posted on May 12, 2004 06:00:53 AM new
Every summer for 30 years we have driven the same route from Maryland to Texas, US 8l S to 40 W to 30 W. Over the years we have developed a routine of stops to shop at antique malls. Our triptiks are marked with the most likely spots with multiple antique malls and "antique towns" along the way. We have our favorites in Bristol, Va; Lebanon, TN; Memphis, TN; and (best of all) Little Rock, AK. Over the years the the best stops have changed, the malls have come and gone but looking forward to the stops have kept us going on these three day drives.
This year we are starting our vacation in New Mexico instead of Texas so are driving a new route; US 70 W to St. Louis, 44 W to Oklahoma City, and 40 W to Amarillo before we swing south on smaller roads to Roswell. Can any Outlookers who know the route we are traveling recommend any areas along these highways I can research for malls or multiple antique shops? I will get on line and search areas along the route but I hoped I might get some first hand suggestions on good areas to research.
Thanks
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
posted on May 12, 2004 03:33:14 PM new
I am bumping this up in case someone who can give me some suggestons was not on line this morning.
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
posted on May 12, 2004 04:04:07 PM new
Wish I could help, photo, but I long ago concluded that antique malls|stores close to the interstate were using scalp-em prices.
I have, however, had a lot of fun stopping at random smaller towns away from the interstate and asking for directions to the nearest junk shop. Found a ton of Fenton glass at one junker in Indiana. Spent a pleasant afternoon buying a ton of books in Abilene, Kansas, home of Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Tell ya what I use to determine where to stop: _Roadfood_ by Michael and Jane Stern. It must be time to buy the new edition.
posted on May 12, 2004 04:13:18 PM new
I do agree about getting off the interstate but it burns me up to follow some directional signs down a winding road only to have them disappear after 10 miles and never find the shop. Maybe someone along the route can direct us to areas off the beaten path with a lot of shops.
There are also unexpected finds in some of the malls along the interstate. We have gotten some fabulous buys in some of the malls that are just west of Little Rock. It also makes a break from driving and is entertaining even if we find nothing.
We are coming back by the old route so may be able to stop at some of the familiar spots but I am excited about the prospect of new territory.
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
posted on May 12, 2004 10:09:56 PM new
I can't tell you about the antique shops, but I can tell you about the roads...We took I70 to St Louis 2 weeks ago.
There's road construction on the PA Turnpike (but then when isn't there?). There's also some construction on the western side of Indianapolis. But that's pretty much them laying a new road bed beside the already existing one. Past St Louis I can't say anything. We went as far as US63 and went North to Iowa City, took I-80 back.
I think there were a bunch of shops advertised along the road (or even beside the road) in Illinois. I thought about having DH stop, but we had places to be, so...
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Time is an illusion perpetrated by the manufacturers of space.
posted on May 13, 2004 05:31:37 AM new
Thanks for the info Mikeylou. AAA is marking a triptik with construction along the route for me to pick up tomorrow. We will not be able to spend too much time on side trips but we will need to get off the highway from time to time so will watch for the signs.
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
If you've got a couple of extra hours, I recommend stopping off in Belleville IL.
Go to Mapquest, and finding it will be pretty simple.
It is a bit off of your I-70 to I-44 route, but is well worth the extra time. Besides, when you leave, you can just go across the Mississippi [email protected] and the Arch will be on your right.
Also, you will be able to hit I-44 right after you cross the bridge.
To get to the antique shops, take I-64 East to the Fairview Heights exit at IL159 and go South. Drive until you come to a fountain in the middle of the road. You are then crossing Main St. You want to turn left at the fountain(actually you will drive around the fountain until you can make your left).
The shops will be on both sides of the street. Even if you don't buy anything, you will see some of the most gorgeous and varied pieces imaginable(and a LOT of them).
Belleville is a hotbed of estate sales and auction companies. I lived there for about 3 years and my weekends were always a treat.
I promise you won't be sorry you took the extra time.
Thank you! This was the kind of local knowledge I was looking for. I will do some searching in this area.
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
posted on May 15, 2004 12:09:50 PM new
Not familiar with the routes, but it strikes me that Vendio could archive old threads by subject and make them searchable. I'd pay for that.....
posted on May 15, 2004 02:11:22 PM new
Don't know anything about these routes, but have done very well on I-80 across Neb & IA. There is a small town between Ohmaha & Des Moines named Walnut "antique capital of Iowa" About 2000 population with about 25 antique shops. On Fathers day week end the main street is closed to traffic & it turned into a venders paradise. It is a mad ouse to get into because about half of western IA must be there.
[ edited by sanmar on May 15, 2004 02:12 PM ]
posted on May 16, 2004 11:30:12 AM new
HI That is MY route. I can't tell you how many times I have shopped that area and found wonderful things. I would be happy to share my list with you.
If your doing I70 across Ill do not miss Pochantus Ill. Trust me it is a terrific mall. REALLY nice guy owns it and keeps the quality up! It's right off the highway.
Missouri Ice Chalet in Columbia not easy to find but worth finding!
Lots of shops in K.City but avoid Armadillo to much crap it is alot of time for not alot of profit! (for me anyway)
Salina Kansas esp: #1 Stan and Junes Heirlooms Walnut St. Excellant antiques very bright kind lady who owns shop is delighted to work with folks. A must do shop!
#2 Apple Annies good stuff both are great shops in Salina, real merchandise old and real!
I 135 s Wichita area lots of very good shops my favorites are
#1 Annies probably my favorite in the country. Have bought thousands of $ in that shop.
#2 Andover Mall very good mall nice folks.
#3 downton Wich. Shopkeepers they are the old lady and gent dealers in Wichita. GOOD stuff!
I35 south thru OKLA.(Make sure you have your tax ID paper with you in OK esp or you WILL be forced to pay tax new law)
OK City the BEST mall 23rd st mall GREAT stuff great dealers.
I have many more but these are my best hit choices. Boy just typing this makes me yearn for a road trip! Have fun drive safely OH Amirillo used to be terrific (most shops are on old Rt 66 ie: 6th st) but it is at the point of too much new and junk to bother for me now.
Bonnie
posted on May 16, 2004 12:55:38 PM new
Bonnie, Thank you, Thank you. This is a great addition to my research. I am going to mark the triptik with your suggestions and we will check out as many as we can. Hope we don't pass any of the great suggestions during off hours. We plan to make the drive in four days so should have some time to stop.
Does anyone know the Roswell, New Mexico area? How is the antiquing there?
I am getting excited about the trip although I have a lot to do to get ready. We are also eager to get on to Texas because we have a band new great niece who was born on May 12.
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“The illiterate of the future will be the person ignorant of the use of the camera as well as of the pen.”
Maholy-Nagy, Vision in Motion, 1947
