December 13th, 2009
Princess Anne, Maryland…Delaware Beaches…Ocean City, Maryland…Petite Fleur…
Independence Hall
It’s funny how I am going away from my beaches in the next 3 posts, but I think it is worth it. You will learn that the businesses are still on the Eastern Shore and near the water, as well.
Remember when last Tuesday I started my road trip in search of Dee’s Santas? I wrote about it on Wednesday. Well, I got lost a little bit and ended up in Pocomoke, Maryland. My intended location was to be Princess Anne, MD. And, I found it!!
Princess Anne is one of those little hidden gems. I had never been there, but it is a historic town. It was settled in the 1600’s and is at the headwaters of the Manokin River. This river drains directly to the Chesapeake Bay and it is approximately 15 miles long. The town was chartered in 1733 and it was named in honor of King George II’s daughter.
The town is so quaint; if you have an interest in architecture and history; a love of gardens, then you would love to visit Princess Anne and enjoy the tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks. The way they have fixed the sidewalks and crosswalks, reminds me of Lewes, Delaware, another gem.
Princess Anne is a distinctive town where Colonial, Federal and Victorian houses, along with churches, gardens and public buildings have been preserved. This is Somerset County and it is Maryland’s southern most county. There are fishing communities, summer homes, marshland and wilderness. You will find, mostly, agriculture and forestry, this contributing to its rural character.
The store I was looking for was Petite Fleur. It is located on 11779 Somerset Ave., Princess Anne, MD 21853. Tel. is 410-651-4999. The website is www.la-petitefleur.com. Somerset Ave. is the main street and the center of town. If you are in Salisbury all you have to do is go South on 13 about 15 minutes and you will see signs for Princess Anne. From the Delaware Beaches is about one hour and 20 minutes.
Petite Fleur is located in the historic Independence Hall building. It was a Victorian Era hotel and theatre and in 1929 during its theatre years, people came to it to see and hear the first talking picture show. The Historical Society and gift shop reside in this building, as well.
Charlotte Sterling Sharf is a partial owner of Petite Fleur along with Jenninfer Alder. Charlotte also owns the building and is responsible for its restoration. Her great eye for detail has restored tin walls, wainscoting, and the building is just plain elegant.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this store. Dee’s Santas and bags were there, but the store offers so much more. Its collection of Somerset County art is beautiful.
Petite Fleur has gifts that will help you give that finishing touch in your house. If you do need help in decorating, they also have design services available. Lots of specialty foods and items for everyday living. Olive oils from Spain, beautiful soaps and candles. Some of the items available at the store and soon to be on-line are: Alexa Pulitzer Stationery, Bella Cucina, Persian Rugs, and art. You can visit their website and see what they are all about. Charlotte told me that everything in the store is for sale. She was gracious in giving me an explanation about the building and the stores that are in it.
So, at this time of the year, when everyone is coming and going, I really felt relaxed and at peace visiting this welcoming and unique town. I do want to go back and explore it a little bit more.
Information for my post was taken from: Http://archive.constantcontact.com, www.state.Md.us, http://dnr.maryland.gov/greenways/counties/somerset.html
Dee's Santas
See you later…
Tags: Delaware Beaches, gifts for the home, Ocean City, Princess Anne, review, Reviews, Shopping
I enjoyed reading your article. Princess Anne is a nice place to visit. Thank you.