Located outside of Lewisburg off of Spa Road, Karen's Antiques and Gifts is not a place people will just happen upon and stop by.

But owner Karen Johnson said she hopes and believes people will be willing take a little drive out past Spa to visit her new store.

"I think people will make the trip because I know I would," Johnson said. "And Karen's Antiques and Gifts will have something for everyone."

From unique gift items, many costing $10 or less, to classic glassware and antiques, Johnson has something to fit every budget and need.

The first thing most visitors at the new shop will notice is the wonderful smell that greets you the moment you walk in the door. That would be one of Johnson's Candleberry candles. Johnson said she first discovered Candleberry candles when she walked into a store in Bowling Green and "smelled this wonderful smell." When she decided to open her own store, she knew those were the candles she wanted to sell.

Visitors will also get into the Christmas spirit as the store is currently decorated for the holidays. Johnson has many Christmas ornaments and decorations as well as Christmas trees. And many of the items in the store would make terrific Christmas presents. Some of the featured gift items include monogram soaps, garden flags, handmade jewelry by Cristi and greeting cards and monogram stationary by Custom Touch by BFranklin. Karen's also carries dips a party dip mix by Wind & Willow that Johnson said is "absolutely fabulous." And there are gifts for the younger ones in the baby section of the shop.

Johnson said she is especially proud to offer the monogram windchimes by Carson. These chimes have words and phrases on them and featured a monogram as well. They make great gifts for many occasions, including funerals and Johnson said they will deliver the chimes to any funeral home in Logan County.

Karen's also offers a variety of antiques, including a large selection of glassware and several unique furniture pieces including an entire dining room set and an old wicker desk for a girl's room.

"I've always loved antiques," Johnson said.

Johnson has lived in Logan County for 37 years and worked for many years at the Olmstead Post Office. She decided to take deferred retirement in April.

"I decided I was going to do something I wanted to do," Johnson said. "Something fun."

"I'd always wanted to be an entrepreneur and have my own business," she added.

Johnson said friends often told her she missed her calling and should have been a interior designer instead of a postal worker.

"I like to do my own thing and be creative," Johnson explained.

After retiring she began planning her new venture, going to auctions, shopping at the 400 mile sale and having a building constructed behind her home.

"It's been really fun," Johnson said.

In creating her shop, Johnson said she wanted to make it a place for people to come and have a relaxing and enjoyable shopping experience.

"Sit down if you want to and look at some of my antique magazines," said Johnson.

Johnson is hoping to welcome many people to her new store Saturday, Nov. 7 during her Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. After that, she plans to be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and by appointment.

Karen's Antiques and Gifts is located at 187 O.W. Harris Rd. in Lewisburg just off 106 West (Spa Road). To find our more call Johnson at 755-2150 or email her at karensantiques@loganele.com