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Yep, I'm heading South...for the winter. I know you're thinking I'm wimping out. I have braved Minnesota winters most of my life, but have the opportunity to spend some time with my folks at their farm in Ocala, Florida. I am packing up my computer, camera, fancy new phone (with all the advanced technology yet to be mastered), a few short sleeve tees & a pair of jeans, a trunk full of junk necessities, and my saddle. For the first time in my career, I can work from anywhere. My husband, who proclaims he loves the cold weather, has graciously offered to drive with me, to and from. I suspect if the winter becomes unbearably harsh, he may sneak down for an occasional warm-up.
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We leave Tuesday January 6th and will be driving my big black pick-up that bears a bumper sticker proclaiming I brake for junk. Kerry promised me he would take a deep breath, relax, and allow impromptu stops...to check out interesting junk shops and sales. I suspect it will take us 2-3 days to reach our destination.
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If you have any suggestions of great places to stop along the way, let me know! Antique stores, junk shops, salvage yards, used restaurant supply stores, restaurants, motels, tourist attractions...whatever. I am game! Since our trip will be an unscheduled adventure, I won't know when we might reach an area. Our game plan is to travel the following route:
Minneapolis to Mason City Iowa via I35
Mason City through Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, & Iowa City to Missouri border via 218
Missouri border to St. Louis via 61
St. Louis to Mt. Vernon Illinois via I64
Mt. Vernon to Marion Illinois via I57
Marion through Peducah Kentucky & Nashville to Chattanooga Tennessee via I24
Chattanooga through Atlanta Georgia,Valdosta, & Gainesville to Ocala Florida via I75
I have made the trip to Florida many times during my life. Mapquest has given me a different route than what I am used to traveling. What the heck, "I am feeling adventuresome!" I told my husband, so we are going to try something new. Old dogs...new tricks...you get the picture.
I have a strong liking for grits, so Cracker Barrel will definitely be a place to look for. (I eat my grits with lots of butter, salt, and pepper.) I would love to hear any of your must check out junk hot spots along our route! I would also appreciate any tips you may have for clean restrooms or good food.
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When I arrive in Ocala I will be greeted by my mom, dad, my sister, her husband, and KC, my adopted horse. (Will give you the lowdown on KC in a later post.) I will be lucky enough to reside in my own bunkhouse and have promised to share in horse and donkey duties. I have access to 2 workshops so I am bringing only my favorite Tomboy drill.
Yes, there are flea markets in Florida. I am scheduled to meet my friend, Tim Luke, at Renningers Extravaganza in Mount Dora on January 16th. It is only 30 minutes from my folks and boasts 1,400 vendors! It will be my first time there, so if you have any tips on the market or don't miss vendors, please share!
Looks like the Junk Revolution message boards will be up sometime Monday. I will try to post before I leave to let you know. I plan on packing up my computer last. I can't wait to visit with everyone!
I'm heading South and I'm bringing you with. This will be fun! And warm!
Peace,
Ki
Hi, Ki! Safe travels to you and your hubby. Make sure you have enough room in the truck for all the treasures you pick up along the way. I've never travelled far from MN for junking so can't give you any heads up, but I'm sure there are a lot of folks reading this blog that can. I envy you for as you know, the weather here right now isn't the greatest. Happy trails!
ReplyDeleteLanette
Well, heck...your route isn't taking you through northern Illinois. I'd take you out to Josie's place. There's a huge old barn and many outbuildings filled with stuff. Talk about junk collectors, there is a farmer just across the road from Josie's that purchased an ENTIRE drive-up coffee stand and has it sitting behind his silo. It's the wierdest thing you've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteOnce you get outside of Paducah and into Tenneessee you're in my traditional family stomping ground, around Palmyra and Clarksville. There are plenty of small junk and antique shops from Paducah all the way through Tennessee. There used to be a good one in Stayton, Tennessee but I don't know if he's still there. Have fun!!!
Have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteKi,
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Not the drive part, but the warmth part. I am sure you will have fun on the drive too. Enjoy your time and I can't wait to get on the boards.
Congratulations! Change is good! New weather...new junk...new friends! Sorry I don't know places along your route, but am sure you will find them...isn't the chase half the fun?
ReplyDeleteHappy driving!
Malisa
Check out Decorum and Artifacts in Iowa City...they're just two doors apart on Market Street. Decorum is only open Thursday through Sunday. but Artifacts is open 7 days. Also, the Crowded Closet has some goodies--closed on Sunday.
ReplyDeleteHi Ki, if you possibly detour toward Texas around January 17-18 you can attend the Round Top Antique Show and stop at many many antique shops along the way. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteWell if you were coming through Mississippi there are lots of flea markets and salvage type stores on 49 headed south.. but i don't think thats the route you would take .. Have fun, can't wait to see what kind of things you find along the way.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, that is a long drive! Be safe! I live in the Nashville, TN area. I don't know exactly what you are looking for to stop at but if you were to pass through the 4th weekend of any month Nashville has their flea market at the Fair grounds it has been voted the best flea market in the south. It is awesome! Unfortunately Jan. isn't the most popular month. There is also Southeastern Salvage. They have great stuff. We got our hardwood floors for a dollar a square ft there! Have fun with your parents in FL!
