Showing posts with label gift shop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift shop. Show all posts

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Applause: Gelato and one of a kind gift shop to open next month in Franklin

Franklin residents are in for a sweet addition to their downtown Main Street this Spring.  Applause, a Gelato Shop and Unique Finds gift store is set to debut at 34 Main Street, the former location of The Spotlight Shop.

This is the first Gelateria to be offered in Franklin, and the only one within a 20-mile radius of the downtown area.  The aim is to offer a true artisan Italian-style Gelato shop in Franklin, featuring flavors that deliver unparalleled texture and taste.  In keeping with Italian tradition, Applause Gelato will offer authentic Gelato perfection in every bite with the use of the finest ingredients from around the world including Real Belgium Chocolate, Italian Nut Paste, Argentine Dulce de Leche, Alphonso Mangos from India, Sicilian Blood Oranges, Madagascar Vanilla, and more.  

The shop will offer eight flavors in rotation including vegan options.  Customers can expect to see classics like Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Cookies and Cream, and Coffee gelato, but also more complex flavor profiles, such as Bourbon Vanilla Apple Crisp, Roasted Banana Dolce de Leche, and Maple Roasted Butter Pecan.

Founder and Franklin resident Raye Lynn Mercer, who is the Director of the neighboring Franklin School for the Performing Arts, is an avid traveler with an affinity for European Culture.  Her 20+ years of annual travel to Europe with her teen sensation music ensemble, Electric Youth, was the impetus for her unique vision to offer an authentic, European dessert experience in the heart of our downtown.  “I hope Applause provides a unique experience for patrons and helps draw visitors to Main Street,” says Mercer.

Perhaps what makes this experience different from any other, is its fusion of artisan Gelato with artisan gifts within a one of kind retail space; a space which incorporates bold colors, eclectic exuberance, and European tradition with a modern flair. From copper ceiling and stools, to modern pendants and beautiful live edge counters, the shop features classic interiors that have been beautifully reimagined for today's taste, with a vibrant traditional European look.  

The concept and design of the space and management of the renovation has been under the direction of Marcie DiChiara and Kylie Bodiya of Franklin.  “It has been a thrilling opportunity to be a part of the creative design team for Applause,” DiChiara notes.  From inception to the final finishing touches, we really strived to created a particularly unique and inviting aesthetic.  I think Franklin residents will be excited to have this new addition in the heart of their downtown.”

Mercer adds, “Our goal is to marry the concept of a Gelateria with a unique, one of a kind global treasures gift shop.  The product offerings in our retail space will be made up of one off, custom curated, and hand-crafted pieces, specially selected for Applause.”  Inspired by her global adventures, her aim is to offer gifts such as jewelry, apparel, home accents and art pieces that are one of a kind, and never duplicated.  Mercer also plans to incorporate some local flair into the mix as well, drawing from local artists and creators who offer unique giftables and artisan treasures.

Applause will celebrate with a formal ribbon cutting by invitation on April 6th and will be featured at the annual Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX on April 7th.  Doors will open to the public on Saturday, April 8, noon – 4:00 p.m. 

Preliminary spring hours of operation will be Wednesday – Friday, 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, 12:00-4:00 p.m.  When you are welcomed into Applause, whatever you do… don’t call it ice cream!

Gelato and one of a kind gift shop to open next month in Franklin
rendering of "Applause" the new gelato shop downtown

Friday, November 19, 2021

Holiday Gift Dilemma? Check out the ornaments on sale at the Historical Museum gift shop

Historical Museum gift shop
Historical Museum gift shop

Stop by the Historical Museum gift shop for fun Franklin inspired gifts. From the beautiful ornaments of the Franklin Library and the Watering Trough, to mugs, pillows, note cards, and more. Looking for stocking stuffers? 

Visit the Gift Shop’s Lady Bug Corner and discover the Lady Bug’s connection to Franklin. 

Lady Bug Corner
Lady Bug Corner

Hosted by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum, the gift shop is open museum hours Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons 1 PM - 4 PM. 

Shop local! #thinkFranklinFirst #ShopFranklin

 

Friday, October 16, 2020

Franklin Historical Museum: November's News - getting ready to re-open

two new Holiday ornaments
new Holiday ornaments
We’re very happy to be able to announce that the Franklin Historical Museum will be open, with restrictions, as of Sunday November 1st.  The Historic Commission has announced the museum will be open with a limited schedule, once a week, on Sundays 1PM-4PM.  Stop in to visit our new and improved Gift Shop featuring new items unique to Franklin.  This year we have two new Holiday ornaments to add to your tree – depicting The Ray Memorial Library and the Downtown Water Trough in Clark Square, selling for $18.00 each.  Ornaments have been very popular and have sold out the past 2 years.  Be sure to get yours early before they’re gone. Other items added to the Gift Shop shelves this year are Hometown Candles, pillows, mugs and much more. The Gift Shop is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Profits go towards supporting museum programs.
 
Due to the ongoing Covid epidemic, everyone visiting the museum will be required to wear a mask. Guests will provide their name and contact information upon entering to allow for contact tracing if needed. There is an building occupancy capacity, so we ask that people are patient in the event we reach our capacity. Patrons will be able to look, read and observe, but will not be allowed to touch items in the museum for safety, and will be required to maintain social distancing. Please be aware that our research library will be temporarily closed to the public and we are putting a hold on physical donations to our collections for the time being. We thank you for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.
 
 
also available in the gift shop
also in the gift shop

Our limited schedule and COVID-19 protocols are a necessary yet temporary arrangement. As conditions change and improve, we will most certainly move to a more regular schedule. Our ever popular Second Sunday Speaker Series will hopefully return at some point early next year. Finally, workers have been measuring, cutting and hammering behind the scenes at the museum on the installation of a very intriguing and historically unique Franklin exhibit. More details to follow with an opening date for the exhibit to be announced. Check back here for more exciting details coming soon.
 
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Look for our Trivia Tuesdays the second Tuesday of each month on Instagram.  Visit us at 80 West Central Street, Franklin MA. The museum is ADA compliant and admission is always Free. Donations are gratefully accepted.