Posts Tagged ‘antique shows’

On the Road Hunting for Vintage Treasures

In the past 15 years, I can’t count the number of times that I have simply announced to my husband that it was time to hit the road again.  “Believe me,” I’d say.  “It’s cheaper than therapy!”  The maps  come out, airline flights are checked, and reservations are made for truck rentals.  Where to go is based on numerous factors, such as: the timing of the big antique shows; costs of flights, is there sun (hello Florida)?, and most importantly, is there snow?  For a true Seattle native, traveling through snowstorms in New York, Minnesota, South Dakota and Montana is not my cup of tea.  Been there, done that, won’t do it again.  I guess I should also mention the tornadoes in Iowa and Illinois, and the unrelenting heat of Texas in July.  I’ve driven coast to coast, and border to border on several occasions.  Love the big shows: Brimfield in Massachusetts, Round Top in Texas, Scott’s in Atlanta, and the Springfield Antique Show in Ohio.  I’ve never traveled at the right time for Junk Bonanza in Minnesota, but I hear that it is fabulous.

There is really nothing more therapeutic then the quest for cool vintage treasures on the open road.  Once, I drove my new red convertible from Seattle to New Orleans.  I originally planned on shipping all of my treasures home, but some larger pieces were just too cool to leave behind.  Down came the roof, and stretched across the back and trunk went a couple of fireplace mantles, iron bed frames, old signs, and a Victorian buffet.  I had to find drive-up motel rooms the whole trip home to try and decrease the chance that someone would make off with my stuff.  I have nothing good to say about that rain squall in Arizona! And while I agree that driving for hours at a time can be pretty tiresome, those miles lead you to some of the most amazing antique stores off the beaten path.  Who would  guess that some phenomenal (and inexpensive) French architectural pieces could be found in a small store in Amarillo, Texas?  Or that I would become enamored with old paper mache taxidermy forms in Oklahoma.  And yes, for those of you that are vintage decor aficionados, the brick and mortar store of Curious Sofa in Kansas City was beyond believable!

Vintage Ambiance offers some very cool vintage architecture, furniture, and props to rent for your special event.  Who knows how far they have traveled, or what story can be told.  Ask us!