ReplyDeleteKi:
ReplyDeleteFly south, snowbird! Safe travels - but do migrate home to us in the midwest again.
Kari
P.S. Maybe come home thru Wisconsin - then I can share lots of fun stops!
With regards to Rennigers Extravganza.... start very early and start in the back and work your way out to the front. It is huge!!!! and you will definitely need your walking shoes. There are small hills ( a lot of up and down walking). It is great fun and you will enjoy it so much.
ReplyDeleteLisa in Orlando
Sounds just wonderful! I'm actually flying to FL today for the next 5 days (to Sarasota) to visit my mom and help decorate my parents new house there!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the new message boards, it'll be so nice to chat with other junkers and have some idea-swappin' fun!
Now, I know that everyone likes their grits a certain way, but may I suggest cheesy grits? Just add a little butter, salt, and cheese, and mix. Mmmmm, good! :) LOL Hope you have a safe trip!
Blessings,
Stacey
My plans are to take the long way home later this spring via Canton, Texas. Haven't been to Canton flea in a while and am looking forward to some grand Texas junk! I suspect I will hit lots of new states!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your comments & keep them coming! I may even try a little cheese in my grits.
Peace,
Ki
On the out skirts of Waynesville MO(RT 44), there is a great Shop Bear Creek, antiques and odds and ends.(also Ft Leonard Wood) Also, on 44 in Cuba 2 huge Antique stores. Herman Mo, just a great German Town with great winerys and yummy food.
ReplyDeleteIt takes us 18 hours to travel to Ocala(we have realatives there).Love the country! But I don't like the summers, I guess you can call me a snow bird. LOL
Have a great trip.
Take a small detour to Mt. Vernon, Iowa by heading east on Hwy. 30 from Hwy. 218. You can then head south on Hwy. 1 from MV to Iowa City and get back on track. There are some majorly cute antique stores there.
ReplyDeleteLittle known fact about Cracker Barrel: you can use them as an audio book lending library. Just purchase one at the first stop, and when you stop at the next one, turn it in for another title!
Paducah, KY as "Hancock's of Paducah", an awesome fabric store. I've never been, but plan to the next time I go through there!
Also stop in Galena, IL, if you can. You might head to the Mississippi river while still in Iowa, instead of going all the way to Missouri first. The river towns have a lot of cute stuff to see and do.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI don't recall names, but the Clear Lake/Mason City areas are FULL of Antique shops, especially Clear Lake (where you will be getting off on I-35 anyway!) Downtown CL, you pretty much just run into antique shops where ever you go!
Have a safe and wonderful trip!
When you get to Florida, don't forget to stop by Burrito Bros. in Gainesville. Their guacamole is the best in the world!
ReplyDeleteWebster, Fla. has a great flea market too. Lots of junk to rifle through.
Wow you are getting lots of great suggestions. As far as grits go, I've never tried them. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteWhat are grits made from anyway. For me, being such a picky eater, If I haven't tried it yet, I'm probably not going to. But it sounds like a carb, and I'm all into the carbs.
Have a great trip and I'll see you on the Message Board, Woo Hoo!!!!
Oh, how fun! Now go get down to the nitty-"grit"ty of junking in Florida!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels to you.
How awesome,Ki! You're heading to my neck of the woods when you're in Mt Dora. I live in Lake County, and am embarrassed to say that I haven't been to Renningers in years, and the last time I went to Mt Dora, I was seeing a real estate attorney. Lord, my life is so boring!! Got to agree w/ Lisa from Orlando...start @ the back cause that's where all the good junque is. And while there are no mountains in Mt Dora, there are some hills, & a gorgeous lake & a really cool downtown...very historic for Florida! What time do you plan to be at Renninger's? I've been such a follower of yours for years, meeting you would be as exciting as meeting Alan Jackson & Randy Travis forever ago! Maybe I can talk my buddy Steph into a predawn trip to Mt Dora....hmmm...sounds like agreat idea, except for maybe the predawn part!!! :o} Have a safe great trip! *elaine*
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome way to spend your winter. I know you will come up with some great places to junk. I heard that the Purple Cow in St. Louis was really great. Haven't been there myself but I've seen pics and it looks like a place I would love. Can't wait until the message boards are up. It will be great to reconnect with everyone. Take care and have a safe and junking good trip.
ReplyDeleteChristy
Have you been to Sister's Garden near Iowa City? I am not sure of the exit, but it is maybe 7-8 miles west of Iowa city (between Iowa City and Kalona). It is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!! Lots and lots of chippy furniture, vintage clothing & jewelery in two houses!
