Road Trip. Oklahoma & Missouri.

Bet you were wondering if we ever got home. Fortunately our road trip from Florida to Minnesota via Texas didn't take as long as it has taken me to blog about it!

Kerry and I allowed ourselves a mere 2 days to drive the last leg of our junkation, Tyler Texas to Long Lake Minnesota, so we had to speed junk along the way. (I am hoping for a do-over someday soon, so I can visit all the great shops and sales I know I missed.)

I was the navigator and kept my eyes peeled for billboards and signs broadcasting antiques and sales. Antiques Etc. 580-226-3490 in Ardmore Oklahoma proved to be a fruitful stop. My purchases included a brown pottery pitcher and bowl for the Bonanza and a Boy Scout merit badge sash.


We investigated historic downtown Purcell Oklahoma on a hot, humid, and sleepy Saturday afternoon. We found more than 8 charming and friendly antique shops to visit.


Folks along the way enthusiastically shared their must see towns and shops. Guthrie Oklahoma was mentioned more than once.


Discovering Guthrie was like going back in time. The city is alive with shops, theatre, trolleys, & horse drawn carriage rides and has preserved the rich heritage and unique history as the first state capital of Oklahoma.


While chatting with the gals at Recollections 405-260-0101 we found that Casey Affleck, Jessica Alba, and Kate Hudson were in town shooting a movie The Killer Inside Me. We learned that the production had purchased antique furniture and props locally and when finished with them would auction back to the community. Great idea!

Hungry, we asked where to eat and were directed to the Boneyard Grill 405-293-9615.


Yummy recommendation!


The bugs had taken over our windshield and the trip just kept getting better, as you will see!


Jim's Antique Mall in Bethany Missouri 660-425-6020 was recommended by a Junk Revolution member (Artifacts and Architecture). As we drove up, my heart skipped a beat. A junker's delight!!










Are you still breathing? What was I thinking driving in with a loaded vehicle. I told Dean I would be back this summer...with an empty trailer.


Sorry for the out of focus picture. My hands were trembling as I eyed this area in the far corner of the shop.






We were still full from breakfast, but knew from the Junk Revolution message boards that Toot Toot located just off I-35 on Hwy.136 (right down the road from Jim's) was a must eat stop. So we did! Stop and eat. The lunch buffet with mash potatoes, gravy, fried chicken, ham,...you get the picture. Yum!

Small world. When we returned home I noticed the turquoise wood trunk I had my eye on at Jim's and was planning to go back and purchase, showed up on a Bonanza vendor's blog. It is coming to the Bonanza...just not with me.

Had a incredible time with Matthew Mead in New Hampshire this past week. Can't wait to share my visit with you!
Peace,
Ki

Road Trip. Mineola & Gladewater Texas.

Just can't get enough junk! An exhilarating day in Canton was just the first course. Margo was about to serve up up some of the best junking in Texas. We convinced our hubbies to come along. Roger, Kerry, Margo, and I headed out to Mineola & Gladewater Texas. On the way, we stopped at Latif's Antiques in Tyler 903-882-6031...Man oh man...

Margo explained...If you see his van in the parking lot, he is open. You must ring the door bell and he will let you in. We had the whole place to ourselves.

As we walked through the front door I immediately zeroed in on the punch time clock, similar to the one Sue and I found at Kane County Flea years ago. Perfect condition and a bit larger than most I have seen since. I could tell this was going to be fun!


Margo headed straight for the drawers filled with junk bits and pieces.


I admired this vintage chandelier.


A very unusual lampshade was calling my name.


My heart was pounding as we sifted through boxes and shelves of some of the most unusual antiques and junk I have ever seen in one building.


I attempted to play a Flutophone in grade school..I always wondered what happened to all those instruments...still hiding in kid's lockers?






We had lots more junking to do and the guys were getting hungry so we had to pack 'er up!


I couldn't leave without the chandelier. The box was filled with a million crystals. I am dreading cleaning and re-assembly.


You suggested we eat at the East Texas Burger Co. in Mineola! Roger, Margo, and Burger Boy posing. Lunch was delicious!


