#DexterFirst Kathleen’s Treasure Cove By Nancy Nelson Vines

Kathleen’s Treasure Cove at 25 North Walnut Street in Downtown Dexter is like a mini-beach getaway. Owner Kathleen Dover says the color scheme of coral, yellow, various blues, and tan is meant to conjure up the image of water, sky, sun, and sand, and she chose to call her business a “cove” rather than a shop or store because one room leads into another, as a hidden island cove might lead a visitor to unknown delights. The seashore reference and name of the business are no accident—they reflect Dover’s long-time love of the ocean.

In fact, much of Dover’s life and philosophy are incorporated into the business she has owned for the past eight years. Kathleen’s Treasure Cove—Special gifts for special people, is the official logo of her store. A beach-themed sitting area complete with coffee pot and packaged snacks serves as the entryway to Kathleen’s. Visitors, as she fondly refers to those who patronize her business, are encouraged to “sit a spell” and share the treasure of friendship and pleasant conversation. “Kathleen’s is not just a place to shop, Dover explains, “it is a ministry more than a business.”

Dover’s boutique does harbor a treasure of merchandise.  Among some of her more unique items are Tervis Tumblers, wood wick candles, La’Paige Lipstick, and outerwear accessory items. She is the only retailer in Missouri to offer the La’Paige line. The Treasure Cove contains a book room where Bibles, sympathy books, and works by local and regional authors are available.  Dover promotes Southeast Missouri authors by sponosring occasional book signings in her store.

Her most popular item, which continues to sell throughout the fall and winter, is the Oofos line of flip flops, slides, and clogs. “People swear by this line of footwear, and I am one of them,” Dover says.  “I have customers who wear nothing else on their feet, year-round.  Some have had chronic back or foot pain, which they say has been relieved by wearing Oofos.  I order them regularly.”

Fashion jewelry is available at Kathleen’s, as well as local art, and a few seasonal items, such as holiday tea towels. An additional service provided at Kathleen’s is a private tanning area.  Tanning is available by appointment or walk-in and follows the regular store schedule. 

Kathleen’s Treasure Cove is located at 25 North Walnut and is open Tuesday through Friday 11:00 to 5:00 and Saturday 11:00 to whenever. Be sure to stop in Kathleen’s, which is  “More than a place to shop…a place where old friends gather and new friends meet.”

 

Pictured above Kathleen Dover displays her top-selling Oofos foot wear.

#DexterFirst Q’s Comics & Games By Nancy Nelson Vines

As its name implies, Q’s Comics & Games is a store that sells comics and games; however, what the name doesn’t tell you, is that this business not only sells merchandise, but also provides hours of entertainment and fun for those whose passion is gaming. “We hold weekly tournaments for our top three games, and maybe a few others,’ says owner Travis Quertermous. Three game rooms provide ample space for participants and on-lookers to actively engage in this popular pastime.

Quertermous says that his business springs from his own-lifelong interest, which is shared with his son Brandon, who is co-owner of the shop.  “About seven years ago we began attending ComicCon (comic book convention)  as a hobby—I have been reading and collecting comics my whole life—and a couple of years later began buying and selling comics. 

Q’s has a room totally devoted to old comic books.  In the Back Issue Room prices range from one dollar to five dollars, with the oldest comic dating to 1945. New comics are also available, and new issues are received weekly.

In addition to comics and games packs of collectible trading cards are sold, as well as paperbacks, vintage toys, and action figures.  They also carry T-shirts and posters. “We don’t carry video games and we don’t deal in sports merchandise,” the owner added.

The board games found at Q’s are not what is typically available in the big box stores.  Q’s caters to the special interest offering classic games with a pop-culture twist.  Among the most popular are Monopoly—The Walking Dead; Clue—Harry Potter; and Battleship—Pirates of the Caribbean.  “The best-selling board game is Munchkin, and we have a monthly “Munchkin Day,” Quertermous noted. Our most popular role-playing game is Dungeons and Dragons.”

You will find Q’s Comics & Games: Your one-stop shop for comics and collectibles, at 222 North Walnut in Dexter.  Their business hours are noon to midnight Monday through Friday, and 10:00 to midnight on Saturday. Sunday hours are noon to 5:00.

Pictured above are owners, Travis and Kelly Quertermous.

#DexterFirst  Ted’s Sport Shop By Nancy Nelson Vines

Located on West Business Highway 60, nestled between a hair salon and furniture rental company, is Ted’s Sport Shop. Ted Denkins has been in business in this spot for 45 years, and his parents owned a TV repair shop there before that.  “All told,” says Denkins, “my family has occupied this building for about 63 years.”

Ted’s Sport Shop was originally a bait and fishing tackle business that he began with his brother-in-law; however, bait shops quickly became popular in Dexter, so Denkins decided to change the focus of his store.  An avid competitive archer, he began to merchandise archery equipment rather than fishing.  

Denkins and his brother Bill participated in Olympic-Style competitions for many years.  One wall of his business is lined with awards attesting to their skill in this physically demanding sport. “I still bow hunt, but no longer enter the competitions”he said.  “Both Bill and I shot at the trials for the 1980 Summer Olympics, which were to be held in Moscow.  Bill made it, but I did not.  Sadly, though, that was the year the US boycotted the Olympics because of  the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. They held a SportsFest in Texas instead.” Denkins recalled. “It wasn’t the same.”

Ted’s Sport Shop carries all types of new and used bows, arrows, hunting accessories, and some hunting apparel. In addition, he repairs bows and makes bows and arrows. “I’m not as fast as I used to be,” he says, “but I’m better. I’m still learning.”

Ted’s Sport Shop is located at 109 West Business Highway 60 in Dexter. Business hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 to 5:00 and Saturday 9:00 to 1:00.

Pictured above: Ted Denkins has been in business for 45 years.

Ted’s Sport Shop is located at 109 W. Business Hwy. 60 in Dexter.

#DexterFirst Lucas Florist  By Nancy Nelson Vines

Lucas Florist has been in Dexter for over fifty years.  Today it is owned and operated by Dexter native Derek Medler, who began working in the shop as a teenager.  “I began working for Katherine when I was 15,” Medler recalled.  After graduating from Dexter High School in 1992, he earned a degree in interior design from the University of Memphis.  “I worked in landscape design during school and after graduation, but when the opportunity to buy the shop was offered to me, I came home.”

During his fifteen years at the helm of the business, Medler says that his main goal has been to maintain the high quality and integrity that customers have come to expect from Lucas Florist.  “I try to keep Katherine’s traditions—products and trends change, of course, but interesting, new floral design and good customer service never go out of style. I enjoy coming up with design ideas that aren’t on the internet or Pintrest.”

Lucas Florist, located at 425 North Walnut, is a full-service florist offering funeral flowers, wedding planning, and custom home and business decorating.  In addition to fresh and silk floral arrangements and home décor items, a variety of gift items are also available. The business hours are 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday and 9:00 to noon on Saturday.

Pictured above: Derek Medler has owned Lucas Florist for fifteen years.