Open for business...

When we first learned we would be staying in Stow, we became concerned because we were under the impression the Old Schoolhouse would be outside the village. Not having planned to rent a car, we were quite concerned about how we would even get groceries! However, the leasing agency put our minds at rest by reassuring us that it was the village proper, not a mile or more away as we had been led to believe.

Of course we have since rented a car, but when we only need a few groceries we still walk to the Co-op in the Town Centre (less than 10 minutes) or we drive to Tesco if we have heavier things to carry. It's easier to walk to church and everything else in the village. I've snapped a few photos to show you some of the businesses in Stow.

Obviously, you won't find any Walmarts or Targets here but locals can get most anything they need with a pharmacy, post office, clothing shops, hair salons, a couple of grocery stores, tea rooms, etc.

"downtown" Stow - pharmacy on left

grocery store handy to our apartment

womens and mens apparel

love the hats!

driver recommends this candy shop, says other is "rubbish"

frock shop?

Stow volunteer fire station

weekends bring out the tourists

nicely outfitted kitchen store

old spot rolls, pasties, steak & kidney pie, scotch eggs, faggots?

Stow hosts several hotels, pubs and tea rooms

Hope you've enjoyed a bit of "window shopping" around Stow. I really don't buy anything here except groceries because anything I buy would have to fit in my suitcase. I did pick up a set of antique spoons (for tea) at a sale this past weekend for 7 pounds (under $12 US). The lady I bought them from estimated them to be from the 1920's or 30's. It's probably a good thing I don't have more room in my luggage!