As promised, we’re on a Freakin’ ‘tiquen road trip again!

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Day one we headed out to Adamstown, Pa and points west. Our first adventure was missing the exit to get to the turnpike. Asking Siri, she brought us on the most round about and torturous route. And about 20 minutes out of our way, we eventually got to the turnpike. Our plan: hit up a few malls south of Adamstown, spend the night then spend the bulk of day 2 hunting the shops along Adamstown’s main drag.

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And just for fun, can you guess how many West Bend Hot/Cold servers (aka: Penguin Ice Buckets) we’ve seen on this trip? Write your answer down now, and see how you did.

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Our first stop was the 272 Antiques and Collectible Marketplace. Nicely laid out, items are fairly priced and an abundance of items to choose from all eras. Although we saw a few things of interest, we walked away empty handed.

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Stop two had us at the Mother Tucker’s Antiques and Collectibles. Don’t let the name fool you. Items range from high to medium end collectibles with an adequate number of antiques thrown in to justify the name. As before, they had a few items of interest. But not interesting enough.

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We risked asking Siri for directions to our next destination. With flash flood warnings for the area, she brought us on a wild ride of back roads with localized flooding. Driving through farm lands and sharing the roads with many, many Amish horse and buggies, it was not a fun ride.

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We finally arrived at the Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall. This is a large mall thoughtfully laid out with a good variety of items. Prices are fair but not bargains.  We did pick up a nice deco amber depression glass bowl for $15.00.

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Using Google to get back to Adamstown didn’t prove to be any more successful than using Siri, the advantage was that the waters had receded.

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A quick stop at Lancaster County Antique Center Mall and Anthony picked up a few pieces to add to his  World’s Fair collection.

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Day two started at the furthest store from the highway and one of our favorites.  Pine Hills Antiques is a long low building on a hill. We arrived minutes after they opened. Therefore, no crowds! You will find a variety of items to fit your collecting needs at competitive prices.  You may find a bargain or two depending on what you are looking for.

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Anthony picked up a 1939 World’s Fair vase made by Lenox. This were produced and sold exclusively at Ovington’s on 5^th Ave, New York.

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I picked up a chrome sailboat paperweight. No, I’m not into all things nautical. I wanted it to “fill-in” for a missing piece on a recently acquired decorative lamp.

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The Mad Hatter Antiques Mall was stop two. It is rare that we walk away empty handed here. Today was no exception.

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Upon arrival, I saw a round peach/rose mirror with built in shelf. In excellent condition and reasonably priced, that was find number one.

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A few booths down, I saw a very heavy glass vase. Made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1920-30, it was designed by Josef Inwald Barolac. Though it does have a small chip on the foot, the price was a fraction of a fraction of the cost of what they normally sell for.

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This is a large mall with lots to see. Toward the back corner, a vendor specializes in kitch household goods. Before we explored, Anthony tried on some cool threads to get into the proper mood. Can you dig it?

 

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Our next stop, Adams Antiques. Much of what they sell is out of our league. But we have found and purchased an occasional treasure. Not today.

Our final stop was the German Trading Post. This is another good store and we usually find something. Whether our tastes are changing or vendors haven’t turned over stock due to the pandemic, nothing came home with us.

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Westward bound! I had the brilliant idea that while we were still fresh on vacation, we should journey out to Ohio. In theory, a great idea. Driving six hours (sorry Anthony) was not fun.

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We eventually made it and stayed overnight to get a fresh start in the morning.

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I-76 Antique Mall is a nice way to start the day. Nicely laid out, well lit, their variety of good should be enough for anyone.  Although tempted by some Chase items, we escaped with 3 books: Poems of Carl Sandburg, A book on Susie Cooper, and Brideshead Revisited.

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We tried a new place, Majestic Turnaround in Canton. It is larger than it looked from the outside and had some interesting items. Our only purchase was a Drip-O-lator with label intact.

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A short distance up the road is the RT 43 Antique Mall. Though advertised as open, it wasn’t!

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About half hours’ drive and we explored new place number two, Gristmill Antiques.  It is a combination of two separate buildings: Red Door Antiques and Gristmill antiques. Both buildings were nicely laid out but the items were a bit too rustic for our tastes. Still, if farmhouse chic is your thing, we would recommend them.

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Strasburg Antique Mall was next. We like his place, though we’ve never purchased anything.  Prices are fair and if you’re in the area, stop by.

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Not that we push one hotel over another but for $81.00 we had a lovely room the Comfort Suites in Springfield. It is convenient to the highway, gas stations and a multitude of eateries.

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We do recommend Rudy’s Smoke House if you like BBQ. But please, avoid our mistake.  Unless you plan on sharing your meal, DO NOT order the two-meat special.  It comes with two very healthy portions of meat (brisket and pulled pork for each of us), two large, delicious buttery sandwich buns, and two appropriately sized sides. Neither of us were able to finish our meal. (Who are the piggy boys?)

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The next morning was started at Springfield Antiques and Collectibles. This is a two-building complex and is large. We decided to go rogue and reverse our usually plan of attack. We’re such rebels!

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At building one, Anthony spotted a Well Art Glaze pitcher (sadly missing its lid) for me. But, as these are hard to find lid or no lid, it’s on its way to its new home.

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Building two is just as big. And I found a vacuum coffee pot, complete with cord, filter, lid and hotplate for $10.00. One word of warning, both building have concrete floors so wear really comfortable shoes. Your back, knees and ankles will thank you for the extra care.

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And then we drove to Mecca.  Ah!

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Other people call it the Heart of Ohio Antique Mall. If you’ve read our other posts, you already know that this place is huge. Merchandise caters to all tastes and we never leave empty handed. Although we’ve done better in the past, we still purchased a few great items.

 

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I picked up a deco statuette, unmarked but beautifully made. Anthony picked up a Revere “Vestal” sauce boat. And also purchased, a chrome toothbrush / cup holder for his bathroom.

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We closed the day at ½ Price Books, Records and Magazines. We didn’t purchase anything this time. But with their constantly changing inventory, you may hit pay-dirt.

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We had a nice dinner at Outback’s, basically across the street from the bookstore before settling in at a√id. The rooms are cozy, very modern and inexpensive. If you like a European flair, this is the place for you.  We really enjoyed our stay and look forward to visiting again.

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We spent part of the night trying to plan our next day’s adventure. Unfortunately, western Pennsylvania antique store don’t offer a lot in terms of our interest. So, though not planned, the next day we headed up to an old friend, Medina Antique Mall.

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This is another store we rarely walk away with empty handed. I picked up a chrome mid-century sailboat statue and Chase chrome and glass ash receiver. Anthony purchased a Chase Diplomat coffee pot, creamer and sugar. This was by far the most expensive day but we’re happy with our buys.

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From here, we headed east and home. It was a long drive. And between Siri and Google maps, a stressful drive through Pittsburg at rush hour. (Anthony was not a happy man! Thanks, Siri.)

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Just for fun, here are some pictures of what you just never know what you’ll find when antiquing.

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One thing to mention, it seems the prices of antiques in general are rising. And that’s great for sellers. But not so great for collectors.

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And in closing, the total count for the West Bend Hot / Cold Server (aka Penguin Ice Bucket) is 25. If you counted 26, I threw in an almost look-a-like bun warmer!

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Thanks for joining us!

Chris & Anthony (the Freakin”tiquen Guys)