W of Madison- 317 West Main

This store is so beautiful and tastefully done. If you ever need a gift for a guest that comes into town- this is the store. The owner has taken care in bringing home decor products in and displays them with flair. I was excited about the natural soy candles too! Need a cat or dog treat can-- they have them along with the old fashioned picnic baskets.

Cocoa Safari- 118 W. Main

What a place! The smell of that wonderful chocolate really teases your nose when you walk into the door! This is my favorite place to go when I get that chocolate craving! But, I will feature here a really neat gift that I bought for someone that just loves zoo animals

10 Fun Things to Do in Madison

We are trying to create a Buy Local campaign and have thought about listing: 10 Fun Things to Do in Madison. So I thought I would put it out there for anyone to contribute. What are your suggestions?

The Floating Cow- 113 E. Main Street

This store is wonderful for those that love little things that can go into tiny packages. My mother always said to me that "the best gifts come in tiny packages". This store is full of these types of products. In the back of the store is a display containing the SOCK MONKEY. Who knew? I heard that the Sock Monkey was being made again, but didn't even know that a store in Madison was carrying it. I can't wait to buy another one. I still have my original sock monkey! If you are interested in the "Weird U.S.A" book series, you can find it here too! Everything from jewelry to (mooing cows) can be found in this store. I was delighted to find "Peace sign" jewelry. I hear that an additional entire collection of Peace Sign jewelry has been ordered. I can't wait to buy the bracelet and ring, as well as anything else I can find with peace signs. I guess you will be able to spot me soon walking down the streets of Madison wearing my peace sign jewelry.

All Good Things Soap- 318 W. Main

What a beautiful store! The owners of this establishment get it! The products are all hand-made soaps, lotions, and a variety of natural kitchen and bath items. Sonia and Larry Folkner opened up this business a few months ago. They attract customers in their store with a friendly, but tasteful exterior facade (bubbles on the awnings) and a bubble machine hidden where no one can see it. The bubbles cascade the sidewalk and bring the customers to the store. How innovative! This month, Sonia has displayed an antique tractor in the window along with garden soaps and products. Ties in nicely with our Fourth Friday shopping theme- "Oh Madison" Celebrating Preservation Month! Tonight I will take a picture of this window display. Anyway, I bought 5 bars of soap here the other day. In fact, all my soap comes from this store now. Large bars are available to cut the amount that you would like as well- makes a great gift to visitors who stop by and stay overnight and you need a small bar of soap for them. I usually purchase the: Balmy Baby Bar (great for your hair), Honey and Almond, Lavender, Lemongrass. But this time, I tried the Gardener's Scrub. Wow- it has poppy seeds in it and makes for a great exfoliate. If you are in the area- you must stop in this store. I guarantee you will walk away with something. These are everyday products that we all need.

Window Display Photos

My first thought was to make sure I included interior photos of each store in the downtown. I think the window displays for many stores are more interesting! Those that do a good job, know how to invite their customers in. The windows that carry the Fourth Friday Art and Shop Hop themes help to bring about a continuity as well. So, I will make sure that I shoot a photo of the product I purchase, and then one example of the store's window display.

Pizza Kingdom- Corner of Cragmont and Main

This is a new restaurant in downtown Madison on the corner of Main Street and Cragmont. I was so happy to see this building fill again with a new business after sitting vacant! Pizza Kingdom has a variety of pizzas and offers a pizza buffet for lunch each day. Last night we tried both a 14" pizza with pepperoni and onions and the Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza. The Chicken Ranch was to die for! If you like white pizza- you just have to try! I don't recall that I did see posted hours, but their phone number is 812-274-2500. They have sit in dining, pick up or delivery services too!

In talking with the owner, his family owns another Pizza Kingdom in Seymour.