10/10/2026
Downtown Spotlight: The Carolina Cottage!
After years of traveling back and forth between Delaware and Edenton, Don and William decided it was time to put down roots here. In January, they opened The Carolina Cottage, bringing with them the heart and soul of Not Too Shabby, their beloved vintage and home décor shop in Delaware.
Here, you’ll find a little bit of everything: vintage furniture, painted and up-cycled treasures, home décor, gifts, local goods, snacks, coffee, and plenty of color and character. William brings years of experience as a florist and a knack for giving old furniture new life, while Don adds his own artistic touch with beautiful handmade fused glass pieces.
But what makes The Carolina Cottage especially wonderful is the thoughtfulness behind it all. Don and William love supporting small businesses, local makers, woman-owned companies, and businesses that give back. From a custom coffee blend roasted by Edenton’s own Roanoke Roasting Company, to dog treats that support animal rescue, so many of the things on their shelves have a story of their own. The watercolor kits come from a woman-owned business in Washington, D.C., while some of their candles are made by a company that proudly employs people with disabilities.
As they put it, “When you own a small business, you get to choose those things. You get to make mindful decisions.”
That care and creativity extend to their plans for the future, too. Don and William are planning to offer creative classes in everything from fused glass and ceramics to furniture painting, giving folks even more opportunities to learn something new and connect with their community.
We’re so glad these two have chosen to call Edenton home, and we can’t wait to see all the wonderful things they bring to our town. Next time you’re strolling through, stop by The Carolina Cottage, say hello to Don and William, and explore a shop filled with creativity, character, and a whole lot of heart. You never know what treasure you’ll find!
The Carolina Cottage is located at 104 West Queen Street, and is open Thursday-Saturday 11-5 and Sundays 11-3.