This is such an adorable shop, full of items sure to contribute to a world-class, delicious meal!…read more I explored New Albany for a bit today and wandered into Underground Station and into The Olivet. This store is small, but it's filled with so much. I loved the balsamic vinegars and olive oils that line two of the walls. Each type is available to sample from large, steel dispensers with a spouts. That's how I fell in love with the raspberry balsamic vinegar. It's sweet and rich, with a bit of tart. The shop owner came over and explained to me how she sources both the balsamic vinegars and olive oils from California. Some of the balsamic vinegars are thick and dark, like molasses. That's because they have been aged for 20 years. Others are much thinner and lighter and are younger. There are benefits to both. Maybe this is a sign of me becoming more refined in my culinary preferences, but I would have never geeked out over some flavored EVOO or BV when I was younger. In the past, those were the cooking ingredients relegated to the back of the cabinet or as the almost silent back-up singers of a dish. But I've grown to love tasting all the varieties and learning how best to use them, such as in cooking and on salads or even drizzled over ice cream. The Olivet also has a wall of spices, including special spice blends. These. Smelled. Amazing. Can't wait to try the "Napa Valley Blend" I came home with. This shop also sells lotions, body products, artisan chocolates and other bits of delight. I could tell that the owner is passionate about what she does and sharing it with others. The Olivet also just celebrated its first anniversary. Congrats, Olivet!

If you're really into cooking, flavor, and the unexpected, The Olivet is for you! I am kind of…read moreshocked that a specialty shop like this exists in small town Indiana, but I'm extremely happy that it does. This is a shop that is focused and goes deep. The options for oils and vinaigrette are shocking. That's before you hit the wall of spices. All of these are available in volumes that allow you to buy as much as you need rather than just shelves of pre-packaged goods. Also, feel free to check out the fresh-baked, delicate desserts in the back cases. I finally found squid ink pasta, so I'm excited. You definitely won't be confusing this with a stop in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly! You have to check out The Olivet if you want to take your cooking to the next level.

I'm so excited that I got to order from Pinch Spice Market, after following them for a bit and…read morehearing some great word of mouth. Pinch has a website that you can order through, and if you're local to Louisville you can pick up your order at their facility. They don't have a store open to consumers. I wanted to make shaksuka for the first time but needed harissa and ras el hanout spice blends, which I couldn't find at Kroger. Pinch had these for $7 and $8 for 1/4 cup tins. And my order was ready for pick-up within 24 hours. Clear instructions were sent for this, and my husband was able to easily retrieve these for me. These spices are so fragrant, and I loved adding them to my dish. Now I'm looking for other dishes I can make with these. I can't wait until I need more spices, because I will definitely order from Pinch again.

I love this place. I've been ordering from here for a while now. Just got two new spices today…read more They're always fresh! And they carry items I can't find in store.

I received my order, and wow! I have tried many spices over the years, but these are an awesome…read moreblend of flavors! I have to say my favorite is the Point Man, definitely going to get more of these to try. The knife is phenomenal, amazingly sharp and looks awesome!

These spices are amazing! The flavors are great, I've tried several and they are all amazing, you…read morecan't go wrong! I love that they are zero calorie, zero sugar, no gluten and keto/paleo friendly! I don't have to worry about meeting anyone's dietary needs, I can just serve them great food! The only thing I have to worry about is drooling in the food while I'm cooking it, because it smells SO GOOD! Get one of everything, you won't be disappointed.

How have I been sleeping on Paul's Fruit Market?…read more I popped in here to try and find some locally made sweets to give away as gifts. I found those, as well as a bounty of excellent looking produce and one of the largest collections of local goods and groceries I've seen. A clerk pointed me to their local chocolates and candies section, and I was able to get some bourbon balls and modjeskas -- dark chocolate modjeskas, in fact, a first for me. And during my short trip, I noticed several local brands represented, as well as great options for pre-made meals. I feel like Paul's would also be fun to shop at for a party. You could find lots of dips and other party foods to show off. A few years ago I also ordered some fruit baskets here for my kid's teachers. They were a hit, and it was nice to know that our class' money was going to a local business. I will definitely be back here!

