​I have been into Addi's many times for a variety of different things. This time I decided to stop in and find out a little bit more information about how this cute boutique came about... And I thought you might like to know as well!

Addi's was opened in September of 2010 by Cindy Potts. Cindy had retired from teaching and decided that this adorable shop would be a great new journey for her. 

Due to the success of downtown Washington, she decided that there was a great market for opening up her own boutique. Other than Cindy, there is currently one full-time and five part-time employees. So, if you are needing help picking out some lovely pieces, stop by and see them!

Submitted by: Emily Underdown

Submitted by: Emily Underdown

Well hello, Washington! I am so happy to introduce myself to all of you. My name is Emily Underdown and I am currently interning with the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce. I will be here helping everyone in the office and sharing with you the ins and outs of all of your favorite Downtown places to visit! I  would like to tell you a little bit about me... But first, you probably want to see a face to match the name...


As you can tell, I couldn't leave my puppy out of the picture! I mean, look at that face!!

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​Now, onto more good stuff. I am graduating from Mizzou after I have finished my internship in June; however, I had the privilege of being able to walk in my graduation ceremony in December. In case you were wondering, yes, I cried... A LOT. I love Mizzou and Columbia will forever be my second home, but I am ready to move onto a new chapter! 

Along with being an intern with the Chamber, I am also helping get my mom's new business up and running! My mom has decided to reopen her photography business that she began in 2002 - Julie Underdown Photography. She has purchased the building at the corner of Jefferson Street and Third Street - you may remember it as The Inn, but you probably won't be able to recognize it in a few months! We are renovating it to be a beautiful building displayed with all of your families' heirloom photographs.
Julie Underdown Photography will be opening in Fall of 2018 and my mom cannot wait to meet you! 
​If you would like more information please visit julieunderdownphotography.com.

I'm saving the best for last... My niece and nephews. Their names are Elise, Henry, and Jude.
​These beautiful children bring me more joy than I could have ever imagined...

Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me! I hope to meet you very soon! 
                 
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​                                                                                                                                                                                                                - Emily

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Today I went into Plush Home & Fashion to take care of a little business and I couldn't help but be drawn in by the beautiful displays and wonderful staff. Kim, the manager of the shop, helped me and told me all about the history of the store... So here I am to share it with you!
​Plush Home & Fashion was created and is still owned by a mom and her daughter - Deb and Karissa Giffin. The Giffins are Washington natives who saw a fantastic opportunity to open up a shop in the heart of the Downtown area. This year in September will mark their third anniversary since their grand opening in 2015! As their slogan suggests, this cozy boutique offers a variety of home décor, furniture, and accessories that have a touch of old and a touch of new.
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​With their beautiful location in the Otto & Co. building on 127 Elm St. Suite 100, they have plenty of space to display their “Cottage Industry” – inspired designs to Downtown Washington locals like you and me and out-of-town visitors as well. Prepare yourself because trust me, when you walk in, you will not be leaving empty-handed! This small-town shop sells an array of options ranging from consignment pieces, local artists' designs, and their own selections of merchandise. This store has the goal in mind to, not only prosper within their own company, but promote local businessmen and businesswomen as well - it's a win-win for everyone. Don't worry, however, whoever decides to go in and shop is the ultimate winner!

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Plush Home & Fashion has made it a priority to be apart of several very special organizations in the surrounding areas. They have donated their time, efforts, and merchandise to help and raise awareness for these groups. If you would like to find out further information on their involvement, please feel free to contact them at 636.239.2700. 

To find out further information about Plush Home & Fashion please visit their Facebook page and Website.

​DON'T FORGET TO STOP IN AND SAY HELLO!

Submitted by: Emily Underdown

If you live in Washington, MO you are aware of most the activities offered here. But we are happy to say our events are getting noticed by others (without having to pay to advertising)! When attending events in Washington we hope you will also tell others about them and how much fun you had attending.
You will find a few of our fall events  and other Missouri events at this link --https://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/TheBLT/50FantasticMissouriFallFestivalsYouWontWanttoMiss.html
 
DON'T MISS A ONE!  THEN COME ON BACK AND COMMENT BELOW.
September 2017
· 9               Washington Brewfest
· 14              Music at the Market
· 22             Downtown’s Chili Cook-Off
· 23-24       Fall Festival of the Arts and Crafts
· 28             Sunset on the Riverfront
October, 2017
· 5               Taste of Franklin County
· 12              Music at the Market
· 28             Pumpkin Palooza
 

