Tippy Canoe at Lake Martin

A unique shopping destination filled to the brim with new and gently-used, lake inspired furnishings and home decor.

Just recently opening their doors in October 2019, owners Ken and Mimi Rush have delighted in watching a constant flow of shoppers experience the thrill of the hunt amongst repurposed vintage water skis, casual and designer furniture lines, rustic pottery, oriental rugs, Lake Martin signs, Tina Russell Douglass lake scene oils, John Denney photography, beautifully restored cedar strip canoes, and more. In late 2020, Tippy Canoe also began featuring artist Alex Jager with Flipside Fish.

Not only a fun shopping destination, the Tippy Canoe has fast become a gathering spot bustling with locals and vacationers alike. “It has been a thrill to see the same families stop in weekend after weekend to see new items that have arrived”, says Mimi Rush. “We even have a little dog that has visited so often he has become our store model for our popular Lake Dog bandanas.” The shop is also frequented by interior designers hunting for unique pieces, buyers who have recently closed on their new lake homes in need of furnishings, and city dwellers curating the perfect piece for enjoying home.

With an element of surprise, Tippy Canoe visitors will even find a large collection of beautiful, handmade christening gowns purchased from around the world and transformed into treasured family heirlooms available for purchase.

Cedar Strip Canoes Restored By Steve Ambrose

In keeping with the eclectic mix of goods, soaring above the christening gown display is a rare, 16-foot cedar strip canoe built in 1935 by canoe builder J.R. Robertson. The canoe was carefully restored by local canoe expert Steve Ambrose whose work on cedar strip canoes has long been in demand across the country. Mr. Ambrose and the Rushes found the perfect partnership in which to offer beautifully restored cedar strip canoes to the public. Several canoes have already been purchased and grace the walls of lake homes in the Russell Lands communities of The Willows and Windermere West.

From christening gowns to cedar strip canoes, Ken and Mimi Rush have finally put into action an idea they dreamed about for a decade. Frequent vacationers to Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina, their trips home to Lake Martin would be filled with conversation about how the concept of their favorite resale shops in North Carolina would fit Lake Martin. The perfect location arose last fall, and off they went. Both Ken and Mimi continue to build their full-time careers in addition to the ownership of their store. Mimi’s job as a real estate agent for Lake Martin Realty gives her an advantageous front row seat to see the demand people have for buying and selling lake home furnishings. An ideal combination.

Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm, or by appointment.

TIPPY CANOE AT LAKE MARTIN is conveniently located 7 miles north of Russell Crossroads, and 3 miles south of Alexander City.

EXPLORE ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL MAN-MADE LAKES IN THE COUNTRY.