ReplyDeleteHi Ki-
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!!! What a great time to head south, wish I was going. I love checking out new junk stores. Travel safely and I hope you find lots of new places to visit! Krista
You are not coming far enough into NC!! We are in Raleigh and you need to stop by!
ReplyDeletewww.suzannasantiques.blogspot.com
Hi Ki, you will be coming right through my neck of the woods in Illinois. Our most favorite trip in this area is to the Shawnee Hills Wine trail in southern IL. http://www.shawneewinetrail.com/ There are many wineries very close together, and a number of B&B's close by. It's perhaps not the best time of year to visit, to sitting outside and enjoy the view, but the wine is great year round. Our fav winery is Owl Creen, and by far the best place to stay is Cabin on the Hill, http://www.cabinonthehill.com/
ReplyDeletethey have three cabins to choose from and have been featured in the most recent annual log home buyers guide. Have a safe trip!
Happy Trails! Sounds like a great adventure...enjoy the warmth and peace!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Ki,
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous trip! You definitely deserve the warm weather and change of scenery. I can't wait to read what treasures you find on your trip!
Kelly Eagle
I stumbled across your blog a few weeks ago and love love love it. Good luck on your trip south, I wanted to share with you a really neat website. www.roadsideamerica.com I planned a trip to Vermont totally on what I found on this site. Just a little info for your journey. Happy trails.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time... so jealous you are going to Mt. Dora.... i have seen pictures of the extravaganza and I would be in pure bliss!!!
ReplyDeleteLuLU
Hi Ki, Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. Well I've got two places of interest I thought you may enjoy. The first is Paducah, KY. The downtown area is very artsy and full of antique shops. Along the river banks is a large wall of murals that spans from one end of downtown to the other. It depicts the history of Paducah.
ReplyDeleteThe second would be one of the best places to eat bar-b-q. It will be on 1-24 in Murfreesboro, TN. The place is called "The Slick Pig" Now, I'm not just talking pulled pork. They have the best smoked wings and ribs. The side dishes are also great. Slaw and white beans would be my favorite. You can wash it all down with some sweet tea and have pecan pie for dessert. It is about an hour drive south for me to go there and eat. But, we make a point to go when family is visiting from out of town. It is one of the must go to's while they're here. It's fairly easy to get to from the interstate and if you need directions you can just ask anybody how to get there. M'boro also has several antique malls, great for junkers. :)
Have fun and be safe driving.
Kris
I didnt know you were from Ocala! That's my hometown, too! I have never been to Rennigers at Mt Dora but I would love to go one day.
ReplyDeleteHi Ki. I wish I was going somewhere warm. Traveling down along the Mighty Miss is a beautiful drive. The Illinois side has alot of nice little shops running alon the Mississippi. The fall is the best time to drive thru. My husband and I used to go camping in Paducah at Land Between The Lakes. Another beautiful drive is "The Trace". It takes you thru Kentucky and down into Tenn. Make sure you stop in Paducah cuz the people there are soooooo nice. I wish there was time for you to meet my step sister. She lives in Ocala. I don't think she has met a person that can out do her in shopping. And she is such an animal lover. She would love to meet your horse. :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a safe and productive trip.
Cindy (tinta)
Try a Waffle House, or Toddle House, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you order eggs, the grits come with it, coffee is good,too. I'm in Mississippi, so no ideas where to stop for junking! It does seem to me,though, that there's quite a lot of neat stuff on the side of the roads down here!
ReplyDeleteKudzu
I'm on Ky/Tn border...big indoor flea mkt. here :) Just near 1-24 Cracker Barrel...no sign though!
ReplyDeletepcovington270@bellsouth.net
Ki, thanks for letting us follow along on your trip down South. The South has always been my home so I think you came to the right place.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by my blog and wishing me a wonderful Christmas. What a lovely surprise it was! Thanks also, Ki, for sharing your excellent ideas and projects.
Sandy
I really hate that I didn't find your blog sooner. I just started a blog (as in it has almost no information on it yet, lol) about this very thing in hopes of finding places all over Georgia.
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear if you stopped at any while driving through.
http://gajunkin.blogspot.com/
Junk lover,
ReplyDeleteMy only stop in Georgia was Vienna. Exit 109 on I75 close to the Florida border. Check out my road trip post and you will find photos of a couple great stores. I have been to Scotts Antique show in Atlanta and have seen some great stuff. More antiques than junk, when I was there.
Jump on over to the Junk Revolution Community message boards and post about finding junking spots in Georgia under Rescue and I bet you'll get some great feedback.
Goodluck on your blog!
Peace,
Ki
I love the Reninger's Antique Extravaganza weekends at Mount Dora. My only complaint is that I can never seem to see everything!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Mary -- the Webster flea market is also good, especially on the Monday's following a Reninger's weekend. Many of the dealers from Reninger's head to Webster, often with much better prices!
And be sure to make it to Gainesville for pizza at Satchel's. Not only is the food excellent, but the junky-cool atmosphere is right up your alley!