Kerry and I had hamburgers, onion rings and sweet potato fries. MMMmm!


The town of Mineola is filled with charming antique and gift shops.


My husband still hungry...decided to purchase a fried pie for dessert. It was on the honor system and it seemed to be working.


Wish this guy could come home with me.


I might know a soccer player who would like this sign.


After checking out a garage sale in Mineola, we stopped at several interesting shops including a real junk shop! Mineola Traders (just outside of town) 903-569-1404 Five dollars on the soda crates (pop crates, if you are from Minnesota), and there was plenty to choose from.


Project?


As delighted I was to see the honor system alive and well, I was thoroughly disgusted to see this sign...Oh come on, do folks really spit in the trash by the front desk?


Rebecca was so kind to host a little get-together at her shop in Gladewater. Rebecca's Antiques and Collectibles 903-844-9650 You may recognize her famous pup. It was so much fun to meet everyone and do a little shopping in her charming store. (I just realized I need a new bra after looking at this photo...man I gotta pull myself together.)


We visited with Reba in her wonderful shop, Red Rooster Antiques, just down the street. 903-844-9240 I learned the town of Gladewater holds the title, Antique Capital of East Texas. Wish we would have had more time to check out all the shops.


Dinner back in Tyler....I had been craving Mexican for days!


Thanks to Margo, junk tour guide exception ale, and our patient husbands, the day was extraordinary! Notice she is wearing the official Junk Bonanza tee...thank you Margo!

I've been told I need to hit Athens and Malakoff on my next trip to Texas. Sounds good to me!

Be sure to check out Seabold Vintage Market on Junk Revolution's Gallery Page. Liz has an amazing junk style...so fresh and simple!

I am taking a short break from posting as I am heading to New Hampshire to spend some time with Matthew Mead. We are working on an exciting new project. I can't wait to share the scoop with you when I return along with the last leg of my road trip. Tyler Texas to Long Lake Minnesota.
Peace,
Ki

My Dad.

"It is a beautiful day on the farm!" My dad is a happy man. He taught me how to appreciate life despite its tragedies, pain, set backs, and inconveniences. He is my model for enjoying the journey. I've been told I look at life through rose colored glasses. My dad gave them those glasses when I was a little girl. He taught me life is a precious gift and to never take it for granted.

My dad is a wise man. Glad I listened to him. It is a beautiful day on the farm!

Peace,

Ki

Road Trip. Canton Texas.

First Monday Trade Days in Canton Texas happens once a month, well sort of. It can be kind of confusing cause it doesn't actually happen on a Monday as its name states. Just think of it this way. Canton Trade Days is open Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month. Get it?

The town of Canton, (population 5,124) grows to become the 7th largest city in Texas every month during the event, averaging over 300,000 visitors. First Monday Trades Days is the oldest and largest flea market in the world!


If you have been following my blog, you know that my trip from Ocala Florida to Minnesota included a Texas detour to visit my good friend, Margo, and do a little junking in Canton.


My husband Kerry was a trooper to hang in there with us the entire day. He doesn't consider himself a junker, however enjoys visiting with the friendly vendors and shoppers.


The guy with the camera is Allen Arrick. Yep, Margo's son. Allen, photographer extraordinaire, was shooting his first, flea market assignment. Discussing junk and light at The Porch where I met Renee and Becky.

Unfortunately, I didn't get photos of all the wonderful folks we met that day so I apologize for not mentioning everyone.


Maggie from the Veranda was incredibly kind to throw a little get together for fellow bloggers and junkers, many of whom I have followed online.


Margo, Susie, & me . Susie and I have chatted for years over the phone about her wonderful product, Vintage Textile Soak. First time we actually hugged.


Teresa Garden Antiques, Nancy Ella Elaine, Eilean, Donna Curious Goods, Margo Robolady, and me.


I have heard so much about Judy Hill and her amazing sale, I was excited to finally meet her. Judy, Gloria Sweet Pea ,Margo, Maggie The Veranda, me, & Joy. (Joy makes the most fabulous oyster shell mirrors.)


