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