I know I have already had one post about Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob Pipe Factory, but I was there again today and just couldn't resist... 
When the Robinson Chain Saw Carvers are at our Washington Town and Country Fair they create amazing things.  I am sure the only thing that I could make out of a stump and a chain saw is saw dust, but on Sunday as the Robinsons are beginning to shut down operations there is always an auction of their great work.  I am always there helping with the auction and the paperwork, but also get drawn into the excitement of bidding.  I see the fantastic wooden carvings that they make with these high-powered saws, and fall in love.  That being said, I became the proud owner of a 3.5 foot, 200 pound ear of corn, with the word "Welcome" down the front.  
I took it home, and when I asked my husband to help me get something out of my van, little did he know what he was getting into.  "Nice." he said.  "Where are you going to put it?"  But I had a vision!  First I had him put it in a tub and then I took the next two weeks applying numerous coats of linseed oil (oh yes, I followed the directions.) Gary was a champ as he parked his truck out in the elements while my corn took his parking space in the garage.
Now finished I knew exactly where it belonged.  And once it was delivered and in place I saw that I chose the best home for my corn carving - Missouri Meerschaum's Museum!  I hope you think so too.  But before stopping by, give Marilyn and Phil a call at the pipe factory at 636-239-2109.  They will be opening the door for normal hours soon, so check out the new look of their little museum, and the great souvenirs in their retail area.  

If you were one of the few people not in attendance at the Washington Town & Country Fair, let me tell you - You missed out.  Despite a bit of rain and heat the fair was awesome!  I got to spend a lot of time shuttling people to and from the fair in our new Tourism bus, but still found a few minutes to spend with my granddaughters.  Seeing the fair through the eyes of a 4 and 2 year old children makes it that much more exciting.  The rides, the entertainers, the food  ...everything was appealing to them, except breaking for a nap.  This brings back so many memories of bringing my own children to the fair when they were young.  This Saturday all three of my children were there with the grandkids.  I was in heaven.  Even my own children at 37, 33, and 29 loved reminiscing all the years they spent at the Fair growing up.  
I am in my 26th year with the Washington Chamber and I have to say I still love my job. However, it is getting harder each year to bounce back from the "fair" hours. But I don't think I would change it for the world!

I just love when groups come to Washington and I am able to give them historical tours.  The group today was from Illinois.  The spent the day yesterday in Hermann, and then came to Washington in the evening to eat and spend the night.  Today it was my pleasure to spend some time with them as they learned about our great city!  The end of our 60-minute tour ended at the Missouri Meerschaum Pipe Factory.  It has been a little while since I last took a tour group into the little museum there, but it was worth the wait.  They have done a nice job renovating that area.  They have also added a sales area and AIR CONDITIONING!!  The history of the factory, Henry Tibbe, and the building were always great to hear, but sometimes got a little warm for the groups in the summertime, but not today!  Phil always does a nice presentation and Marilyn could not be nicer.  The group love it and their new purchases.  There will soon be set hours when this area is open to the public, but when it is, be sure to stop by.  I know you will be glad you did!

I had last Friday off and spent it with four wonderful friends.  We started out with the intention of grabbing a coffee downtown and then walk around.  Well Jennie and Grace was so welcoming we sat with our coffee and had some great quiche to boot.  Carla Poepsel and her FABulous baristas make you feel very much at home. Plus we loved browsing the books and gifts.  We could have stayed all day, since the coffee cups are bottomless.  ;-)  Seriously, we almost stayed long enough to order off the lunch menu. But that's what good friends do when they get together... and Jennie and Grace is just the place to do it! Go by at 219 W. Main and tell Carla I sent you!

Yesterday our 14 passenger shuttle bus was delivered!  Everyone in the office was so excited we had to lock the office for a few minutes while the boss did a once around the park with us before putting it to bed. I am thinking JB and I may need to sit on phone books to be seen above the dash. ;-)  Although it is here and I am super pumped about all the possibilities, we have much to work out before it is actually put into service. Bummer!  But we are definitely making strides.  Our plans are to use this strictly for tourism.  Giving tours to groups that come in and shuttling those visiting Washington around will be our main objective.  There will be a slight fee to help offset the costs, but I don't think anyone visiting will balk at that. So when you see our bus with tourist cruising around town, give them a welcoming Washington wave.