One of the things I love to do is antique shopping, especially for vintage china. I love scouring through the shelves and shops, looking for special treasures. I enjoy seeing the variety of items in these places, many with such a broad range of things, all the while imagining the life of the item, who held it, how was it used. Junk to some, treasures to others. It becomes an antique adventure.
Another thing I love to do is drive. I had a great job one time that allowed me to travel around New Mexico seeing all the diversity and beauty of this state from the road. Going into the small communities – it was a blessing. Great memories learning about the culture and the heritage – such a variety.
When I have a chance to combine the two – I jump on the opportunity. And that is just what I recently did. Packed up my bags, put on some tunes, and hit the road to travel from New Mexico through to Iowa. Taking a little longer path, I crossed several states – New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and finally Iowa. And now it becomes Antique Shopping On The Road!
Here are some of my stops. Come along with me and join the journey. With my China Shopping Toolkit in hand I set out to find me some treasures!
Not new to those of us who hunt out these little gems but critical when looking at vintage or antique items, the tools, tricks, and guides to finding these beauties is critical.
I outlined the process in my recent post on how to shop for vintage china https://teastheseason3.com/tools-for-vintage-china-shopping/.
Download my VINTAGE CHINA SHOPPING GUIDE and get ready for some fun!
Warehouse Antique Mall – Oklahoma
My first stop was in Oklahoma City at the Warehouse Antique Mall https://www.facebook.com/TheWarehouseAntiqueMall/ . Though near closing time, the proprietor was very pleasant and allowed me to browse with the one stipulation that I come back on my way back through. While there I found a couple treasures.
Pictured below is a Royal Albert Blossoms Time plate. This pattern was requested in 1933 by G. R. Palmeter who wanted to have a pattern created reflecting apple blossom time and to tie in with the Apple Blossom Festival. This plate will serve slices of cake to delight my afternoon tea guests.
The Enchanted Frog – Lathrop Missouri
I find driving very relaxing. While driving, I check signs to see any opportunities I will take. The Enchanted Frog https://www.facebook.com/enchantedfrogantiques/ was exactly just one of these spots. I had seen these signs a couple times on my travels, but this time I decided that I would stop and check it out. To my delight and surprise, it was just off the interstate in Lathrop Missouri – quick on and off, so I was able to spend more time in the shop.
Like many shops, they look small from the outside but once in – these shops can go on for miles. Boasting of 60+ vendor booths, it was a nice respite while on a long drive. When you enter, prepare to remove your purse no matter of the size. It’s a precaution to not bump into things on the shelves. Put into your locker, you grab the key and are on your way. Though I wear a small purse over my shoulder, I completely appreciate the request but kept my antique shopping toolkit. No purchases at this shop (not this time around) but certainly on the list to check out again.
THE BRASS ARMADILLO – Iowa
Once in Iowa, my daughter suggested that I check out the Brass Armadillo https://www.brassarmadillo.com/ This store boasted of over 400 vendors and once in the store, it was clear this was an antique shoppers’ heaven. I made some significant purchases while there. The store is clean and you are pleasantly greeted by your host, explaining how the store works making sure to offer you water or coffee. Then you are set free. And it was fun for sure. With my cart to collect purchases, I started through the organized lines of booths.
I did learn that this is one of several shops part of an antique store chain. Generally Midwestern and Southwestern in location, I would readily recommend this to anyone in the area. Prices reasonable, it was a very pleasant experience. And I will definitely be checking out some of the other locations as well as keeping this one on my list of “always stop to see what’s new.”
One of many purchases, this sweet little creamer and sugar is Hamilton Bone China.
ANTIQUES IOWA – Iowa
I visited another Iowa antique store that had been recommended by one of my New Mexico antique store owners. They had commented to me that this is one they always stop for. So my daughter and I braved the elements (yes it was snowing) to check out Antiques Iowa https://www.iowaantiquenetwork.com/ .
