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Couple Cobbles Store Of Finds

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By MICHELE SAGER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

WESTCHASE - After years of roaming the country for unique decorating items, Allen and Cheryl Mardis have decided to bring their treasures to Tampa.

The Westchase couple recently opened The Cobbled Path, a home decor store featuring "Southern Living" type items.

"We traveled to places like Atlanta, Charleston and New Orleans for items you can't find here," Allen Mardis said. "We would get so many comments from people about our own home that we decided to bring those goods to Tampa."

So the couple took an early retirement and decided to turn their love for upscale decor into a business. A stroll through the store reveals the varying treasures the couple has found.

One room features garden items such as terra cotta pots and detailed statuaries. A bedroom shows carved furniture pieces and fine linens. The dining room features candles, place settings and ornate crystal. The store also has a nursery that carries baby items including handmade clothing.

"We try to offer some of the finer made items that people want but can't find locally," Cheryl Mardis said. "For example, we offer a full line of Claus Porto soaps that are specially made to retain the scent through the entire bar."

The store plans to have a grand opening this weekend.The store is open six days a week but will schedule appointments for hours not posted.

THE COBBLED PATH

Location: 12631 Race Track Road

Phone: (813) 813-814-9490

Web site: www.thecobbled

path.com

Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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