Really love their country ham sandwiches and all things they have to offer. Great natural foods,…read moreold fashioned foods etc.

Stumbled upon this little shop while exploring downtown New Albany. I was immediately greeted and…read moreshown around the store. From spices to salts to sugars and teas this place has it all. I had no idea how many types/varieties of sugars and salts existed until today. Every product had a corresponding jar beside it, which you could open to smell (this was really helpful). I ordered a large Lemon and Cherry Tea, it was refreshing. I like that they have sampler sets, which reduce the costs if you were to buy the items individually. The prices are on the higher side but they do advertise their products as "fine spices, herbs, blends, salts, teas". I picked up 1oz of the Crazy Chicken Seasoning and 2oz of the Dragon Fruit Fusion Herbal tea. My partner chose 1.5 oz of Pineapple Sugar, 1.5 oz of cranberry Orange Sugar and pineapple upside down maple syrup 8.45 oz. Our total with my tea came out to $60.43 after tax. While I can't afford to shop here regularly, this place is a perfect stop for someone needing to pick up a gift for any occasion. The shop was organized well and inviting to newbies.

A Lesson in "Local" vs. Franchise: My Experience at The Spice & Tea Exchange…read more I'm writing this not from anger, but from concern for fellow consumers who prioritize supporting truly local businesses and expect quality products backed by genuine customer service. What I Thought I Was Supporting When I visited The Spice & Tea Exchange during their grand opening, I was delighted. The boutique aesthetic, the owner's involvement, the community feel--everything suggested an independent, locally-owned shop. As someone who intentionally supports local businesses over chains, I became a repeat customer, purchased multiple items, and referred others. The Quality Issues I experienced problems with two different teapots: First purchase: A yellow stoneware teapot infuser with a design flaw--a tiny screw that constantly came loose, making the lid crooked and unstable. The store provided a replacement (the glass teapot), which I appreciated. The exchange: I chose this BEAUTIFUL glass teapot infuser as replacement. Within a short time, this teapot cracked while I was washing it in the sink--not dropping it, not exposing it to temperature shock, just routine cleaning. I own numerous glass items--French presses, teapots, bowls--many for years without issue. I've even accidentally dropped glass items that didn't break. Quality glassware does not spontaneously crack during gentle washing. The Customer Service Breakdown August 2025: Since I do not live in New Albany and wasn't sure when I would be able to make it back to the physical location, I sent a detailed email to the New Albany location. No response. October 2025: I contacted corporate through their website. Customer service (Toni) was sympathetic and promised a replacement. However, she stated: "Since our stores are independently owned and operated franchise stores, if you would like a refund or credit, contact the store directly." Three months later: No replacement ever arrived. December 2025 in-person: I explained everything to owner Kellyjean Gettelfinger. She told me "glass breaks" and that their in-store containers also break "for no reason." She said she'd "be the one losing money" if she helped, and asked what I expected her to do. No accommodation was offered--no exchange, store credit, or goodwill gesture despite my being a repeat customer who referred others. The Franchise Reality The Spice & Tea Exchange is a franchise. It may be owned by a local resident, but operates under corporate structure that fundamentally changes the business: Quality Control: The owner likely can't source better products. Franchise agreements typically mandate approved vendors and products--explaining why she knows their containers break but can't change suppliers. Customer Service Limitations: You're caught between franchise owner and corporate--neither takes full responsibility. Corporate says "contact the store," the store says they'll lose money helping you, and you're left with a broken product. Where Your Money Goes: Your money splits between the local owner, franchise fees to corporate, and corporate-mandated suppliers (often out of state)--very different from a Mom and Pop where revenue stays in the community. Decision-Making Authority: Independent owners can take a loss on defective items to preserve relationships. Franchise owners operate within corporate constraints and seem less empowered to prioritize customer satisfaction. What Quality Retailers Do Reputable glassware companies (Pyrex, Bodum, Ball, Le Creuset) stand behind products with warranties. Quality retailers source products they trust, warn customers about limitations, offer guarantees, or stop carrying problematic items. When glass breaks during normal use, it's defective. A responsible retailer addresses this, not dismisses it. For Fellow "Buy Local" Consumers "Locally owned" and "local business" aren't always the same. A franchise may be owned locally and employ local people (so does Walmart), but the business model, decision-making power, and revenue flow differ fundamentally from independent businesses. If supporting truly local businesses matters--where owners have full autonomy, money stays in the community, and customer relationships are prioritized--ask whether a business is independently owned or a franchise. I believed I was supporting a local owner who would stand behind products and value customer relationships. Instead, I encountered corporate constraints without corporate accountability, unresolved quality issues, and dismissive responses to legitimate concerns. I don't write this to attack anyone personally, but because I care about where my money goes and what business practices I'm supporting. I hope this helps others make informed decisions and encourages all businesses to prioritize quality and customer care. Documentation available: Emails from August and October 2025 if needed. I wish I had photos, unfortunately I threw away or gave back what I had.

