French Camp’s newest retail space, the French Camp Trading Post, will hold its grand opening this Saturday at 10 a.m. in downtown French Camp. There will be something for everyone at the grand opening with a bounce house, refreshments, giveaways and more.
Located behind the French Camp Welcome Center and the French Camp Post Office on Robinson Drive, the French Camp Trading Post offers unique finds, a place to relax, get a refreshing and energizing drink, and a style that can make anyone turn a head.
Owner Bo Kirby said this has been in the works for a couple of years, starting with a need in French Camp for people to get their hair styled and not have to travel to Ackerman, Kilmichael, or Winona.
“It’s been a conversation that’s been going on for a couple of year then COVID came, and that’s what really drove the hard salon,” he said.
Kirby said during COVID, people weren’t able to move around and had to shelter in place, which heightened the need for a salon in French Camp.
In the trading post will be Mile Marker 181, which is French Camp’s marker off of the Natchez Trace Parkway that will offer handmade crafts from those in the community.
“A lot of the items are from people in French Camp. Some people are woodmakers, make handmade items, jellies, people in the community that have great skill,” Kirby said.
He said the antique mall offers a space at an affordable price.
Then, there are 39745 Nutrition, French Camp’s nutrition shop, where people can stop in and get teas and shakes. Kirby said Taylor Cook would manage both Mile Marker 181 and 39745 Nutrition.
Then, there’s Cut & Dry Salon, which Lindsey Bruce and Shannon Stevens-Myers will manage. There will be a barber in the salon also, and they offer something for the entire family.
If you’re looking for a place for a quick layover on a bike route or to rest your head, look no further than French Camp Bed and Bike. Managed by Kirby, he said the idea came from those who may need a place to stay after biking the Natchez Trace.
Being that it’s downtown, they can grab a bite to eat and explore what French Camp offers. But, don’t let the name throw you off, it’s a quaint boutique bed and breakfast style with a place where you can wash your clothes and rest for the night.
