With warm weather and other signs of spring finally appearing around Elizabethtown, it’s time to start getting back out after a winter of indoor activities. This means returning to the adirondack chairs around campus, tossing a frisbee with some friends on Brinser Field and, of course, visiting the shops in downtown Elizabethtown.
One shop in Etown is Trellis Marketplace, a haven for all things artsy. Located at 153 E. High St., it’s just a few blocks away from campus, making it an easy walk.
Trellis Marketplace is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Upon entering, the shop immediately gives off a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Much of the decor and items for sale have a vintage aesthetic that add a unique character you won’t be able to find at a big-box retailer.
Around the shop’s floor are items from many different vendors, all local to Elizabethtown and the surrounding areas. There is furniture and home decor, clothing, jewelry and functional items like mugs. It’s clear that each item is lovingly designed.
I took a specific interest in the wall near the door, which was stocked with stationery. Since I enjoy journaling, I decided to pick up some stickers to use. There was also a variety of greeting cards for multiple occasions and aesthetic sets of writing utensils, which I may have to go back for eventually.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for family or a friend, Trellis Marketplace might be a great place to start. Many of the products on display would make excellent unique gifts, and you can support a local artist at the same time.
The shop isn’t the only appeal for Trellis Marketplace. If you walk straight through the door, you’ll also find a lovely cafe called The Groovy Bean Cafe. It is located on an elevated platform above the rest of the shop, with its own tables to sit at and enjoy your food or to take a break and enjoy a refreshing beverage.
The cafe has a somewhat expansive menu, with many drink options as well as breakfast and lunch foods, all for what I’d consider to be reasonable prices. On Saturday mornings, until 11 a.m., The Groovy Bean serves their signature pancake tacos. There are five different varieties to choose from, and with one order, you can try out three different flavors or stick with whichever one you decide you like most.
I tried the “Elvis” variety, with chocolate chips, peanut butter and bananas, the walnut and maple syrup variety and the bacon, egg and cheese variety for something savory. They were all delicious, though I’d have to say the walnut and maple syrup was my favorite since it keeps the classic pancake and maple syrup pairing.
Though there were several people there that morning, the shop never felt crowded. I felt comfortable browsing and sitting to enjoy my pancakes for a while, which made the experience very pleasant.
