Shopping in Historic Windsor
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Country Essence
Address: 109 George Street, Windsor
Phone: 02 4577 2317
Hours: Mon – Friday 10 am – 5 pm; Sat – Sun 10 am – 4 pm
This upmarket gift and homewares shop is filled with country-style items for the selective shopper. Warm throws and quilts, pillows and linens are a good way to begin your search. Then, look carefully for the period pieces, some in cottage off-white, as they may be the staging for lovely bone china or crystal pieces.
Country Essence is a work of art. Not only does it require staying power and time to search out Sandra’s wonderful collection, it requires more than one visit to find perfection.
Fricker’s Shoes
Address: 133 George Street, Windsor
Phone: 02 4577 7266
Hours: Daily 9 am – 5 pm
This is one major shoe shop and it is no secret to the locals of The Hawkesbury.
A queue often forms as shoppers crowd throughout the store, browsing and pulling shoes off the displays. Occasionally it is hectic – kids underfoot, teenagers giggling – but no one seems to mind, as Peter Fricker’s friendly staff works hard to serve everyone efficiently and quickly.
A larger display of shoes one cannot imagine – Fricker’s Shoes is a Hawkesbury destination shop. Don’t overlook the children’s section near the counter at the rear of the shop – or the backpacks and seasonal handbags displayed high along the walls. Great dress shoes, school shoes, sandals or work shoes, the choices seem limitless. So many shoes, so little time!
Hands of the Earth Gallery
Address: Shop 2-3, Old Post Office Arcade
Phone: 0408 130 625, 0439 755 302
Hours: Daily 10 am
Gumburra Pottery, the craft of June Greenhalgh is an expression of her love of the Australian Bush. The bush is where June draws her inspiration and her many creations of stoneware are functional and ornamental. If you take time to browse, you can’t miss the playful and creative use of Australian flora and fauna.
The other half of Hands of the Earth Gallery is Gary Fowler. Using recycled woods, Gary loves the feel and warmth of timber. You’ll find finished frames and mirrors, large and small in the shop, and if you need a frame customised to fit your needs – just bring the measurements. “Personalised Timber” is his inspiration.
The work of other crafts persons include furnishings – big pieces using recycled woods – paintings, ceramics and the work of other potters make this shop a must when you are in Windsor.
Hawkesbury Curtains & Interior Motives, Ltd
Address: Shop 7, Post Office Arcade, 168-172 George Street
Phone: 02 4577 2212
Hours: Mon – Sat, 9:30 am, and by appointment
You won’t want to overlook this newest addition to the Old Post Office Arcade. Twinkling fairy lights light up an inspired window display of furniture, home accessories, linens, and yes, curtains. Curtains are the mainstay product, but this artistic interior designer and colour consultant offers products and services that every homeowner needs. Hence, the name “Interior Motives, Ltd”.
The shop plants innovative ideas in your head – bed linens, table settings, upholstery materials and great pre-loved furnishings, many large pieces.
Lisa Carpinato works with homes of all sizes, colours and shapes. She’s a whirlwind of resources, willing to travel – a client in Mooloolaba – and she listens. Combine these with her personal touch and her broad background, this may feel like home therapy!
KarinaGlen Arts & Crafts Gallery
Address: Shop 9, Lachlan Court
Phone: 0408 750 306
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am; Closed Monday
Wendy Douglass, artist, teacher and business entrepreneur has brought her talents all together at KarinaGlen.
You’ll find selections of art supplies, paper toles, wood pieces, card making and scrapbooking materials and, great beads to create your own designer jewellery.
Arts & Crafts classes are offered Tuesday through Saturdays for adults and children. Around the long tables, instruction, laughter and jovial chatter are at the heart of these classes whether beginners or award-winning accomplished painters. What a great way to learn!
When you visit the shop, ask Wendy about the war medals that she mounts and frames – an impressive collection.
Readers’ Den
Address: 199 George Street, Windsor
Phone: 02 4577 648
Hours: Daily, call for hours
New owner, Barb Robertson has organized and reorganized this gem of used (and some) new book selections. In a short period, she has enlarged the collection, labelling each section to make the shop user-friendly. In each section (category), you’ll find a list of suggested authors – others you may have overlooked – who write in the same genre. Often, there are surprise boxes of ‘half-the-price’ books.
For browsers, the staff will direct you to tea and coffee and a couple of tables where you can relax. Forgot your “readers”? Reader’s Den provides, on loan, magnifying glasses of various strengths. Repeat customers (those over 40) find this a great service.
River Music
Address: Corner of George and Bridge streets, Windsor
Phone: 02 4577 3355
Hours: Daily, Thurs ’til 7.30 pm
What do Russell Crowe, Grinspoon, Savage Garden, Anthony Callea, Delta Goodrem, and a host of other Australian musical icons have in common? They look to River Music, at the top of George & Bridge Streets, for service, support and often equipment.
River Music’s home is the old School of Arts building and what a perfect iconic setting for people who make music their profession. Instruments are on display from every nook and cranny — if it’s manufactured, River Music must have it. Pianos, percussion, fiddles, viola and bass, brass or woodwinds, acoustic or electric, you’ll find it here.
Notice the unusual guitar amp behind Alex Lloyd, Shannon Noll or Richard Clapton? It’s a Valveart, manufactured here at River Music in the Hawkesbury. These River Music folks have no shame about name dropping; they love what they do for the experienced or the novice, and musicians love them. Owners and staff are working musicians, performers, sound technicians and teachers. If you ask for musical advice here, you’ll get a professional and qualified answer.
Smik Clothing
Address: 107 George Street
Phone: 02 4577 3887
Hours: 8:30am-6pm daily, Thursday till 9 pm
Walking into Smik’s will make you feel like a night on the town. Silks, satins, taffetas – puffy brights or sleek little black numbers – there are far too many options for a quick run-through. Arrive early as the shop fills by mid-day.
If you’re planning a wedding, formal attire for brides, bridesmaids and mother of the bride is a specialty of Smik. The collection is extensive – almost mind boggling! It’s safe to say, you’ll surely find a dress you must have.
For any social occasion, Smik has a great selection. These proprietors believe in providing choice and the perfect outfit for most occasions.
Windsor Mall Craft Markets
Address: Between Fitzgerald and Baker Streets, The Mall
Phone: 02 4572 7348
Hours: Sun 9am-4pm
Crafts, music, local produce and the turning Mall Paddlewheel are the staples of the Windsor Mall Crafts Markets each Sunday. Every Sunday is special on The Mall, somewhat like a neighbourhood party with tall umbrellas and crafts carts lining George Street for two long blocks and a constant parade of people. Hawkesbury farmers are on hand with corn, strawberries and zucchini. Jams, jellies and honey get a fair display as well. Cafés and restaurants are always open – it’s a big country market fair.
Windsor Riverview Shopping Centre
It’s new! It’s big! It’s convenient and in the centre of George Street shopping district. This complex seems to gain a new shop daily and more customers find time to browse, shop and relax over coffee or tea. And, with the cooling down of summer heat, the outdoor space will become a gathering spot.
Riverview management is planning a number of fun events throughout 2007, so look for announcements in Hawkesbury local papers.
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Links
Leura Blue Mountains
Hawkesbury Tourism
Hawkesbury 4H Festival
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