Shop within your Community For those of us who want shopping to be a joyous exploration, a little slice of heaven settled in Peachtree City last September. The new Mucklow's Corner, across from Braelinn Village in Peachtree City, provides everything for the good life.

_{Mucklow's Corner provides shopping for every occasion}

"There's good food, flowers and beauty in art and jewelry here," says Robert Mucklow, owner of Mucklow's Fine Jewelry, as well as the Corner. When designing the shopping center, the concept was to provide shoppers with an environment that would be naturally beautiful and peaceful - a comfortable place to get lost in.

As a craftsman, Mucklow believes that jewelry has much more value than the precious metals and jewels he uses in his designs. "Each piece is a symbol and represents a benchmark in a person's life," he says. "The sentimental value is much more important than the intrinsic value, just as the lifelong promise is the spirit of the wedding ring."

That's why Mucklow's custom jewelry is lovingly crafted with consideration for the person who'll be wearing and treasuring it. When someone puts on a unique piece of jewelry, they get a sense of their importance.

"Every piece we make is as unique as the person buying or receiving it," Mucklow says. "The entire experience here is personal. We interact with the customer to make sure they get exactly what they want."

Besides creating jewelry, Mucklow's Fine Jewelry also repairs and restores it. "Restoration is important to keep the memories alive," says Mucklow. "It's a meaningful part of what we do, keeping the symbols of one generation alive for the next."

You won't only find jewelry at Mucklow's shop. He also carries home décor pieces - one-of-a-kind pottery, wooden boxes, glass bowls and more - from American artists who share a high aesthetic sense.

On the other end of Mucklow's Corner is Virtu Ltd., a shop that blends fine art, floral arrangement, home décor and unique gifts into one sensual experience.

The scents of English garden blossoms mingle as you discover the treasures in every nook. You willl find
personal care products and gift items for all price ranges, as well as a wide assortment of hand-crafted ceramics, original art, sculpture and much more.

Owner Jennifer Hopkins criteria for stocking her shop is the same for creating her exquisite floral designs. "My focus is artistry and quality," she says.

At Virtu, Jennifer brings two of her
passions together - gardening and fine art. After working for upscale florists in Atlanta, she found that she preferred the artistic freedom of freelancing her talents. "I felt that I could do better work for my clients when I wasn't restricted by corporate guidelines," Jennifer says. Whether she's custom-designing a wedding arrangement or creating décor pieces for the home, Jennifer takes time to visit and consult with her clients.

Joining her at Virtu are her mother Lynne, daughter Katherine and younger sister Katie. "It's a family business that's family loved," Jennifer says.

And there's still more here at Mucklow's Corner. Between the Virtu and the jewelry store is Kegley's Fine Foods - a gourmet shop that carries everything you need to create a fine dining experience, whether you're serving 12 for dinner and packing a basket for the Amphitheater. Kegley's features high quality cuts of meat, fresh fish, imported cheeses and a wide selection of olives.

"We're the only place around that carries these olives," says owner John Kegley. "They're a real experience, nothing like the olives out of the jar."

There are delicacies here from around the world - Hungarian salami, mortadella, prosciutto and a fine selection of deli meats. Also featured are Bell & Evans chicken and a wide variety of lamb and veal, not to mention the mouth-watering cuts of aged Angus USDA choice beef steaks and roasts.

You'll also find the area's best assortment of rubs, sauces, jams, butters and dressings, as well as chips and dips that are out of this world. Got a sweet tooth? No problem. You can satisfy it with Kegley's imperial selection of cheesecakes, tarts and individual desserts.

At Kegley's Fine Foods, they're committed to providing you with quality, service and convenience at reasonable prices. "Our slogan is "Our Food, Your Home"," says Kegley. "We're here to help you make your home the best restaurant in town."

Shoppers have ever-expanding options to in Coweta and Fayette counties. A lot of the major chain stores are represented in the Pavilions in Fayetteville and Newnan, as well as the Avenue in Peachtree City. You can stop in several WalMarts and Home Depots in the area, or save on everything to foods to furniture at the new BJ's Wholesale Club in Newnan. But don't miss out on some of the more unique shops in the area.

Wild Birds Unlimited

Here's a store that will appeal to your wild side while developing your appreciation of nature. Wild Birds Unlimited carries products that are not only attractive, but will keep attracting flocks of colorful birds to your yard.

They offer a wide variety of birdfeeders, seed blends and garden accessories. You can choose from a selection that includes hand-blown glass hummingbird feeders, bluebird nest boxes, decorative birdbaths and melodic wind chimes.

Wild Birds Unlimited is a customer-oriented store. Owners Audrey and Bobby Harrelson stock supplies and guides for anyone interested in learning about birds. They're happy to lend advice and share in the excitement of watching new generations of birds flourish in the area.

Bird watching and feeding is a pastime that can be as inexpensive or extravagant as you wish. When they were first married 15 years ago, Audrey and Bobby shared a passion for outdoor activities. They were introduced to bird watching by their mother-in-law.

"It was a hobby we could afford at that time," says Audrey. "Now, our goal is to bring the fun of bird watching and feeding to Fayette and Coweta counties. We want to share the fun of the outdoors."

Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 100 N Peachtree Pkwy, in the Peachtree Crossing Shopping Center in Peachtree City; 770-486-1599; www.wbu.com/fayette.

Town Square Jewelers

Town Square Jewelers is the place to find the best in jewelry, fine collectibles and gift ideas. They travel worldwide to find the highest quality precious metals and fine jewels, then use their expertise to craft them into unique works of art. For a special gift, browse their selection of Armani, Waterford crystal and Lladro figurines. Visit Town Square Jewelers at 101 W. Stonewall Ave. or call them at 770-460-7787.