Need a souvenir while in Paris, Texas? How about some specialty honey unlike any other you’ve ever tasted? How about some 100% organic facial products? What about a stuffed bear? Some specialty dip or artisan crackers? What about a unique one-of-a-kind Christmas ornament? If any or all of these things are on your list of items to buy while in Paris, then you definitely need to make Bee Sweet a must-stop shop on your itinerary. You will find everything you need and more.
Paris, Texas
My time in Paris, Texas was limited to only 2 days, but they were magical days. The charming and quaint town is a stop that should be on everyone’s United States list of places to visit. Though it may not be as overwhelming as the original French city (I would assume it’s named after), the town is quintessentially old-fashioned in its vibes, and you might even feel like Marty McFly stepping into Hilldale for the first time.
Co-owner of Bee Sweet Paris Gifts & Honey Boutique is a resident of the small town, and I had the opportunity to visit her shop while visiting Paris. Searching for a little souvenir, she was pleasantly chatty and wanted to learn more about me. Something, I’m sure, she does with any visitor who happens into her store.
She also told me a little history about the town of Paris. In her own words she says,
“Historic downtown Paris is on the national register of the best collection of vintage buildings between 1915 & 1917. After the fire of 1916 the town rebuilt with remarkable speed, and in December of 1916 a performance at the Grand Theater was held. The beautiful Culbertson Fountain in the Plaza
was a gift from JJ Culbertson to reward Parisians for rebuilding Paris back so rapidly.”
And I came to discover that any local I came into contact with while in Paris, had much to regale me with as far as the town’s history. Needless to say, there’s more to this tiny town than just the Eiffel Tower with a cowboy hat.
Bee Sweet
What’s there to do in Paris other than visit said Eiffel Tower? Surprisingly quite a bit. If it’s not eating that you’re particularly interested in (and if you are, there are so many restaurants to choose from), then there’s definitely shopping to be done. With loads of boutique clothing stores and antique shops, Bee Sweet has got to be the coolest place to visit and to get just about anything and everything you need.
With the shop having opened in October 2019, co-owner Glee tells me she opened the store as she wanted to combine Paris collectables and local honey into a fun gift shop. Partner in the venture is Elizabeth, who is just as enthusiastic about the store’s success as Glee.
“We are a 50/50 partnership. We began before Covid and remained open the entire time as we were an essential store selling food and organics. One of the few stores here in Paris that are open on Mondays. We are blessed and intend to keep going because we love our work and the folks we serve,” Glee makes a special point of telling me.
Their specialties here? You’ll find all kinds of brand names here for all kind of different merchandise. Including, but not limited to: Rowe Casa Organic Wellness, Tea Forte, Big Bend Coffee, Stonewall Kitchen, Bearington Animals, Hammond Candy, Frederick Farms, and Leanin’ Tree Cards. But wait, there’s more!
You will find an array of items at this gift shop, and just some products include hand-made honey, soaps, lotions, postcards and even jewelry.
Why They’re So Special
With a ton of Paris, Texas souvenirs, such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, keychains, magnets, maps, cutting boards, earrings, wine glasses, and more, it’s your one stop shop for all things Paris, Texas and beyond. Where else in town can you find a Parisian style hat and an organic bar of soap? Or a jar of organic honey and a beaded necklace for St. Patrick’s day? Probably nowhere else. I was so blown away here at Bee Sweet, I believe I was meandering around the store for well over 2 hours the day I visited. I bought food, took home souvenirs, and even some organic body creams. All in one place – which I can’t say I’ve been able to do often in life.
And in Glee’s opinion,
“We are the sweetest shop in Paris. We are the only shop that sells postcards, Paris t-shirts, honey infusions and creamed honey. We have the best postcards, magnets, glassware, t-shirts, playing cards, shot glasses, earrings, iconic Christmas iconic all featuring our Eiffel Tower with the red cowboy hat.”
With no surprise, when I ask her what her biggest selling item is at the store, she tells me it’s their Eiffel Towers, their t-shirts and Rowe Casa Organic Products. In fact, while I was in the store, Glee told me that their huge display case of Rowe Casa Organic Products sell out so quickly they are constantly having to re-order. Usually that’s an indication of a fine product.
With future plans, Glee tells me,
“We are always on the search for products made in the USA as well as Texas. We treasure handmade items.” Which is a fantastic thing to hear. Keeping things American made and handcrafted is always a plus for any privately owned business.
What I was most curious about at her store though was she and Elizabeth’s desire to sell organic honey and an organic skincare line. When asked to tell me a little more about each, Glee had no hesitation.
“Our local raw, unfiltered clover honey from over 450 hives in 5 different locations located in Lamar County, is from a second generation bee keeper. Rowe Casa Organic products are from a Texas family company. This product line grows each day with new items.”
But most excitingly, they are always on the lookout for new more local products to feature in-store. So there’s always something new around the corner, and to look forward to here.
I loved getting lost around this store! It was one of the highlights of my trip to Paris, Texas and honestly can’t wait to be back. Not only were the owners very kind and welcoming, but the products are some of the best I’ve ever gotten to learn about and admire.
Going home with one of my favorite souvenirs of my entire 3 week cross-country trip was the steel Paris, Texas Eiffel Tower with red cowboy hat on top. And when I have a day when I can’t live without chocolate, I will be indulging in the most delicious chocolate covered cherries I’ve possibly ever had in my life – Pinot Noir chocolate covered cherries! Have you ever even heard of such a magnificent creation?
I went home with 2 postcards, 1 of which is bigger than both my hands – which will both be great additions to my ever widening collection of postcards.
I was able to procure a couple of small gifts while at the shop too, and at Glee’s insistence, I am now the proud owner of the black Parisian hat you see me wearing at the end of the video.
So what are you waiting for? You know you want to visit Bee Sweet the next time you’re in Paris, Texas in order to get something sweet, something unique and something memorable.
Just make sure that when you do stop in, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
Get Lost with Lisa 