I just had the pleasure of meeting one of the coolest vendors ever at "The Basement" (or us townies would refer to as the old downtown post office building). I came across the "Art by Kristina" store purely by happenstance on my first visit to "The Basement". The proprietress, Kristina Simkins, greeted me warmly as I came around the corner and stumbled into her wonderfully eclectic shoppe. I was drawn by a pair of dog-themed socks but wound up getting a cute air-plant (a little succulent looking plant that doesn't require soil to thrive-- just a little mist of water) in an adorable cat-shaped planter for my boss' birthday and an awesome copper necklace with mushrooms incased in glass for my niece. This store is a total find because Miss Kristina's art works are so unique and lovely that they would truly make more memorable gifts than anything you'd find in a big, box store. Plus, Kristina was a just an awesome person and a gifted artist; it was just fun talking shop with her. read more