Oo la la! I can already tell you that my upcoming description of the new Bass Pro Shop in Ashland will not do it justice. You should, you downright must, see it for yourself to appreciate even a fraction of its over-the-topness. (Did I just make up a noun? I think so, but this place warrants it, I’m telling you! So back off, Daniel Webster, and update your dictionary pronto!)
This store is amazing in so many ways. First of all, it is absolutely mammoth in size, the biggest store I’ve ever been in, and I’ve been in a whole lot of stores in my time, trust me. It’s about 10 big stores combined into one. Second, there is so much variety — a fishing pond, a colossal fireplace, a restaurant, an old-fashioned general store, and outdoorsy home decor.
And of course there are the usual departments as well – men, women’s and kids’ clothing — as well as hunting and fishing supplies galore. I’m sure I’m forgetting something. As a matter of fact, I have. They have boats, TONS of boats, both outside and inside. Plus they have Santa pictures with the coolest setting in the background including a deer with a bog ole rack o’ antlers.
Another aspect that is truly impressive is their prices, which are really reasonable. For example, a nice-looking mens flannel shirt goes for $12.95. Man, you can’t beat that! I also absolutely love how the place is decorated — it is all so very clever in the details, from “moose tracks” across the tile floor to antlers as door handles and a cavernous fireplace in the entryway.
All I can say is poor, poor Gander Mountain, another outdoorsy store which is also brand-new and only a few miles away. Who can compete with the Disney World of Outdoorsiness that is the Bass Pro Shop?? And why in the world did the two stores open so close to one another?
One of these days I’ll stop to take a gander at Gander Mountain, but for right now I can’t even take in all of the Bass Pro Shop. And it may take a while because I am pacing myself. I don’t wan tot miss a single detail.
LibbY
PS I am in no way compensated (yet) by Bass Pro Shops!