Column: Shorelines

Courtesy of Bob Davis

Misty Glade Antiques carries an eclectic selection of vintage antiques and collectibles. Owner Donna Anderson has been closed for much of the winter because of inclement weather. But shoppers can find her wares online at www.MistyGladeAntiques.com.

With the exception of grocery stores, record amounts of snow this winter have had a negative impact on many businesses around the lake. Donna Anderson, owner of Misty Glade Antiques in Union Hall is one business owner who's been able to have her shop open only for a brief time since the first snowstorm hit the area Dec. 18.

"Business had been pretty good up until the snow before Christmas. Because of where I live, it doesn't take much bad weather to have me stuck," said Anderson, who lives on Smith Mountain near Sandy Level and doesn't own a four-wheel-drive vehicle. "I've been closed so much this winter that I'm afraid people will start to think I've gone out of business."

About four years ago, Anderson opened her antique shop directly across from the Whistle Stop on Virginia 40. The store offers an eclectic mix of antiques from all styles and periods -- from Victorian, Federal, mission and primitive style furniture to porcelain, cut glass, toys and collectibles.

Anderson said she had never really liked antiques that much and admitted she wasn't at all into learning about history. That is, until she bought an old lamp some 30 years ago and started going to estate and tag sales and buying different pieces here and there.

"I think once it gets in your blood, you're doomed," she said. "The more you do this, the more styles you enjoy and appreciate."

Now, when she buys a piece, she'll spend hours researching it. She also has a list of people she relies on to help her. Both can determine the price point of a certain piece.

"I try to prove that I'm giving a very good deal," said Anderson. "And everything is negotiable."

Some of the more unusual pieces to have come through her shop include a sailing ship wheel from the 1880s.

"It's 67 inches across and it's huge," said Anderson. "It's the biggest I've ever seen."

Other antiques that Anderson has in her store include a walnut Norfolk and Western Railroad partner's desk, an 8-foot walnut Eastlake railroad bench and a two-piece primitive cupboard with original green paint.

Recently, Anderson began accepting consignments, which has helped boost her bottom line. Since the store is Anderson's only source of income, she's eagerly anticipating being open on a regular basis again soon. In the meantime, Anderson is hoping that shoppers will browse the items available on her Web site at mistygladeantiques.com.

"I'm really sorry I haven't been open this winter," said Anderson. "I'd be tickled to death if people would come see me when the weather breaks."

When she's not able to get off the mountain, Anderson, who moved here from Colorado "a long time ago," spends time taking her five dogs on long walks while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. In fact, the name of Anderson's store came from where she lives.

"When the weather is just right, we get a lot of mist and fog," she said. "And our garden spot is a glade near the woods."

As Anderson hunkered down for yet another snowstorm to bombard the lake region earlier this month, she said when the weather breaks and she's able to open the store, she plans to have a winter clearance sale.

Anderson encourages shoppers to call ahead before stopping by the store. Winter store hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 576-1009 or 588-7194, customer.service@mistyglade antiques.com.