By Kitsy Rose
One of Intown’s best-kept secrets has revealed itself not only as the last independently owned, old-fashioned hardware store, but also as a place to buy gifts for the holidays.
Intown Ace Hardware at 854 N. Highland Ave. in Virginia-Highland is a go-to when it comes to repair needs, but the store is living up to its well-known tagline, “Ace is the place,” by adding unique gift and garden items.
“We decided to enhance the garden and gift department last year upon noticing that the area was lacking gift options at the time,” said owner Doug Eifrid. “Our garden manager, John Robinson, has made it a priority to find unique as well as some locally made items to create a boutique of sorts in our expanded garden area.”
Handmade jewelry and locally designed ceramics complement high-end tools from Burgon & Ball. Colorful pottery pieces from Chive mix well with burlap pillows from Park Hill and glass bird bowls and feeders from Evergreen. Collapsible and colorful Presto buckets, Mad Mats, Yo Sox, Peepers reading glasses, Tula Hats and more can all be found in the store.
Step outside into the large outdoor garden area and you’ll find teak tables and benches, outdoor dining chairs, weatherproofed pillows, colorful and decorative signs, pots in all shapes and sizes and gorgeous plants, trees and succulents.
There are also wreaths, ornaments from Christopher Radko and many more seasonal items.
Known as Clements Hardware until brothers Doug and Joe Eifrid purchased the store in 1979 and changed the name to Intown Ace Hardware Atlanta, the building was originally opened in the 1940s – making it the oldest continuously running hardware store in Atlanta.
To this day it remains a family owned and operated business as sister Suzie handles the bookkeeping and Doug’s son, Micah Eifrid, serves as general manager. The building was expanded in 1989 to accommodate a full line garden center including plants, tools, mulches, chemicals and fertilizers.
For more information, visit intownaceatlanta.com.