Step across the threshold of AVONTUUR in downtown Homewood and you’ll double-check yourself: Am I in Africa? The Scottish Highlands? Or in the piney woods of South Georgia?

The answer to each is a resounding “yes.”

Located in the former Homewood Sporting Goods location, owners Luke Kolbie and Andrew Adams have repurposed the space to evoke the spirit of the Afrikaans-Old Dutch word for “a bold undertaking.” Kolbie shares that the store is named in honor of his maker-mentor, Gernot Schaff, whose Dutch ancestors have a farm with the same name, in Namibia. Schaff gave Kolbie his first hide and started him on his own maker journey; his Kingfisher Leatherworks company came out of this tutelage.

Conservation through craftsmanship

That independent spirit can be felt in every corner of AVONTUUR, where a vintage 1997 Defender 90 holds court in the center of the store’s interior. The rich aroma of Kingfisher Leatherworks beckons you to a display of weekender luggage, folios, wine totes and cartridge bags. A bespoke Overland Chest from Arkansas-based Julian & Sons practically begs to be loaded in the back of your Range Rover. Choose a pair of new Russell Moccasin boots and let Adams custom-fit your feet.

“We are taking these small purposeful companies with incredible quality but small margins, and making it feasible for them to have an in-store presence – AVONTUUR is where customers can feel the caliber of these goods for themselves – we are truly unique in this type of model.” – Luke Kolbie

For the discerning woman with a penchant for adventure, African-sourced ladies accessories (think handbags, jewelry, fur-fringed neck pieces) from Charleston-based Norton + Hodges are like a siren’s call. A curated selection of hand-knotted rugs from A Little Rug Shop anchor one corner while home goods – from lines like Red Land Cotton, Reed Classics, Williams Knife Company, and Smithey Ironware – ensure there is something for everyone here.

Custom-fit for community

But beyond the “things” in this 2,000 sqft. space, is the feeling of a created community, one that celebrates the makers of heirloom-level goods – people Luke and Andrew have met in their own travels and developed relationships with. As Kolbie shares, “this is where you’ll go to find unique, small-company products.” Pop-up events with many of these makers will be regular occurrences at AVONTUUR where hacking jackets from Kentucky-based Brit & Blue are side-by-side with upscale upland hunting gear from Hound & Hare. Paintings from Thomasville, GA-based Ron Thomson are more than décor; they want to grace your home.

The back portion of the old sporting goods store will be the production facility for many of Kolbie’s Kingfisher Leatherworks pieces. Customers can have items monogrammed on-site, wrapped and ready to go while hanging out on the tufted leather Chesterfield sofa, enjoying a complimentary coffee from local roaster DAYSOL Coffee Lab. Personally, we can’t wait to come and sit a spell and dream of our next adventure afield, outfitted to the nines.

ABOUT AVONTUUR

AVONTUUR is a new kind of retail experience, highlighting the world’s best craftsmen and women, Conservation Through Craftsmanship Coalition, and creating community afield. Located at 2941 18th St. S. Homewood, AL 35209, AVONTUUR offers same-day personalization and is now open Tuesday through Friday from 10AM – 6PM and Saturdays from 9AM – 4PM.