
Debbie Dykes, owner of River Mountain Antiques and Primitives in Downtown Kingsport, taught the first and third grades at Mount Carmel Elementary for 30 years. Upon retiring, she decided that it was time to realize another one of her dreams, which was to own her own store. It was then, in August 2008, that she first opened a little shop on Commerce Street in Kingsport and named it River Mountain Antiques and Primitives. In just one short year, she has come a long way, including moving to a much larger space on Broad Street in Downtown Kingsport.
River Mountain Antiques and Primitives got its name from the River Mountain in the Christian Bend community of Hawkins County. The shop even features various primitives made from salvaged downed trees in the community, as well as from an 1800’s log cabin. In fact, Debbie’s husband Reed makes primitive furniture and does carvings for the store. For example, he makes exquisite stone tables that can be used inside or out.
River Mountain, a locally owned and operated shop, carries an absolutely huge variety of both antique and current merchandise. You can fine some truly nice antiques and vintage clothing along with vintage bamboo fishing rods and reels, decoys, and collectible vintage pewter pieces. In addition, they have a great selection of ha
ndmade jewelry. They also have candles by Meadowview Candle Co. and warm-glo oils in every scent imaginable. You can even find candles and tart warmers celebrating the University of Tennessee. UT fans can find hats and other paraphernalia, as well.
Great foodstuffs can be found for your next party or even for a family dinner or TV night. Debbie believes in supporting other small businesses, which is one of the reasons that she carries products by Evelyn McGlothlin of Clay, West Virginia. The line of products known as “Ordinary Evelyn’s” is anything but ordinary. The Rhubarb Strawberry Jam, for instance, can be used on your morning toast or to flavor your favorite homemade milk shake. (You will also want to try Wild Elderberry Jelly, Berry Berry Jam, Cranberry Walnut Jam, and the Apple Butter.) You can find flavors for cheese balls and dips, including: Dilly-Dill Dip, Fiesta Chili Cheese Ball Mix, and Orange-Almond Cheese Ball Mix. (By the way, if you live out-of-state and would like to order some of these and other items from Debbie, just give her a call.)
When Debbie made her recent move into her new location, she also added new clothing lines. You can
now find outfits by Sacred Threads, Willow Sweaters, Match Point Linen, Big Sky Western Wear, and Double D Ranch. All of these lines are offered at prices much less than those found in the larger department stores. Furthermore, Debbie was able to include original artwork by area artists, including watercolors by Brenda Bundrant, watercolors and acrylics by Margaret Helvey, and window art by Samantha Pulver.
There is far too much to be found at River Mountain Antiques and Primitives to be able to mention it all here. (I have not even gone into the fact that they now have custom embroidery by Prom Pro & Just Emma’s, an in-house decorating service, and a home staging service.) You will just have to visit the shop for yourself. If you do not live in the area, then visit their blog at: River Mountain Antiques and Primitives. (Locals can learn of upcoming specials and new arrivals.) River Mountain also has layaway, which can come in quite handy as the holidays approach. Prices are extremely reasonable, and the service is exceptional -- just more reason to visit them regularly.
River Mountain Antiques and Primitives is located at 120 Broad Street in Downtown Kingsport, Tennessee. Hours are Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed Sunday and Monday.) You may give them a call at 423-247-8663. Also, you can follow them on Facebook.
For reviews of River Mountain Antiques and Primitives, see:
Dena’s Place
Dena’s Excursions
Yard art and more from locally-owned businesses ... River Mountain Antiques & Primitives
For more info: If you are interested in having your small business profiled by the Tri-Cities Small Business Examiner, just send me an email at: dena.bolton@gmail.com. Also, you can follow me on Twitter and Facebook. See my other articles at: Nashville Gardening Examiner and Associated Content. For additional information on area small businesses, visit Dena's Place.