by Lisa Schauer

Five brightly colored boutique spaces have popped up in a historic carriage house located at 99 N. Washington Street in Town of Bath.

Originally used as the town’s horse stables, the building has been reimagined as a tiny shop village. In the last 20 years, the building had contained flea market stalls and the area had been used for small vendors.

Tucked behind an alleyway, Carriage House Boutiques held its grand opening on Saturday, April 11.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, and cake was offered to visitors while a local musician entertained.

Shops displayed plants, baked goods, clothing and jewelry for sale.

A new blessing box donated by 304 Wild Hogs sits at the alley’s entrance.  Free cans of soup, beans, and other grocery items line the shelves of the blessing box.

“For those who are food challenged, we keep our blessing box full,” said Greg Schene, owner of Carriage House Boutiques with wife, Claire.

Mr. Schene, who is the town’s mayor, credited wife Claire for her vision of a tiny shop village.

He said they want to give people with small businesses and start-ups an opportunity for success.