One of my favorite shops is Carvel General Store. The store has been in operation since 1918, initially operating as a true general store in the thriving Hamlet of Carvel, Alberta. As times have changed, so has the Hamlet. In 2003, the current owners opened the store as a “vintage specialty shop”. Kristine and Carell have truly captured the feel of a vintage store.
Kristine and Carell have retained much of the old interior of the store. The back corner used to be the post office complete with bars on the window. Now it serves as a display area and fitting room. The large cooler that used to hold refrigerated food is used to show-off jewelry, candles and other household finery. On every shelf and in every corner is something waiting to be discovered. I often will walk around 3 or 4 times because I feel like I keep missing something.
April Cornell can dress you or your table. Art work from local artists hangs from every possible wall and calls out to you from the shelves. Their collection of Georgia Graham books is irresistible and something I frequently chose to gift. Don’t forget their bath and body collection from Carvel Country Soapworks and Upper Canada among others. You never know what you are going to find. I have even found the “perfect” red cast-iron cupboard knobs. The only warning I give is if you see something you want to have, grab it because it might not be there when you go back.
Kristine and Carell always have the coffee on and conversations are easily started. Located only 15 minutes west of Stony Plain, Carvel General Store is a favorite destination for many. http://www.carvelgeneralstore.ca/
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