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Discover a Scandinavian Haven!
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Mount Horeb is unique and fortunate to have several fine specialty gift shops along Main Street, better known as the Trollway." Along with shops such as Russell's Woodshed, Olson's Flowers and the charming Olson's Christmas House, you'll find the distinctively ethnic Open House Imports at 308 East Main Street.
Open House Imports of Mount Horeb has established its over 40 year reputation of fine service by offering patrons Scandinavian gift selections which are both ethnically traditional and tastefully unique.
The brainchild of Lee and Nancy Vogel, Open House has its home in a whimsical 1893 Victorian manor on Main Street in the village, or as the Vogel's son, George, will tell you readily, "right on the Trollway."
Walking up to the historically restored and invitingly painted gingerbread porch, the first clue that we are surely in Norwegian territory is a large, ugly (except to his mother), but friendly-looking troll guarding the front sidewalk to the shop. He's part of Mount Horeb's history now - a reminder of the legends and artwork brought here from another time and place. His name is Troll Odin, the friendly fellow at the portal of Open House Imports, and he has enjoyed some fame as the first troll to take up residence along the Trollway.
Bright rosemaling, the folk art of Norway, frames the entrance to Open House Imports, and a step inside can be a casual stroll through an interesting gift shop or a mini course in the crafts of artisans from northern Europe.
Rosemaled wooden pieces remind us that early Norwegians decorated everything paintable from wooden spoons to wedding chests. Pewter pieces each tell a taIe - fiddlers and dancers, bridal parties and christenings, and ancient symbols passed through generations.
The jewelry of Norway also has its story. Sølje, made of shiny sterling, is a delicate and formal legacy from a time when preChristians believed the shining metal to be not only a sign of a wealth, but a deterrent to the kidnapping of innocent maidens by mischievous trolls!
Porsgrund Porcelain patterns from Norway are legendary, including Farmer's Rose and Hearts and Pines. A large addition to the side of the shop houses its crystal and china and it's fun to browse as the sun shines through full-length windows.
Open House Imports has long been famous for offering a large collection of BÃ¥stad clogs. Stroll back to the old summer kitchen and find the wooden-soled, leather- topped clogs. The staff will tell you Troentorps (formerly BÃ¥stad) are the only clogs they can wear consistently while working in a business which is open seven days a week.
Open House is the largest dealer in the state for the famous Tom Clark Cairn Gnomes and Woodspirits.and if you are looking for trolls, this is the place to come.
Open House Imports is also where you will find the area’s largest selection of the famed Dale of Norway sweaters. Ever since 1879 Dale of Norway has been producing high quality products and is today the largest manufacturer of traditional Norwegian knitwear. A Dale of Norway garment has a unique blend of design and fine craftsmanship, and it is an investment in nature’s highest quality, to be enjoyed for years to come.
Open House Imports is open all but four days a year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Easter). Normal hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From the end of October to the end of January, they close at 5 p.m., with the exception of weekdays from Thanksgiving to Christmas, when hours are extended to 8 p.m. for those who wish to get in a bit of holiday shopping. Visit another world – just minutes away.
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