The Home Place in Melbourne is a beloved hometown store that offers a little bit of everything , all within its spacious 8,000 square feet.
Owned and operated by D.D. Traub, the store is a reflection of her vision to bring a big-town feel to a small town area.
Originally opening in Batesville in 2010 and re-locating to Melbourne in 2016, Traub and her team continue to bring unique items to the area.
“I wanted to accommodate where I grew up,” Traub stated. “I wanted a shop that anyone can find something in, no matter your age, gender or style.”
Walking through the store, it’s easy to feel the Christmas spirit from the lovely decorated trees, perfectly painted signs and ornaments, you can’t help but feel it in the air. 
Traub and her team of 5 employees are getting prepared for their annual Open House which takes place Thursday, November 21.
“We will have drawings for prizes”, Traub explained. “We will have giveaways, lots of samples of our premium mixes and hot Wassail.”
During the open house, visitors can “Build Your Own Door Hanger” for $42.99 and this includes a base, insert and custom bow.
“The door hangers are always fun”, Traub laughed. “They get one insert with the package, but if they would like more, they can choose as many as they want, and we provide a bow as well. It’s just perfect for the holidays!”
The Home Place will kick off the holiday season with their 12 days of Christmas beginning December 12. 
If you’re looking for custom gifts, The Home Place can help you personalize and design the perfect Christmas ornament right in the store.
“We have a custom-cut engraver year round,” Traub stated, “We can create for any holiday or event that you have, and my mom is the one who will paint them for you!”
The Home Place is also the only place in the area that has a full-time florist for any occasion, and features a curated collection of gifts and goods from HOBO purses, stylish clothing for men and women, unique glassware, candies, jewelry and more.
This store truly has something for everyone. 
Whether you’re looking for something special for the holidays, or simply browsing, this store has it.
For more information, visit The Home Place at 209 Main Street in Melbourne.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.