Looks like Minnesota junk to me!


I made her do it! She will totally hate me for posting...Sorry Margo.


Terri with Unique Antiques was a refreshing breeze of energy in the sultry mid afternoon. I love vintage linens.


I hate to iron.


Margo's friend and fellow vendor, Donna, swears by Vintage Textile Soak.


Hanging out in the shade Sky, Susan, Eilean , me, Margo, & Nancy.


Too heavy to haul home, but tempting.


Too big to haul home, but tempting.


Too dirty to haul home, but tempting.


Too silly to haul home, tempting? The Cotton Patch girls!


Have always wanted to remodel and add a sink in the hallway.




Absolutely too heavy to haul home.


I was thinking Junk Bonanza. Ideas for repurposing, anyone?


Cool ship's throttle.


I own a red Burma Shave sign and it's on display in my family room. I was naturally attracted to this booth filled with carnival items. It turned out Garland, aka Dad, was helping out his daughter, Mandie Murphree, by selling some of her cool carnival stash in his booth. Check out The Shop Antiques. According to her dad, Mandie has quite the inventory!


We got to eat a funnel cake for breakfast...a little greasy, but yummy!




Just outside the Porch I found this treasure wanting to go home with me. Did I mention my truck was full before I got to Texas? It was like being on a junk diet. I was starving and I couldn't satisfy my appetite!


According to Donna Bookout, she is a collector and lover of all things that jingle or glitter! Donna has been a vendor at Canton since 1970. She said when the booth rent was raised from $3. to $5. she had 2nd thoughts about continuing. She credits her staying power to her wonderful family, customers, and fellow vendors that have supported her over the years. Love you Donna.


Who is this person and where is she now?


Say cheese...again. Margo, Lilly Junk Palace. Donna Curious Goods, me, & Rhonda. (The milk glass vase and cool cash register number 4 at the beginning of this post belongs to Lilly.)


My dad is a Shriner. I own a fez or two.


Love Donna's junk jewels and wild creations! (I get you, Donna.)


At the end of the day when we thought we couldn't take one more step, Linda Hatfield, City of Canton operations supervisor, picked us up in her official looking golf cart and took us on a delightful tour of the grounds! She answered all of my questions about Canton including "Why doesn't First Monday Trade Days take place on Monday?"

More Texas junkin' stories and pics to come. We visited some of Margo's favorite junk hot spots the very next day. Never too tired to junk!
Peace,
Ki

Road Trip. Mississippi.

I spent many a Friday night with my high school buddies at the local drive-in theatre. The drive-in seems to have disappeared along with our favorite hangouts, the Main Street tastee freeze and bowling alley.

We ran across this amazing landmark named after my mom, Beverley, in Hattiesburg Mississippi. It is for sale and would make a wonderful flea market venue. Any buyers out there?




Just down the street, Hwy 49 South, I spied Marketplace Antiques & Frenchie's Flea Market (601-544-6644) and decided to check it out. I wasn't surprised when I saw this drive-in movie speaker for sale.


Kerry waited in the car as I cruised over 200 booths in this very large antique mall. Realizing I could be a while, he came inside to explore with me.


The auditorium chairs were in the back, the flea market area, and I was told the vendor had over 500 to pick from @ $20. each.


This historic train depot bench was priced a titch higher...




The sign above reads:
No trespassing on this farm. No sitting on or climbing fences or going through them. No climbing on buildings.... you get the idea...I get the impression the property owner was a little annoyed with folks when he scribbled out this warning.


Our stomachs were beginning to grumble. I advised my husband that I couldn't possibly eat another meal served under the Golden Arches. He recommended we look for a quirky hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a barbecue sign and a parking lot filled with cars. It didn't take us very long to find just that! Shady Acres in Seminary, Mississippi on Hwy 49. (601-722-4130)


I didn't try the crawfish...but I did chow down a pulled pork barbecue sandwich. Mm mm.








If the sign said antiques...we stopped! Jerry and Ann Kukor welcomed us to their charming shop in Magee, Mississippi on Hwy 49 and Ann gave us a tour of her beautiful watercolor paintings she has for sale. (601-797-4393)








No room in the truck for this rockin' juke box...


