Do you love antiques?  Antebellum architecture?  Exquisite stained glass?  Charming Southern hospitality?  Ghost stories?  Well, the hubs and I love them ALL, and were DELIGHTED to bathe in their splendor, this afternoon, at LuRosa Atkins Manor.  The home, located at 1002 South Franklin Rd. was built in 1852, pre-Civil war.  It is currently owned by Ed and April Atkins, who have lovingly restored it, and filled it with antiques and collectibles from a range of time periods, but focusing on the Victorian/Edwardian eras.  One of April’s loves is dolls and has over 50 on display.  Many are antiques, but some of the most beautiful examples she made herself.  Ed is a MASTER stained glass maker.  NO … really … A MASTER! (Check out the pics on this blog, and LuRosa Atkins Manor Facebook page.) He has been making these pieces for 62 years, and has installed windows across the country, and internationally.  Now in his 80’s, he STILL designs, creates, and installs commissioned pieces himself.  The home has many examples of his spectacular work   April encourages you to touch the glass, to really “connect” to the pieces.

This is not a museum.  It the Atkins’ home.  When you tour it, they are letting you get a glimpse into the history of the house, and the couple’s past and present.  If you take the tour, and don’t walk away feeling better about humanity, you did something wrong.

Admission is $8 per person.  Open W-Sat 11-5.  (336) 786-9122