Couple's Love for Antique and Vintage Home Decor Brings Something New to Trolley Barn

Frankfort residents might recognize Carrie Mitcheff.

The Manhattan woman spent years at the helm of McEnery family businesses, namely Steamboat Hot Dogs and The Creamery, before recently beginning to chase down her own dream.

Mitcheff and her husband Josh have always enjoyed shopping for vintage and antique home decor items as a hobby, but last fall decided to pursue it as a business. The pair began frequenting estate and garage sales, scooping up unique rustic home decor items—antiques, vintage pieces, and items made of reclaimed barn wood—to sell at their own shop in downtown Frankfort. The Rustic Barn opens Saturday, April 11 in its location inside the Trolley Barn, 11 S. White Street.

The shop had always been an ambition for Mitcheff, but one they intended on waiting until retirement. Last fall, local business owners nudged them not to wait any longer.

“I’ve run businesses for other people for a long time,” Mitcheff said. “I figured it was time I started running a business for myself.”

Inside the Rustic Barn, Mitcheff’s personal touch is everywhere. Shoppers will find a mix of handcrafted items, one-of-a-kind antiques, and craft goods from local vendors. Hand-poured candles and The Urban Rooster homemade chalk paint sit on tables hand-painted by Mitcheff, and customers check out at a counter made of reclaimed barn wood—built by Josh himself.

“I just love looking at a piece of wood, seeing what it should be, and making it that,” Mitcheff said.

“When I was younger, I always thought I would be a decorator.”

As Mitcheff began scoping out areas for the shop, she found a sense of belonging in downtown Frankfort.

The Rustic Barn seems to fit right in, tucked into The Trolley Barn by niche shops as Down Home Guitars, The Paper Spot, White Street Cafe, and KidsWork Children’s Museum.

“I just can’t believe I’m here,” Mitcheff said. “Who doesn’t love downtown historic Frankfort?”

The items are as special to her as the location.

“It’s kind of hard to say a favorite piece because I love so much of it,” she said. “I love every single piece. I don’t know how I’m going to let it go.”

The Rustic Barn opens for business Saturday at 11 a.m.

Regular hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Closed on Monday.

Follow them on Facebook for sneak peeks at items and news on MItcheff’s latest finds.