luminaries and Home Tour Saturday, December 8th from 5pm - 9pm.  If you want to check out the home tour it's $15/Adult, but there are free events downtown too, like Harrison Brothers open house, caroling and refreshments at local churches downtown.