Shop Authentically Albany, Georgia
Posted on 11/15/2021 by Rashelle
Categories: Shopping
This season, shop locally crafted goods. Head to Albany, Georgia where unique boutiques showcase one-of-a-kind finds ideal for checking everyone off the holiday shopping list.
Shop local artisans as well as fair trade products from around the world at The Paisley Fig. Pick up a statement piece at Rebel Dolls, Envy or Blush and embrace boho style at Bandit and Babe. VisitAlbanyGa.com/shop
Pause for a boost at Cornerstone Coffee or Elements Coffee Bar for delicious lattes, mochas and more.
Shop authentic Albany products from artisans, Jarrett and Michelle Martin the talented Albany-based masterminds behind Rusty Cage Designs, a business offering handmade jewelry using quality gemstones, genuine leather and soldered pieces as well as custom handmade metal and wood lighting. Complementing the jewelry side of the business, Jarrett is dedicated to crafting lighting that is handmade to order. The business was born after the Martin’s 22-year-old niece, Jordan, passed away in a car accident in 2013. Feeling devastated and channeling his grief, Jarrett made a chandelier out of rusted metal parts from his grandfather’s farm. Inspired, he continued to make lighting and the dynamic duo began selling the pieces. The name Rusty Cage Designs was again inspired by the rusty metal Jarrett uses and the song “Rusty Cage” by Johnny Cash. The blue bird in the company’s logo symbolizes the couple’s niece. Michelle builds her offerings by making what she likes to wear, and she refuses to mass produce, citing Rusty Cage Designs as a hobby outside of working full time at an orthopedic office and raising two boys. The family also owns a landscaping business.
“I would definitely say between the two of us, being creative is our therapy,” says Martin. “My vision is just to continue being creative as long as we can, or as long as it’s still fun!”
After shopping, experience Albany like a local.
When they’re not crafting, the Martins enjoy locally owned Harvest Moon (Stewbos.com, 2347 Dawson Rd, Albany 31707), the community at Pretoria Fields, exploring Chehaw Park (Chehaw.org, 105 Chehaw Park Road, Albany, 31701) and the Flint Riverquarium (www.FlintRiverquarium.com, 117 Pine Ave, Albany 31701).
“Albany is home, our families are here. We both grew up in Albany. We moved away with schooling and jobs. We both made it back to Albany and have made our home here raising our family,” adds Martin.
To place a custom order, email rustycagedesigns7@gmail.com.
If you go
Complete the shopping getaway with a retro experience at Merry Acres Inn (1500 Dawson Road, Albany; MerryAcres.com), with its Southern historic charm. Catch up over cocktails at the Manor House Pub located at the hotel while live music on the hotel’s veranda fills the air with sweet sounds. TIP: Take the inn’s free shuttle to The Catch (2332 Whispering Pines Rd., Albany; Catch.Stewbos.com) for dinner. Start off with the best hush puppies the South has to offer! Order from their oyster bar–eat em’ raw off the shell or baked to perfection. For an unforgettable dining experience, take the complimentary shuttle to another Stewbos favorite, Osteria Italian Restaurant (629 N Westover Boulevard, Albany) where Old World Italian cuisine from chef Laura Piovesana with Albany’s The Italian Wooden Spoon joins forces with the tried and true Southern hospitality of Albany’s Stebows.