And once again, we thought it would be small but it surprised us both and revealed series of hallways with treasures galore. Maybe a reflection of the heartiness of Midwestern people (of which I am one), the store was pretty full of folks out shopping for those special finds. Like many stores, employees will circulate and see if you need to have your selections taken to the front. And what that does? Frees your arms up to hold more things!!!! And of course I had to comply.
This is just a sampling of many cups obtained along the way.
BRICK STREET MARKET AND CAFE
It was time for lunch and you can’t go to the Midwest without stopping to have something iconic to eat. And for us, that would be the pork tenderloin sandwich. We took the opportunity to stop at the Brick Street Market and Cafe https://www.thebrickstreetmarket.com/ in Bondurant, Iowa and were delighted to have one of my favorite lifetime sandwiches.
Now I grew up in the Midwest and don’t really understand folks who don’t embrace the allure of a great pork tenderloin sandwich. So this was a treat for sure. Though this isn’t the only place that you can get a great tenderloin, it came highly recommended and they were not wrong. You can sit up to the counter in true diner style or sit in a booth. But make sure to enjoy with mustard, pickle and onion. I can still taste it! Do you think there is a mail order option for this?!?
MEMORY LANE
Our last stop was Memory Lane in West Des Moines Iowa. https://www.memorylaneantiquesvalleyjunction.com/. This little shop in downtown was another little treasure. A mix of boho vintage and antique, this shop was a sweet way to end a long hunting adventure. A sweet little pink teapot was my purchase here. Just perfect for morning tea.
This little teapot is a Pristine from England. Pristine was a unique English pottery. They made almost exclusively teaware: teapots, creamer and sugar sets, milk jugs, and teacups. Now out of production for over 10 years, this Staffordshire Pristine teapot is a sweet little find.
Now home and sharing my shopping adventures with you. Nothing serious, nothing dramatic, just simple pleasures. For those of you who enjoy the antique shopping experience, you will recognize the large pile of wrapping paper below. Yup – it was that much. It was a delightful and successful adventure.
I would highly recommend if you drive through small communities, learn about them and meet the people, even if in a small way. Share a bit of your journey….those serving you will smile…it makes their day.
“I love older things that people have used and cherished. They have personality, character, and soul.”
Anna Hillgass
67 Comments
Christina Siwik
This sounds like a fun trip. When this virus is finally over I may try something like this.
Beth
Hi Christina – well I don’t usually write about trips. This was a fun one – and just before everything closed down. Thanks for your comments and hope you can do this soon. Enjoy!
Erin
I love the collection of teacups from the Iowa Antique Network! The way you tell your story is super engaging and adventurous. If you’re ever in Nashville, TN, check out the GasLamp Antique Mall. That’s a wonderful place! They have 2 huge outlets.
Beth
Hi Erin – Thanks so much for your comments. Definitely on the Nashville outlets. Its just fun. Thanks for the tip and will keep it in mind. Appreciate it. Thanks.
Barbara
Love seeing your new “tea cup border”……beautiful cups
But loved hearing about your shopping adventures. I want to go now!!!! Keep up the adventures!
When you can! Looking forward to hearing more about your antique travels.
Beth
Hi Barbara – Thanks for your comments. Appreciate it for sure. Yes – it was an adventure. Can’t wait to go on more!
Cindy
Such beautiful pieces!
Beth
Hi Cindy – Thanks!
Sydney
What a fun trip! Looks like you found some great items! That Plate is gorgeous!
Beth
Hi Sydney – Isn’t that fun. That plate is used to serve cut pieces of cake (and really anything else that you want). Yes, it was delightful to do. Thanks for your comment.
Laurie Janssen
Wow, I’m ready for an antiquing road trip. The hunt, finding the unexpected treasure, yup I’m in! Appreciate all the pics of your finds. Your pale hued cup & saucer border is so pleasant.
Beth
Hi Laurie – thanks so much for your comment. Yes, I think many of us will be quite ready for some antique dust when all the other dust settles! Appreciate it.