My bumper sticker says I brake for junk...that includes trash as well!


Trash and Treasure on Hwy 49 in Mendenhall Mississippi was an adventure in junk! A little more digging than your average mall, but the great prices made it worth it! (601-847-6700)


Love the ashtray by the front door! Not for sale.














My husband spotted this treasure and we were able to find it a spot in the truck! Yippee!

Kerry and I met so many wonderful people on our 2nd day of travel and saw the coolest junk! We arrived at the Arricks, our hosts, in Tyler Texas late that evening. We had to rest up for a busy next day in Canton Texas! Can't wait to tell you all about it!
Peace,
Ki

Road Trip. Fairhope Alabama.

Mid morning Tuesday, May 26, my husband and I rolled out of my folks Ocala Florida driveway in my black pick-up truck with a bumper sticker that reads, I brake for junk. Our plan was to reach Canton Texas early Wednesday evening. It would be an easy drive (under 1000 miles) and should allow plenty of time to junk along the way.

It poured most of the day as we made our way along Interstate 10. I was hoping to stop at Mary Proctor's Junkyard/Folk Art Gallery and Museum in Tallahassee, but it was obvious the rain wasn't letting up anytime soon. (I assumed the junkyard part was outside...although I am not really sure.) We decided to take a rain check and continue our journey in dry clothes.

As we drove along the quiet Interstate, I was disappointed not to see the usual barrage of Antique Mall billboards...what no junk? It was close to five PM, we were just about to cross the bay into Mobile Alabama, and I spied an exit sign for Fairhope. My Minnesotan friend, Carol Olson, had rattled on about her family's winter get-a-way spot in Alabama and extended an open invitation, should we ever be in the area. (Unfortunately, they head north in April.) I convinced my husband, Kerry, to turn around and head back to Fairhope to check it out.


Fairhope Alabama is a lovely town oozing with history and charm located right on the water just a few miles off the Interstate. The gardens flanking the downtown streets are the most beautiful I have ever seen.


Who waters all these, anyway?


I immediately spotted Architectual & Garden Antiques. It was close to closing time, but Rob, the owner was kind enough to stay open while I took a few pics


Oh my goodness...I wouldn't put this in the junk category, but I know you will agree, his place is fabulous. Rob owns 3 shops in town and purchases all his cool stuff in Europe. I know you will be drooling on your keyboard after scrolling through the photos below.


Under $10.


Over $10.


They just don't make doors the way they used to...






Drooling yet?






The pair of blue columns were my fav.




Rob has exquisite taste and I was overwhelmed with his incredible inventory.






Definitely meant for a Junk Queen or King!


Is your keyboard wet yet?

Rob was pleasantly chatty and and offered shopping, hotel, and dinner suggestions.


We checked into the brand spankin' new Hampton Inn where we were surprised by the reasonable rate. The room was great and the folks very accommodating.


We visited with locals and sipped a glass of Chardonnay at Red or White just down the street from the hotel.


Kerry and I woofed down dinners of deep-fried and crab-stuffed shrimp at Wentzell's on the deck, a traditon since 1938.

Back on the road early Wednesday AM...wish we could have stayed longer. Carol assured me on my next visit she would show me the out-of-the-way junk spots.


Five more days of fun and junk! I can't wait to share my stories and pics!
Peace,
Ki

All Junked Out!

Just kidding! We arrived home late last night and my dreams were filled with visions of spectacular junk. Ocala, Florida to Long Lake, Minnesota via Canton, Texas. Thanks to Margo (RoboLady) and your great recommendations it was a memorable junking journey!

I took lots of pics and will blog about my trip over the next few weeks. Gotta do some laundry and catch up on paperwork first... The photo above was taken yesterday at one of my favorite junk spots. (Wouldn't have found it without your help.) I am already planning a trip back!

Love to see it when folks recreate my projects...check out Jenny's blog to see the awesome cat bed she made. Great job Jenny!
Peace,
Ki