Folks in the Tennessee Valley, particularly those who live in the Wheeler Lake or Elk River sections of the Tennessee River or in the vicinity of Joe Wheeler State Park, will happily tell you about a very pretty town on Highway 72, just about halfway between Athens and Florence, AL.  When I was a little girl growing up in Athens, my momma often took my siblings and me to Rogersville to buy shoes.  Back then, the downtown area was lined with discount and outlet shoe stores.  Now, though, it has evolved into something more attractive and appealing.

Fountain at Heritage Park in Rogersville.

The sunny side of the street.

On one end of this fun block, you’ll find Heritage Park acknowledging the war veterans from Rogersville.  At the other end, you’ll find a bank, a pharmacy, Stanfield’s Steakhouse and a sign pointing to First Baptist Church.  But, in between, you’ll see a dozen or more delightful shops with antiques, clothes, jewelry and gift items from chic to shabby, from quirky to elegant.  Ya gotta love the names of these businesses — Gracie Bee’s, Mochadoodles, Too Peas, and The Lemon Tree, to name a few.  Don’t they make you want to check them out?

Gracie Bee’s – children’s clothing.

Mochadoodles.

Lemon Tree.

A favorite place for sandwiches, soups and salads has been Cafe Savanna, right in the middle of the block.  However, the owner closed on Christmas Eve, and everyone is eagerly waiting for a new proprietor to emerge.  Stay tuned for a new name and an announcement, hopefully to come soon.  I wonder if the Rooftop Rooster will get to stay??

Rooftop Rooster over Cafe Savanna.

When my Silver Fox and I visited recently, the town was gaily decorated for Christmas.  But any time you visit, you’ll find attractive window displays and lots of things to make your credit cards quiver.  Here’s a suggestion for my soul sisters — while hubby fishes nearby, shop and eat in Rogersville.  But let that be our little secret.  Oh, and one more very important tidbit.  Rogersville is the hometown of Christy Jordan, who is the author of a very popular cookbook Southern Plate.  Be sure to check out her website here.  It’s chocked full of deliciousness.

Village Interiors and Specialty Gifts

Too Peas

Quirky items along the sidewalk.

War Eagle! Surely you’re not surprised that this awesome cake would catch my attention.

Sugar Creek candy store.