Debbie
How fun! Nice treasures too!
Beth
Hi Debbie – Yes, it was a fun trip and the treasures were amazing! Nice way to end the whole hunt for a while. Will be anxious to get back out there. Thanks for your comment.
Diane Kurzava
We live close to a couple of these and visit them often! We also have a few super close (like 2 blocks away close). Visiting antique malls or small shops really takes us down memory lane and sadly many of the things in the antique shops are things I played with, or used, as a child!
Beth
Hi Diane – Yes, I think that’s half the fun. If I am shopping with my daughter or sisters, we always find things that take use down memory lane. And then go “How did we like that stuff then?!?” But do enjoy it. Thanks for sharing. Appreciate your comment.
Lisa Manderino
I love that there are great options all along the way! What a great road trip!
Beth
Hi Lisa – yes, that was some of the beauty of driving around New Mexico. Though I rarely found things in the small towns, it was just still fun to go hunting off the road, so to speak. Thanks for your comment.
Jennifer
Looks like a fun adventure looking for treasures.
Beth
Hi Jennifer – Yes it was for sure and finding the pieces is always just fun for me. Thanks for your comment.
Sara - Seek Discover Learn
You have some gorgeous pieces in your collection! I have two kiddos (ages 10 and 8) who would have loved to have gone on this trip with you. The 10-year-old is an antique lover and has started an antique museum in his room. When he grows up he wants to have his own antique museum. My 8-year-old loves hosting tea parties and would love to search for new pieces to add to her collection. Thanks for sharing.
Beth
Hi Sara – that is so precious. What fun memories for your kids. My grand-daughter is all over shopping with gram…we are two pieces of a puzzle with old souls. Thank you for your comment. It has been fun for sure.
Casandra
This sounds like such a fun adventure! My five year old son asked for a tea party yesterday so I allowed him to get out our antique tea set and set it up for us. He loved it!
Beth
Hi Casandra – how fun and what a perfect time to explore some of these traditions while we are all in our homes. I had two of my grand-daughters and grandsons over, along with their mom. The boys are 2 and the girls 4, but all of us had something in our cups of tea (milks, juice or cocoa) and tea for us big girls. It was great fun. These are precious memories for your kids. Thanks for your comment.
Tim
This sounds like a very enjoyable trip. If I have time I try to stop at antique stores that are along my route as I travel. You are right it gives a respite from the riding.
Beth
Hi Tim – thanks so much for your comment. Yes, for me, there is something very relaxing and somehow looking at the history and the time of the pieces, just makes it feel like an adventure. It was very enjoyable and I felt blessed as it was the last before we all got to stay home for awhile. Thanks!
Debbi H
What a wonderful trip! I love little shops with unique items, and the things you found on your trip are beautiful–especially the plate!
Beth
Hi Debbi – It was a lot of fun and just a time to smell the dust and have some respite before everything closed down for a bit. Yes the plate is a sweet little find for sure. I will serve cake or sweets on it (or anything that sounds good). Thanks for your comment.
Tricia Snow
You just took me back! I used to do this with my parents looking for Franciscan Apple Dishes. I loved going with them.
Beth
Hi Tricia – I know those Apple Dishes!!! Instantly had the picture of them in my mind. What a sweet memory for you. Thanks for your comment and glad that you enjoyed it.
Chantelle
Antique shopping is so fun! I love coming across the fun little stores and walking though them.
Beth
Hi Chantelle – thanks so much for your comment. Yes, I think its a treat to go through them and these were some great ones. Glad that you enjoyed it.
Angie
What a fun adventure. I loved seeing all the finds from your trip.
Beth
Hi Angie – So glad that you enjoyed the post. I didn’t put them all in – and so glad that I was driving and now shipping these items back. It was great fun for sure. Thanks so much for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Hillari
This is so neat! It must feel like a treasure hunt every time!!
