Hi! I’m Keela McGraw, Arlington Texas Today co-founder and REALTOR® with CearnalCo, REALTORS®. I’d love to help you find your next home. Click here to search current homes for sale in the area.Even if your declared hobby is window shopping and holiday season at the mall is how you’d spend an ideal afternoon, there’s still something magical about those shops that don’t fit perfectly into the corporate/franchise cookie cutter.
Maybe we love the non-chain shops we often refer to today as “Mom and Pop” stores so much because they’re the historical root of our nation’s economy.
Or maybe it’s just because they’re becoming so rare.
What we know for sure is we definitely love them. Many love the deep care and personal touch the owner leaves on these type of establishments.
Others enjoy certain themes and tributes to the past that these stores create. They produce a figurative time machine. Visitors enter shops with eclectic treasures but they also enter an experience, a momentary mental escape into another place or time.
Below, you’ll find 5 of Arlington’s own unique shops about which previous customers rave.
Potager’s and Other Stuff
The surviving child of the original Potager, Mesquite Street’s Potager’s Other Stuff is similar to an old-fashioned general store/coffee shop. The owner Cynthia Chippendale envisioned it as “a place of tranquility where you connect with and celebrate your community.” Menu and purchase options have been described as a Zen-like mix of coffee, snacks and gift items, like handmade greeting cards. In a 2016 article published by Dallas-Fort Worth’s local CBS, Chippendale told writer JD Ryan she loves the real connection with the community and its amazing people. 208 S Mesquite St
The Beef Jerky Outlet Arlington
At the heart of Lincoln Square Shopping Center, customers will find a self-proclaimed “unique and fun store,” The Beef Jerky Outlet. Unlike vintage or antique shops, this store does not sell trinkets or furniture. Actually, it sells nearly 200 varieties of jerky. These include products made from top round premium beef, turkey, ham, elk, buffalo, kangaroo, venison, ostrich, alligator and more. Additionally, or for the vegetarians out there, it also sells jellies, jams, spices, rubs, hot sauces, and novelty candies. Looking for a creative gift that won’t be duplicated? It might be worth checking this place out. 652 Lincoln Square
Rosa’s Pottery and More
Authentic Mexican pottery at Rosa’s Pottery and More never ceases to satisfy its customers. This handcrafted Talavera pottery works well for both outside gardens and indoor decoration or kitchen use. Word is, if you stop in, Rosa will work on a discount for you.
Right off Pioneer Parkway, this little family-owned and operated gallery/shop astounds visitors every time. 124 W Pioneer Pkwy #160
Wondrous Works Gift Shop
Known for its wooden handcrafted mugs and goblets throughout the U.S., Wondrous Works Gift Shop offers a variety of additional quality wood products to visitors who come in. The shop, another downtown Arlington gem, is also where the famous mugs and goblets are constructed.
However, Wondrous Works doesn’t end with its wood products. Renewed vintage pieces and beautiful original art and jewelry are big hits, too. Don’t have time to make it into the shop? The store, which also goes by Wondrous Works in Wood, also has an Etsy shop. 125 E Front St
Forever Young Records (just across 360 from the Arlington border)
Just across 360 from the Arlington border, Forever Young Records (technically at a Grand Prairie address) is too special not to mention. Named the largest music store in Texas, this unique record store sells both vintage and new LPs, cassettes, 8-tracks and CDs. Select music related posters and t-shirts are also among the 250,000 items available in store. 2955 S State Highway 360