New specialty shops continue to move into the downtown area of Vicksburg and the latest includes a downtown food market.

Southern Cottage, which has been open about a month, held a grand opening last week at 1100 Washington St. The store is reminiscent of a general country store with unique handcrafted items that have Southern charm. From home décor to clothing, gifts and jewelry, Southern Cottage has something for just about anyone.

Owner Kay Monsour said she her goal when she came up with the idea was to “make it a farmhouse type of store.”

“I wanted the old Vicksburg feel,” Monsour said.

The shop is full of Mississippi-made products.

“We have the Grumpy Man salsa, who is originally from Vicksburg,” Monsour said. “We have a lot of products from Mississippi vendors.”

She said the items are not exclusive to the Magnolia State, with some products also including items from out of state.

“We have a little bit of all of it,” Monsour said. “But a lot of Mississippi made products.”

They currently have a full line of items to get your home ready for Halloween and the fall.

Southern Cottage also has a year-round Christmas section with lights, decorations, gifts and ornaments.

Monsour said there are a lot of nice specialty shops downtown, but what makes her business unique is the other half of the store known as the Green Door Market.

She and her husband Eddie Monsour live downtown and like many in the area longed for a grocery store, which the downtown area lacks.

“We thought it would be nice to have a market where people who live downtown can pick up the necessities, like bread, milk and eggs,” Monsour said.

Those items are available in the Green Door Market, as well as specialty items like Mississippi made jellies and honey.

By the first of November, Monsour said a deli and meat market will open to offer lunch meats, ham and baloney for sandwiches. And a butcher will be on hand to cut fresh steaks, rib eyes, filets, chicken and hamburger.

Southern Cottage is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 10-7 on Thursday. They’re also open 10-5 on Sunday and closed on Tuesday.

Green Door Market is open 10-7 Monday through Sunday and is also closed on Tuesday.

Visit their website, southerncottage-greendoor.com or call 601-638-5585.