Beth
Hi Hillari – Thanks so much for your comment. Yes, it does and I guess that is part of the appeal. So glad that you enjoyed it.
SUzan | It’s My Sustainable Life
Now that’s a fun trip! What great finds.
Beth
Hi SUzan – It was a great trip. Thanks for your comment.
Tonya | the Writer Mom
Looks like a fun adventure! You were in our old state (Iowa) – we moved back to MN about a year ago though.
Beth
Hi Tonya – Yes, I lived in Iowa for years. So it as good to be back. It was a lot of fun. Thanks for your comment.
heather J jandrue
What a fun trip. It must be exciting each time you find a new item. It would be like Christmas for me.
Beth
Hi Heather – Yes, it as a great trip. And finding these pieces is a lot of fun – I don’t any duplicates at this point. Thanks for your comment.
Tiffany
Beautiful! How do you display them all? I don’t know how well I could collect something like this with a house full of boys!
Beth
Hi Tiffany – Thanks for your comment. I have several that are stacked in antique shelves – they were in an earlier post. Many of them I gift as well, so its kind of always rotating. Yes, it would be hard with littles around.
Christina
Looks like a really fun trip! I love antiquing! The pieces you found are beautiful.
Beth
Hi Christina – yes, it was a very fun and productive trip. I didn’t show everything – just some of the favorites. Glad that you enjoyed the post. Thanks for your comment.
Jason Gowin
I’ve never heard of a pork tenderloin sandwich..but now I want one with all of the fibers of my being.
Beth
Hi Jason – you made me chuckle with your comment. I have to tell you – a pork tenderloin sandwich is very much a Midwestern thing and is amazing. I am in the Southwest and no one had heard of this – went through withdrawals. Its something I always get when I am in the Midwest….can’t recreate it at home, has to be in a diner! Now I want another one too! Thanks for your comment. Made me smile today.
Amy
What a fun trip! You found some nice treasures.
Beth
Hi Amy – Yes I did. It was great fun and very productive for me. Thanks for your comment. Appreciate it.
Kendra
Such a fun time! That sandwich looks fantastic too!
Beth
Hi Kendra – you are the 2nd person who noticed the sandwich. Yes it was…and now I am wanting one again. Original to the Midwest, its a treat for sure. And the antiquing was fun too (ha). Thanks for your comment.
jen
Love this!
What a fun post!
Beth
Hi Jen – yes this was a very fun trip. Makes me look forward to the next one. So glad that you enjoyed the post. Thanks for your comment.
Lisa
So many great finds! How fun!!
Beth
Hi Lisa – thanks for your comment. Yes great finds and I just showed you all a sample. But very fun especially now that we are more home-bound. Thanks!
Sandi
Great finds. If you ever get a chance, you should check out The Brimfield Fair in Massachusetts.
Beth
Hi Sandi – Thanks for the recommendation. Would love to. As things settle out, hoping to get back out on the road again! Thanks for your comment.
Michele
What a great road trip and awesome treasures!
Cindy
Looks like such a fun trip! You scored some great finds. I love browsing in flea markets and antique shops too!
Beth
Hi Cindy – So glad that you enjoyed the post. Yes, its like therapy for me. Sometimes I buy and sometimes I just browse. Thanks
Charlotte
I love seeing all of your finds! The tea cups with the roses are so beautiful! They caught my eye as I was scrolling through.
Beth
Hi Charlotte – its hard for me to find a favorite….I am always finding “new favorites”. Thanks for browsing through and glad that you enjoyed the post.
sandra r barckholtz
These are great finds and what a wonderful thing to add to a trip.
Beth
Hi Sandra – Yes, it was a great trip and delightful finds. I only showed you all just a sample of what I was able to come away with. Thanks for your comment.
Pauline Reynolds
I love the antiquing. When we road trip, I like to stop at one or two antique stores along the way.
Beth
Hi Pauline – I love the road trip as well. Just fun to see what is out there and its different many times depending on the area you are in. Thanks for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post.