During our week-long stay in Alabama, I had the absolute pleasure of going antiquing a few times. While I'm an avid thrift shopper, I never pay much attention to antique stores. I really have no good reason, as they're right up my alley. Nevertheless, I had a great time and found some really neat pieces! It's also been quite a while since I've shared a thrift haul, so I think a post like this is long overdue!
The first stop we made was by total happenstance. Andrew's mom, grandmother, little sister, and I had such a fun time driving down random Alabama backroads until we came across a town they recognized. Conveniently enough, a small antique shop that they'd been to once before was right around the corner. So, of course, we had to go in! I found such great finds here, and it's what really changed my perception of antique shops.
Sammy's Antiques -- Wilsonville, Alabama
As I've mentioned before, I collect vintage Dooney & Bourke All Weather Leather bags, and I was thrilled to find this one in a style and color that I don't yet have! I held my breath as I checked the price tag and let out a massive sigh of relief when the price turned out to be reasonable.
I'm an absolute sucker for stuffed animals, bonus points if they're old and/or handmade. The cashier working that day actually made the two cats a long time ago. I love old, handmade things, but especially those that have a story. It makes them that much more special to me.
I also picked up a pendant of a gnome standing by his little mushroom house. It really made me smile, and I think the cashier was a bit confused as to why I'd want it. He hangs out on the corkboard right above my desk where I get to appreciate him every day!
Andrew's nana insisted on getting me this mug for my recent graduation and I couldn't argue. It's feeding my coffee mug addiction and I'm not mad at all!
Sweet Pickins' Antique Mall -- Childersburg, Alabama
A couple of days later we went out to a couple more antique shops. While this day didn't feel as fruitful as the first, I found one of my favorite items on this outing. Our first stop at Sweet Pickins' didn't yield much, but I did find this bird wall hook which I'm excited to hang.
The Brass Bear Antiques -- Hoover, Alabama
Our second stop of the day was the one I was most looking forward to. I'd only been to the Brass Bear once before, and I couldn't wait to go back. It's a massive indoor antique mall and thoroughly combing through it could easily be a full day's affair, but we only had an hour or two. I first found a lovely crocheted pillow and some old horseshoes for just a couple of dollars each. There was an adorable booth with quite a few books, and I found a copy of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, which has been on my TBR. Finally, I found the most precious stuffed rabbit which I believe to be very old. I became instantly attached despite trying and failing to explore other booths. He's extremely firm and seems to be stuffed with real cotton. I named him Rupert, and he rode with me in the front seat the entire 14-hour car ride back to Pennsylvania.
Chelsea Antique Mall -- Chelsea, Alabama
On our last day in Alabama, I made a quick stop at one last antique mall where I picked up several pieces of costume jewelry, the coolest brass wall clip, and the antique postcards pictured above with the horseshoes.
There were certainly many more pieces that I would have loved to lug home with us, but storage was limited. Now that I'm more familiar with antique malls, I can't wait to explore more in my area! I hope you guys like the return to this format-- let me know if you want more posts like this!
Enjoy some of the other interesting items I saw during our various antiquing trips.
