One-Stop Shopping

Take a break from the interstate at Exit 77 in Central Kentucky, where you'll find first-rate food and crafts.

Stop the car!" I commanded my husband, Bill, as we drove down 1-75 late last fall. I pointed to a large building looming just off the highway, its grand opening banner fluttering in the chilly wind. "The Kentucky Artisan Center is open! Our holiday gift-giving problems are over."

We took Exit 77 at Berea and found a shopper's nirvana.

Right away Bill spotted the Kentucky music and books section, an area filled with CDs by native Bluegrass tunesmiths such as The Everly Brothers and The Judds. Books by Kentucky authors Barbara Kingsolver and Sue Grafton also beckoned.

I began scoping out gift items, such as the soy candles ($7.75), blown-glass Christmas ornaments ($62-$76), and pine needle baskets ($78). Soon I had all of our relatives taken care of for the holidays. I picked up a recycled inner tube pin ($ 16) for myself and took a closer look at a wastebasket ($65) made by Berea College students.

Then Bill smelled the meatloaf. We followed our noses to a wonderful cafe at the other end of the building. Visitors in a hurry can dine on pizzas ($4.95), burgers ($3.95), or salads ($2.25). They can also get meals to go. What caught our attention, though, were the meatand-two-vegetable options ($8.95). We chose the meatloaf, turnip greens, and mashed potatoes-delicious.

Looking very much like a couple of overstuffed elves, we headed back toward the interstate, our shopping complete and our tummies happy. We agreed to do our Christmas shopping at the Kentucky Artisan Center again this year, and I can't wait. Let the buying begin! WANDA MCKINNEY

Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea: 975 Walnut Meadow Road, Berea, KY 40403; (859) 985-5448 or www. kentuckyartisancenter.ky.gov.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Dec 2004
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