Story written and photos taken
by Lin Stone.
© copyright 2003
by Browzer Books
Dustin Alexander is proud of the huge store named Romancing the Stone found at 350 Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs. Dustin is the manager there.
Lower your insurance
costs and add more protection. Compare what you have to pay now with
the family friendly values we find. American
Insurance Depot.
The store's success rocks on without him as we move along the
aisles. Customers who come in the door instantly begin to sway with the
music. It's kind of like they are saying, "Hey, we belong
here."
In spite of the street being all torn up outside -- young and old, rich and poor, the customers continue to swarm in. Their eyes dart from one exhibit to another as smiles light up their face. Inside are huge statuaries, like the huge gorilla behind the customer, and the dolphins, and the full sized lioness.
Once upon a time I was a professional importer of goods much like this. I know quality when I see it, and this stock is far superior to what was available when I was in the business.
One mother I asked to pose for a special shot LEAPED right out beside an anthropomorphic gorilla and presented a better pose than I could have dreamed up.
Good Luck Bamboo seems to be VERY popular this year. I waited a long time for a shot, and then I was so rushed that I almost missed it.
Look at that dragon behind the
bamboo. The craftsmanship and the detail are superb. Those
lanterns in the background are all the rage now and it is easy to see why.
Note the other statuary in the picture.
And right here, let me tell you about a free gift waiting for you at the bottom of this page. ALL these pictures, have been assembled in full size into a Browzer Books ScreenSaver that you can have for free.
This humble Buddha
is SO huge
It almost dominates the whole store.
These masks are made of carve stone.
What you see here is only a small part
of the WHOLE WALL display of stone masks.
Now, I want to make it clear that there are wood products here. There are some VERY beautiful wood products here. There are aisles and aisles full of finely hand-crafted wood products here at Romancing the Stone.
Romancing the Stone is stacked to the rafters with imports from around the world. This brand new rickshaw suspended from the ceiling is a symbol of the lengths Dustin Alexander will go to make his customers happy.
Ever new and ever wonderful, the store draws me back like a magnet. Every time I come, the displays are enhanced better than ever. I personally invite you to come in and meet Dustin's staff. I'm sure you will enjoy your visits as much as I do.
You won't ever need an appointment, but just in case you ever want to call, the phone number is: 501 623-1333
Thank you for reading thus far.
Lin Stone
Click HERE for your free ScreenSaver that Browzer Books has made from the full-sized photos I took of the shop.
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