I had the pleasure this afternoon of visiting The Fancy Farmer, an antique and boutique shop in Baxter Springs, KS. Although chilly, the sun was shining, and it was the perfect day to make the short drive from Joplin to Baxter Springs to check out this fun store for the first time.
Located at 1144 Military Avenue in downtown Baxter Springs, The Fancy Farmer carries an eclectic mix of vintage and repurposed merchandise, furniture, collectibles and hand made crafts. Upstairs is the Spirit Shack with school and college related clothing and accessories.
What a wonderful half hour I spent wandering through the well merchandised shop. The owner, Jen Smith, has an excellent eye for detail and possesses a gift for staging product and creating pleasing vignettes. After greeting Jen, whom I’ve known for years, I returned to the front door and slowly worked my way through the store.
I found so many great items. In honor of the season, there are Christmas decorations on display. And everywhere, artfully arranged here, tucked in there, are fascinating items such as cheery fabric pillows, metal pieces, old wood crafted into signs and shelves, screen doors and wooden shutters, glassware and candle holders of all kinds.
Furniture ranged from oak antiques to painted dressers, end tables and cabinets. There are full dining table sets to choose from and unique, individual chairs. The Fancy Farmer carries a selection of chalk paint for Do it Yourself projects. And at the back of the shop is a counter where floral arrangements can be custom ordered.
I so enjoyed looking at everything within this charming shop. And I’m thrilled for Jen. We were realtors together in Joplin. I know Jen to be a classy woman who doesn’t hesitate to roll up her sleeves and get things done. Baxter Springs is blessed to have her here and the community benefits from her entrepreneurial spirit and sheer determination. If life hands my friend Jen lemons, she does more than make lemonade. She creates a scrumptious lemon meringue pie and serves it up on spotless fine china, using impeccable etiquette. I am so proud of her and I know she will excel at this, her latest adventure.
There are so many amazing pieces I’d like to purchase at The Fancy Farmer. Today, I bought these items.
I have the oval mesh candle holders on my little turquoise table in the dining room, perfectly accenting my silver metal Christmas tree. And the row of rusty, punched metal trees now adorns my buffet table in my studio. The little green stoneware pitcher, which I absolutely love, holds a Christmas pick and dried eucalyptus from my herb garden. I smile every time I look at it.
I look forward to my next visit. If you are looking for the perfect gift or for the right piece to grace your own home or you want to show school spirit, check out what The Fancy Farmer has to offer. You will be delighted. And be sure to say hello to Jen!
