By Pam Teel
The Perennial Home store, now located in Allentown, NJ, is a shop that every town would crave to have. It’s draw, a small-town atmosphere and sidewalks to stroll, gives it even more of a special charm, lending Karen West’s unique shop a natural part of the landscape. From the millpond, with its many waterfowl inhabitants, to the Old Mill, to the nearby scenic Presbyterian church and towering steeple; with gravestones dating back to the revolutionary war, Allentown paints the perfect picture of a place frozen in time.
It’s a town that Karen and her husband Jack have called home for the past twenty-one years. A municipality seeped in a rich history, complete with historic homes, dating back to the seventeen and eighteen hundreds. Many of these period homes along South Main Street not only house residents, but thriving businesses, as well.
The area was originally populated by the Lenni Lenape Family of the Delaware Tribe of Native Americans, and then founded in 1706, when Nathan Allen purchased a tract of land from his father-in-law and established a small community. Allentown became a key location during the year long battle for the Delaware River and as a strategic route during the Revolutionary war. Today, the residents of Allentown strive to keep the town just like it was centuries ago. Their love for their history is clearly evident. Its shops reflect the ambiance of its historic town.
Perennial Home opened in 2002 in Hightstown, NJ, showcasing Karen’s extensive background in Visual Merchandising and Interior Decorating. She was at this location for the last twenty years.
Seeing a chance to bring her business to her hometown, Karen and her husband celebrated their ribbon cutting at 24 South Main Street, along with Allentown Mayor Tom Fritts, and the artists, during a ceremony on May 1st of this year. Perennial Home brings a plethora of home furnishings to the customer, including; candles, home fragrances, vintage items, personalized gifts, baby items, accent furniture, lamps, permanent botanicals, seasonal gifts and décor, jewelry, and so much more. You will just have to come and see for yourself!
What makes the shop even more unique is the eclectic collection of work done by local artist and craftsmen. Included in the mix are, paintings, hand- made jewelry, children’s books by local authors and local illustrators, crocheted baby clothes and toys, handmade cards, wildlife photos, and many other one-of-a-kind items. The collection is always changing with the seasons, so you will continually find things to select for seasonal decorating.
What sets Perennial Home apart from the other shops is the owner herself! One can tell that Karen is very passionate about her store. It’s no wonder her Hightstown clientele followed her move to Allentown. Karen is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day! She loves engaging with the customers. Whether you are just coming in to browse, or looking for something special, she will go the extra mile for you. You might come in as a potential customer, but you leave as her friend.
Come one, come all! If you’re looking for that one of a kind gift, or just want to spend the day browsing, you won’t be disappointed. Check out Perennial Home at 24 South Main Street, Allentown. Parking in front or in rear of store. Also come and check out the Allentown scene. Don’t forget to bring your camera. The town is quite enchanting! Make it a day and take a Fall walk through town. Allentown hosts many different events throughout the year. You can check out all events on the town website.
The Perennial Home store is accessible from most major central New Jersey highways. Routes 33 ,130, 195,537, 539,524 and 526, as well as exit 7 of the turnpike. For more information, you can visit their website at: www.perennialhome.com.
Hours- Monday – Saturday 10 to 5/phone number- 609- 448-8830
Sundays (after Thanksgiving in December & special events) 12:30- 4 pm
Email- perennialhome@verizon.net
facebook- @perennialhomenj
instagram- @perennialhome