“Cultivate” Your Imagination

In the old United Diamond Brokers jewelry store in Winchester, Tenn., across from Blue Front Drugs, is the brand spanking new Red Plow Gallery & Gifts. It’s the latest creation by an ex “Mad Man” whose 30-plus year career included stints at J. Walter Thompson and Ogilvy & Mather. Featuring gifts, antiques and folk art, it’s a celebration of the unique outdoor lifestyle we all enjoy in Franklin County.

“I’m not just opening a store, but rather, I’m creating a destination. So everything, the galvanized barn lights, the exposed duct work, the 112-year-old hardwood floors, and the merchandising displays instantly convey a different vibe. Rustic and vintage, yet contemporary at the same time.”

The two main focal points of the store are a vintage Beetle Cat sailboat and an old Tim’s Ford Marina and Resort sign. Metal and stone bird sculptures are mounted atop drift wood collected from Tim’s Ford Lake. There is folk art by the late R.A. Miller of Georgia and by Winchester resident Mike Ashley. Mike creates all his sculptures with briar root, drift wood and found objects from Tim’s Ford Lake.

As you’ve probably already guessed, there are a lot of gifts and antiques that reflect the owner’s love of the laid back life on Tim’s Ford Lake. Vintage outboard motors, fishing gear, and duck decoys are perfect for lake home decor.

It’s a great time to visit the latest success story of Winchester’s Downtown Revitalization, The Red Plow Gallery & Gifts. You can contact the store at theredplow@gmail.com. Credit card accepted. Store hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 to 5:30.