Weekend Wanderings: Shopping for Stained Glass Windows

Hubby and I were lucky enough to take a vacation earlier this fall. We took advantage of off-season rates and enjoyed a week of gazing at the ocean in the Outer Banks. We explored the length and breadth of the island chain and found some interesting places that I'm sure I'll share in Weekend Wanderings to come.

One place in particular - The Elegant Attic in Buxton - caught our eye. Perhaps it was the lovely Victorian cottage whose columns were painted green? Or perhaps it was the selection of stained glass windows hanging from a tree in the front yard? I'm going to go with the latter!

We made a point of going when we knew we had time to explore just by looking at the cottage and the windows hanging in the yard. As we walked in we were cheerily greeted by the owner, Shirley Weeks. A stained glass panel hung over the entry while little nooks to the right and left were a shabby chic lover's paradise - pink depression glass plates, paired with Homer Laughlin china on lace covered tables. The shop is PACKED with lovelies.

But the store is known for the stained glass windows, and you can find them everywhere. They hang from the ceiling, are tacked to the walls and are stacked in corners. Shirley has collected about 100 years worth of stained glass by traveling to England every year and picking up a new shipment. She told us that last year business was so good she sold a piece of property to bring back roughly 200,000 windows because she's seen the prices go up every time she goes. After all, they ain't making this stuff anymore - at least not this quality.

If you do get to Hatteras and get to check out the shop, ask Shirley if she'll show you her home. She often offers tours to those visiting to show how you can "live with stained glass." Her home is gorgeous - and full of windows. She proudly recounts that she has no curtains because she's covered all her windows with stained glass. If you're a stained glass lover, I'm sure you'll enjoy this stop. And she told us her son is helping her set up a website soon, so hopefully you'll be able to experience some of this beauty online some day soon!