Something for everyone at the West Rowan Farm Home and Garden Store.
Hometown Pride
Imagine an atmosphere with friendly conversation, a game of checkers and a warm brownie smothered in ice cream. If you can imagine that you have imagined the West Rowan Farm Home and Garden Store at the corner of Hwy 801 and Graham Rd. in Bear Poplar, NC. The owners, Brian and Elsie Bennett, have made this is a favorite place to stop and relax.
When Elsie and Brian bought the store three years ago, they wanted a place where customers could come, shop and sit a spell. From corn hole bean bags to decorative flags to candles and farm items, whatever you’re looking for you probably can find it here. Cozy sitting areas invite customers to come in and stay awhile.
My grandsons, Carson and Garrett, love going to the store. Not only do they love the ice cream, but they also enjoy seeing friends. My daughter, Kristin Saine, said, “We love to go to West Rowan Farm Home and Garden as much as we can. The ice cream and deserts are amazing. They treat us like family and the boys love it. It has such a hometown atmosphere and one that always welcomes us. I’m especially appreciative they have dairy- free options for our son Garrett who has diet restrictions. It’s a blessing to have a local place that accommodates him.”
Brian Bennett explained, “When we heard there was a young boy in the community who couldn’t have dairy, we decided to carry dairy-free ice cream so he could have the same experience like everyone else.”
Kristin believes that says a lot about Brian and Elsie and their servant hearts.
One of Elsie’s favorite things is to see families come to the store together. She said not long ago an entire family came in with the great-grandmother and the great-grandchildren. After eating ice cream they enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship and a game of checkers.
Recently, I stopped by to chat and while there had conversations with several members of the community. One mother of four shared how her family always stops by on their way home from ball practice to get a treat. The practice is at Mt Ulla Elementary School, which is only a few miles away.
I was a music teacher at Mt Ulla for nineteen years, so I was happy when I saw one of my past students, Wyatt Martin, in the store. Wyatt shared that his dad, Darin, and brother, Ethan, sometimes play and sing country/bluegrass music on weekends at West Rowan Farm Home and Garden. Wyatt said he plays guitar.
Others that also play on weekends include Dale Mills on banjo, Colton Sherrill, guitar, The Back Creek Boys and Steve Dixon, guitar. Elsie never knows who’s going to show up, but when they do she posts a message on Facebook to let everyone know the music has arrived.
Like the sign on the wall says, “West Rowan Farm Home and Garden isn’t just an old store … it’s a community.” What a great place to relax and forget the cares of the day.
Is there a special place in your community that incorporates the spirit of the people like the West Rowan Farm Home and Garden Store? Leave a message below, comment on Facebook or email me at dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
