Lily's of Apex

APEX ~ At the end of North Salem Street in the heart of downtown, there's a rustic home furnishings boutique called Lilly's.

Lilly's sells artwork, lighting, florals, garden accents, gifts and has an endless supply of eclectic decor. There's even a section devoted to jewelry. Be sure to look up when you're there... there's just as much to see in terms of merchandise, and the exposed pipes and duct work just add to the overall experience. It's a nice complement to the wood floors below.

If you'd like to see more of what Lilly's offers its clients and customers, check out their Facebook page here. 

Not sure if this is Calla or Lilly, but their home resides behind the cash register in the center of the store where they can keep an eye on things.

The Land of Milk and Honey

CHAPEL HILL ~ Southern Season is as close to the land of "milk and honey" as possible for the foodie in the family or party host. This place is both specialty food store and gift shop. The National Association for Specialty Food selected Southern Season as its Outstanding Retailer of the Year.

The 59,000 square feet of retail space is broken up into different sections—from flowers to candy, chocolate, cheese and meats. You can break up your visit and enjoy a cup of joe or have a sandwich made to order. There's a tasting bar in the back for wine and beer lovers and an ice cream parlor for kids of all ages.

Say "cheese!"

Kale is not only great in soup, but apparently, also in a floral arrangement.

Honestly, it's hard to wrap your head around just how big this place is. Hopefully, this gives you an idea. Southern Season offers more than 80,000 items in their store and on their website. 

It's getting hot in here. Did someone say, "Salsa!" Every day there are products you can taste before you buy.

This store is not only great for adults, but the little ones as well. Kids will go nuts here. 

I suggest they drop the "s" in the signage above, and just call this corner of the store, the Chocolate Bar.

As a graphic designer, I love the packaging almost as much as I love the products here.

If wine and beer are your thing, you have more than a few choices. I could only fit so much in each photo, but this should give you an idea of how much they offer.

I kept gravitating back to the floral department. I think this was my favorite place in the store. Was it the stunning colors, fresh scent or the unusual selection of exotic stems? There's a designer on staff assembling stunning arrangements for customers.

Southern Season has gifts for friends, family or yourself.

I love the displays that greet you around every corner. They DO know how to highlight their products in the best light. I visited during the holiday season, so you can only imagine the visual feast.

Le Creuset, in its rainbow of colors, is featured here—the largest selection I have ever seen in one place. Don't know how to cook? No problem. Southern Season offers classes. For a schedule, click here.

Candles and candy in every color.

Sweet tooth?

Every gadget you could ever want (or thought you needed) is here.

There's an area devoted to products made in North Carolina. Chef Vivian Howard from the PBS's Series, A Chef Life, has a wall devoted to her favorite holiday picks (not pictured).

We're out the door. If you want more information, or want to see the store in 360 degrees, check out the Southern Season's website. But I suggest taking a trip in person to find out why the late New York Times food critic Craig Claiborne described this place as, "wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling... a visual and gustatory delight!"

High Design in Chapel Hill

CHAPEL HILL ~ I try to visit several art museums and galleries every year. It's a chance to slow down, be still and reboot, creatively. I always wrap up these excursions with a visit to their accompanying gift shop. To be honest, it's often the highlight of my trip. One of my favorite shops is here, on the corner of Franklin and Columbia streets in the heart of Chapel Hill (UNC)—the Ackland Museum Store, an offshoot of (obviously) the Ackland Art Museum. 

The store is bright and airy. The walls, ceiling and shelving are all white—a blank canvas if you will—allowing the products to shine. Natural light streams in from two walls of windows. The store showcases the talent of local, national and international artisans and crafters.

A great range of products are sold here: wooden bowls and gift wrap to checkerboards and winter hats; plates, paper, prints and pottery; cups and cards; stationery and stoneware. And if that's still not enough, check out their everyday objects like tape dispensers and water bottles, which are all taken to a new (higher) level of design. Just because something is functional, doesn't mean it can't be beautiful! 

Some of the products here are whimsical. There are stuffed animals throughout the store, each with their own personality. Picture books, for both kids and adults, line cubby shelves; intricate painted deer heads (made from cardboard) emerge from walls; and delicate paper lanterns and slow moving mobiles hang from above. 

The curators of the store do a wonderful job seeking out unusual products made with impeccable craftsmanship. In a day and age where it seems everything is mass-produced, it is nice to be reminded of the talented artisans that live among us. The prices are reasonable as well. Everything in here gets high marks from me. I love this place! Go check it out.

For more information on the Ackland Museum Store, click here.

PHOTOS BY KELLEY ALBERT