Holy Smoked Spices!!!! Are you ready to step yo game up in the kitchen?!?!.. I'm here to tell you…read more These spices are Amazing and packed with flavor!.. you can smell and taste the smoky infusion in each spice without overpowering the actual spice itself. I find myself using these more than my regular spices, mixing them together (which I heard they have some new blends out that I can't wait to try).. And the best thing about the spices is a little goes a long way! I purchased the sample pack and I'm already a couple months in.. well, the Smoked Brown Sugar is almost gone!! Lol.. Ohhhhhhh... And you Must try their Shoodie Bread!!!! Freaking Delicious!!!

Paul's Fruit Market is a Louisville staple and, in my opinion, a must stop for anyone who cares…read moreabout good food. Fresh fruits and vegetables, local products, prepared foods, a solid butcher counter, and even seasonal essentials all in one place. It is honestly a perfect little grocer. I have been coming here my entire life, and that consistency is part of what makes it special. No matter how much the city grows or changes, Paul's always feels like Paul's. This Christmas morning, I stopped in to grab fruit and it felt like the rest of the city had the same idea. Busy, lively, and still incredibly well run. This year alone, my family ordered firewood from Paul's for the winter and also had them cater Thanksgiving. Both were excellent. That kind of range says a lot. You can pick up beautiful produce, plan a holiday meal, grab something ready to eat, or take care of seasonal needs without bouncing all over town. If you are a Louisville native, I truly hope you already know Paul's Fruit Market. And if you are new to the city or just passing through, this should not be an "if you know, you know" situation. This is one of those places that defines the community. Go once and you will understand why people keep coming back for decades.

Found the best heirloom tomatoes in January! This is my favorite place - in and out in 5 minutes!…read moreSo many items to choose with fresh selection. Cheerful Service and checkout are the best.

Actually feel like we lucked out not being able to get a reservation for a tour and just showing up…read moreshortly after they opened on a Saturday morning. The ladies there were friendly, wonderfully helpful, and clearly loved working there. We got to sample so many products to learn what we liked and bought all our many favorites. So much better than picking something random to take home and hope it'd be good. As the only customers at the time, they had time to tell us back stories about the company and products and even give us a short casual tour of the soy sauce brewing and smokers working. You may not be as lucky with how quiet it was for us, but still highly recommend a visit. Great people and a surprising array of well crafted specialty foods.

Great hidden gem! Everyone was great, very personable &…read moreknowledgeable! A clean & welcoming environment. As well as a very interesting story (of how BOURBON BARREL FOODS 'Came to be')! We were here for a biscuit making class I happened to find on Facebook & I'm very glad I did. They offer various classes, etc. online. Highly recommend.